Infowars, the far-right outlet founded by Alex Jones that faced bankruptcy due to his false claims surrounding the Sandy Hook tragedy, has a surprising new owner: The Onion, a satirical news organization. The purchase, which was made during a Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation auction, was endorsed by the families of Sandy Hook victims who sought justice against Jones for his defamatory statements.
The Onion, owned by Global Tetrahedron and recently acquired by Jeff Lawson, did not disclose the purchase price for Infowars’ assets. In a strategic move to keep the platform from falling into the hands of Jones’ alt-right supporters, the families agreed to compromise on their expected recovery to ensure that The Onion’s bid was successful.
Plans are in place for The Onion to relaunch Infowars in January 2025 as a parody that aims to ridicule internet figures like Jones. An exclusive advertising partnership with Everytown for Gun Safety, an organization focused on preventing gun violence, has also been arranged, linking the relaunch to a broader message about accountability and change.
Ben Collins, CEO of Global Tetrahedron, expressed the rationale behind the purchase on social media, highlighting the comedic value of acquiring Infowars amidst public sentiment. The Onion has a strong history of addressing issues surrounding gun violence and mass shootings in the U.S., having published a recurring article that underscores the country’s struggle with such tragedies.
The families of the Sandy Hook victims, who have fought tirelessly for justice, have received substantial support in their case against Jones. They won a $1.4 billion judgment against him, demonstrating that accountability is possible even against powerful, polarizing figures. Their attorney, Chris Mattei, emphasized the importance of dismantling Infowars and curbing Jones’ capacity to spread misinformation.
Robbie Parker, a father of a Sandy Hook victim, expressed hope that the dissolution of Infowars signifies the accountability of those generating harmful narratives under the guise of free speech. Parker’s sentiments echo the broader message that significant structures perpetuating misinformation can be dismantled through determined advocacy.
The auction to sell Infowars’ assets was conducted under strict oversight, with a court-appointed trustee handling the proceedings. This sale marks a notable step in battling fraudulent narratives that have caused pain to many, highlighting a collective effort toward justice and healing.
As The Onion prepares to launch its satirical version of Infowars, this bold move reflects a broader goal of reclaiming spaces sullied by misinformation and fear, transforming the narrative into one of laughter, critical thought, and accountability.
In summary, the acquisition of Infowars by The Onion is both a humorous and profound commentary on the importance of accountability for misinformation peddlers, reinforcing the reality that public platforms are not above scrutiny.