Infowars, the controversial platform founded by Alex Jones, has found new ownership under the satirical news site The Onion, following the company’s bankruptcy due to the lies propagated about the tragic Sandy Hook massacre. The acquisition involves The Onion purchasing Infowars’ intellectual property in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation auction. Specific financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
The bid, backed by families of Sandy Hook victims who had pursued legal action against Jones, aims to keep the controversial platform out of the control of right-wing associates of Jones. By backing The Onion’s bid, the families have agreed to forgo part of their claim, enabling the satire site to successfully acquire Infowars’ operational assets, including its website and production equipment.
The Onion has plans to relaunch Infowars in January 2025, transforming it into a parody that will satirize not only Jones but also other “weird internet personalities.” This move is seen not only as a way to diminish the influence of conspiracy theories but also as a means for The Onion to gain publicity.
Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit aimed at combating gun violence established after the Sandy Hook shooting, has partnered with The Onion to become the exclusive advertiser for this satirical version of Infowars. This collaboration underscores a commitment to addressing gun safety issues through humor.
In a humorous take, the Onion mocked the former Infowars operation, highlighting the absurdities associated with conspiracy theories. The Onion’s management expressed that this acquisition is a significant step towards accountability, echoing sentiments from attorney Chris Mattei, who said the sale would limit Jones’ ability to spread harmful lies.
Families affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy have long sought accountability from Jones, who dismissed the shooting as a hoax perpetrated by “crisis actors.” The new ownership by The Onion not only potentially quells the outlandish rhetoric linked to Infowars but stands as a testament to the resilience of the Sandy Hook families in their pursuit of justice.
This acquisition presents a hopeful narrative about using satire as a vehicle for social change. It signifies that laughter can be a powerful force against misinformation, offering an alternative perspective to the serious dialogue around tragic events. The Onion’s plans signal a shift in how narratives can be recontextualized, providing both entertainment and a platform for important conversations about accountability and tragedy.
In summary, The Onion’s acquisition of Infowars showcases a creative approach to dismantling harmful narratives, embodying a proactive stance on accountability for the victims and their families while introducing a hopeful comedic angle to a distressing chapter in recent history.