Infowars, the controversial platform founded by Alex Jones, has a new owner: satirical news organization The Onion. This development follows Infowars’ bankruptcy stemming from false claims made by Jones regarding the Sandy Hook massacre.
The Onion, part of Global Tetrahedron and recently acquired by Jeff Lawson, co-founder of Twilio, successfully purchased Infowars’ assets through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation auction, though the purchase price was not disclosed. The families of Sandy Hook victims, who previously sued Jones over his false remarks, supported The Onion’s acquisition to ensure the platform wouldn’t fall into the hands of right-wing factions aligned with Jones.
The Onion plans to relaunch Infowars in January 2025 as a parody, poking fun at “weird internet personalities” like Jones. In this vein, nonprofit organization Everytown for Gun Safety has entered a multiyear advertising deal for the revamped version of Infowars. This collaboration aims to provide a meaningful platform during the relaunch by promoting responsible gun legislation.
Ben Collins, CEO of Global Tetrahedron, expressed that The Onion’s acquisition was partly motivated by the comedic essence behind the decision, highlighting it as a unique opportunity to engage with a serious topic humorously and thoughtfully. The Onion has a history of addressing gun violence through its satirical lens, having repeatedly published articles on mass shootings to emphasize the ongoing crisis.
The sale has been viewed as a significant victory for the Sandy Hook families. They previously received a $1.4 billion verdict against Jones in a defamation lawsuit, seeking accountability for the pain caused by his conspiracy theories. Their attorney lauded the families’ courage in fighting against Jones, stating that divesting Infowars and preventing its harmful narratives from continuing was an essential public service.
This playful yet critical move might shift public perception around conspiracy theories and misinformation, utilizing humor to tackle serious issues. As the relaunch of Infowars approaches, it offers hope for a narrative transformation that honors the victims and serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in media.
In summary, The Onion’s acquisition of Infowars presents an unexpected twist in a long-standing conflict, potentially turning a platform known for harmful misinformation into a vehicle for satire and social commentary. The collaboration with Everytown for Gun Safety further emphasizes the pursuit of positive change in gun legislation through unique means.