New Delhi, Sept. 5 -- "Wheel of Fortune" announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended by Sony Pictures Television after allegations stemming from an incident on an American Airlines flight, with the broadcaster's lawyer denying that he engaged in any illegal conduct.

Sony Pictures Television confirmed the suspension on Tuesday, saying it had recently become aware of allegations concerning Thornton and was recasting his role while conducting what it described as a "thorough investigation". The studio has not publicly detailed the allegations.

Further details emerged this week through TMZ, which reported that a passenger on a 14 May American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Los Angeles saw what appeared to be a disturbing online chatroom op...