The Onion, a renowned satirical news outlet, has successfully purchased Alex Jones’ Infowars during a bankruptcy auction. This acquisition marks the end of an era for Jones’ controversial media empire, infamous for peddling conspiracy theories and misinformation.
The sale was backed by the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims, to whom Jones owes over $1 billion in defamation judgments.
What Led to the Sale?
Alex Jones, the founder of Infowars, has been embroiled in numerous legal battles due to his false claims about the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting. He repeatedly asserted that the tragic event was staged by “crisis actors” to push a gun control agenda.
These defamatory statements led to multiple lawsuits filed by the families of the victims, resulting in massive financial penalties.
After losing several defamation cases and being ordered to pay over $1 billion in damages, Jones filed for bankruptcy in 2022. His media empire, including Infowars and its parent company Free Speech Systems, was put up for auction as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
The Onion’s Winning Bid
On November 14, 2024, The Onion emerged as the highest bidder for Infowars. The satirical publication, known for its humorous takes on current events and public figures, plans to dismantle Infowars as it currently exists.
According to sources familiar with the deal, The Onion intends to revamp the website with contributions from internet humorists and content creators. The goal is to transform Infowars into a parody of itself, mocking conspiracy theorists and their outlandish claims.
A New Chapter for Infowars
While specific details about the bid amount remain undisclosed, it is clear that The Onion has big plans for the future of Infowars. The platform will no longer serve as a hub for conspiracy theories but will instead feature satirical content aimed at exposing misinformation and absurdity in media.
The families of Sandy Hook victims played a crucial role in supporting The Onion’s bid. Their involvement signals a desire not only for financial compensation but also for accountability and justice.
Robbie Parker, whose daughter Emilie died in the Sandy Hook shooting, expressed satisfaction with the outcome: “This is the justice we have long sought.”
What Happens Next?
With The Onion taking control of Infowars, many are curious about what will happen to Alex Jones. In response to the sale, Jones has vowed to continue his broadcasts on alternative platforms. He has already set up new websites and social media accounts where he plans to resume his operations.
However, with his primary platform now under new ownership and facing significant legal challenges, it remains uncertain how much influence Jones will retain moving forward.
FAQs
Why did The Onion buy Infowars?
The Onion purchased Infowars during a bankruptcy auction with plans to transform it into a satirical platform that mocks conspiracy theories.
What will happen to Infowars under The Onion’s ownership?
The Onion intends to shut down Infowars as it currently exists and rebuild it with humorous content created by internet humorists.
Will Alex Jones continue broadcasting?
Yes, Alex Jones has stated that he will continue his broadcasts on new platforms he has already established.