Jim Thornton, the longtime announcer for Wheel of Fortune, appeared on Tuesday night's broadcast despite Sony Pictures Television announcing earlier that day it had suspended him and launched an investigation into allegations concerning his conduct.
The episode, which had been taped months in advance according to the show's typical production schedule, featured Thornton in his customary role. Host Ryan Seacrest directed questions to Thornton about the evening's wheel contents, and the announcer delivered his standard presentation regarding guests and prizes available during the game.
The appearance came hours after the studio confirmed it had recently learned of allegations involving Thornton. According to TMZ.com, law enforcement detained the announcer following a flight in May after another passenger on the aircraft filed a complaint about him.
"We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton," Sony Pictures Television told TMZ.com on Tuesday. The studio confirmed Thornton's suspension and stated that the process of recasting the announcer position had begun while the investigation proceeds.
The timing of Tuesday's broadcast underscores the television industry's practice of taping game show episodes well ahead of their air dates. Wheel of Fortune typically records its episodes approximately two months before they reach viewers, meaning Tuesday's episode was produced long before the current controversy emerged.
Thornton has served as the voice of Wheel of Fortune for years, providing the show's signature announcements and prize descriptions. The investigation's outcome will determine whether viewers will continue to hear his voice on future episodes or whether Sony Pictures Television will proceed with a permanent replacement.