Sony Pictures Television has fired Jim Thornton from his role as the announcer on Wheel of Fortune after completing an investigation into allegations stemming from an incident on an American Airlines flight in May.

A studio spokesperson confirmed the termination in a statement released Friday, stating that “Jim Thornton’s employment with ‘Wheel of Fortune’ has been terminated, effective immediately.” Thornton, 61, had been suspended earlier in the week while the company reviewed the claims.

The allegations surfaced publicly earlier this week through reports detailing photos taken by a passenger on Flight 1276 from Charlotte to Los Angeles on May 14. The images reportedly showed Thornton viewing a chat forum with exchanges referencing sexual content involving minors. American Airlines confirmed that law enforcement met the plane upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport after a passenger raised concerns.

Thornton’s attorney has maintained that he engaged in no illegal conduct, was not arrested, and was questioned briefly by authorities before being released. The attorney described Thornton’s activity as related to suicide-prevention advocacy following the loss of a family member.

The company moved quickly to recast the role. An interim announcer has already recorded Thornton’s lines for the upcoming Season 44, which premieres Monday, September 14. No permanent replacement has been announced.

Thornton had served as the show’s announcer since 2011, succeeding the late Charlie O’Donnell. His departure marks the end of a 15-year tenure on the long-running syndicated program hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White.

The swift corporate response underscores the entertainment industry’s heightened scrutiny of off-screen conduct amid serious allegations.