The Onion has emerged as the surprise winning bidder for Alex Jones’ media company, Infowars, in a recent bankruptcy auction. This news follows the company’s shutdown and comes as a significant blow to Jones, who has been embroiled in legal issues due to his dissemination of false information regarding the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The sale, which is pending approval from a bankruptcy judge, includes not just the media assets of Infowars, but also its studio, equipment, and an online nutritional supplement business.
The auction’s success was bolstered by the involvement of families from Connecticut who had sued Jones for defamation, alleging that his false claims about the Sandy Hook tragedy harassed them and added to their grief. Rather than prioritizing financial gain, these families expressed that their primary goal was to see Infowars and Jones’ harmful narrative come to an end. Chris Mattei, representing the plaintiffs, emphasized that their willingness to forgo some of their financial recovery illustrated their commitment to stopping Jones’ spread of misinformation.
The sale has been described as “poetic justice” by Everytown for Gun Safety, which is partnering with The Onion in an effort to turn the narrative around Infowars and provide truth amid the misinformation that has flourished there. John Feinblatt, President of Everytown, highlighted the potential to reach an audience that has been misled by Jones’ rhetoric and emphasized the role that humor could play in bridging divides.
Despite the positive turns in this narrative, plans have run into some challenges. Jones publicly contested the auction’s fairness, alleging that the process was rigged and indicating he would seek legal recourse. He asserted that the last-minute changes to the bidding rules compromised transparency. Additionally, a competitor in the auction raised concerns over the bidding process which are currently being reviewed by the courts.
Moving forward, the outcome of this auction represents more than just a financial transaction; it serves as a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for accountability from those who spread harmful narratives. The families affected by Jones’ actions plan to pursue his future earnings, aiming to ensure that they are compensated for the pain they’ve endured.
If approved, this sale will mark a critical shift not just for Jones but also for how media companies could be held accountable moving forward, representing hope for those injured by misinformation. This outcome underlines a pivotal moment where truth and justice are taking steps towards reclaiming the narrative.