Infowars, the controversial far-right outlet infamous for perpetuating conspiracy theories about the Sandy Hook shooting, has been purchased by The Onion, a well-known satirical news organization. This unexpected acquisition occurred during a Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation auction following the legal woes of Infowars’ founder Alex Jones, who previously spread falsehoods about the tragic event.
The Onion’s parent company, Global Tetrahedron, opted not to reveal the financial details of the purchase. The acquisition of Infowars’ assets, including its intellectual property, website, and various social media accounts, received support from families of Sandy Hook victims who are looking to ensure that Jones’ platform does not fall into the hands of his allies. To make the deal more competitive, these families agreed to forfeit a portion of their potential recovery, showcasing their commitment to holding Jones accountable for his actions.
The Onion plans to transform Infowars into a parody site set to relaunch in January 2025, focusing on satirizing internet personalities like Jones. In a collaborative effort to promote sensible gun laws, Everytown for Gun Safety, an organization formed after the Sandy Hook shooting, has already signed a multi-year advertising deal with the new iteration of Infowars.
Ben Collins, CEO of Global Tetrahedron, shared on social media that the acquisition was partly inspired by feedback from users on the platform Bluesky, who found hilarity in the notion of The Onion owning Infowars. This ownership is seen as an opportunity to blend humor and social commentary, especially in addressing grave issues like mass shootings. The Onion has a longstanding tradition of critiquing America’s gun violence crisis, making this endeavor particularly fitting.
The families that took legal action against Jones were instrumental in this acquisition, as their previous defamation suit successfully led to a landmark $1.4 billion verdict against him. Their attorney remarked that divesting Jones of Infowars’ assets represents a significant advancement in achieving justice and curtailing his influence.
Robbie Parker, a parent of one of the Sandy Hook victims, expressed optimism about the outcome, emphasizing that accountability matters. He highlighted that this chapter represents a long-awaited victory against disinformation and hate.
While the situation surrounding Infowars is a somber reflection on the power of misinformation, the forthcoming parody promises to transform a platform that once spread division into one that instead fosters humor and accountability. Through this innovative approach, The Onion not only aims to entertain but also to deepen the conversation on critical issues that affect communities across the nation.
In summary, The Onion’s acquisition of Infowars signifies a unique blending of satire and social responsibility, as it seeks to turn a platform once used for harm into one that champions humor and meaningful dialogue on significant social challenges.