The satirical news outlet The Onion has won the auction for Alex Jones’ Infowars during a bankruptcy proceeding, with support from families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims. These families are owed over $1 billion in defamation judgments following Jones’ claims that the tragedy was staged. Robbie Parker, whose daughter Emilie was among those killed in the 2012 shooting, expressed relief in a statement, highlighting the acquisition as a long-awaited step towards justice.
The exact sale price for Infowars has not been released. In a social media video, Jones confirmed the acquisition and indicated intentions to challenge the sale legally. During a live broadcast, he expressed distress, indicating he had received orders to shut down the Infowars operation.
Details about The Onion’s plans for the platform remain unclear, as inquiries were not addressed immediately. The acquisition came after a private auction where other bidders, both for and against Jones, were involved, though their identities were not disclosed.
The Onion, known for its satirical content, claims to be a leading news publication with a substantial readership. Jones has stated that should his detractors acquire Infowars, he is prepared to relocate his broadcasts to new platforms he has already established.
Relatives of the Sandy Hook victims filed lawsuits against Jones for defamation and emotional distress, testifying to the trauma inflicted by his assertions that the shooting was a fabrication designed to promote gun control. The Connecticut and Texas lawsuits were facilitated by legal teams who were reportedly collaborating with The Onion to secure Infowars.
This acquisition represents a significant moment for those impacted by Jones’ harmful rhetoric, bringing a sense of closure and perhaps signaling a future where accountability prevails over misinformation. The Onion’s involvement may also suggest a new direction for addressing the harm caused by conspiracy theories in media.