The satirical publication The Onion and families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre have acquired Infowars, the show started 30 years ago by Alex Jones, through a federal bankruptcy auction. The purchase bid for Free Speech Systems, the parent company of the show, is pending approval from the federal bankruptcy court overseeing the liquidation process.
Jones, who was found guilty of defamation in Texas and Connecticut and owes $1.5 billion in restitution to the Sandy Hook families, declared bankruptcy in 2022. His media empire is being sold off to pay the owed amount. The Sandy Hook families will give up some of their damages to contribute to the purchase of Free Speech Systems.
According to an attorney for the Sandy Hook families, divesting Jones of Infowars’ assets represents true accountability for the families who have been fighting against him for years. The move is seen as a public service that will significantly limit Jones’ ability to cause harm through his platform.
Despite the acquisition, Jones was still broadcasting from his studio in South Austin and expressed disbelief in the competitive nature of the bidding process. He intends to challenge the purchase by The Onion in court.
The remaining assets related to Infowars will be auctioned off early next month, continuing the process of dismantling Jones’ media empire. The families of the Sandy Hook victims and The Onion have taken a significant step towards holding Jones accountable for his actions and preventing further harm.
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