Alex Jones Keeps Infowars After Judge Rejects The Onion’s Winning Auction Bid
Auction Sale Rejected by Judge
A federal judge in Texas has rejected the auction sale of Alex Jones’ Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet, criticizing the bidding process as flawed and the amount of money families of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting stood to receive.
The decision is a victory for Jones, whose Infowars site was put up for sale as part of his bankruptcy case following the nearly $1.5 billion that courts have ordered him to pay over falsely calling one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history a hoax. Families of the Sandy Hook victims had backed The Onion’s bid.
Judge’s Concerns
Judge Christopher Lopez cited problems with the auction process, including a lack of transparency, but did not find any wrongdoing by those involved. He said he did not think that those involved in the auction acted in bad faith and that everyone “put their best foot forward and tried to play within the rules.”
The Bidding Process
The Onion offered $1.75 million in cash and other incentives for Infowars’ assets in the auction. First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements, bid $3.5 million. The bids were a fraction of the money that Jones has been ordered to pay in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting.
The Future of Infowars
The judge’s ruling allows Jones to keep Infowars, at least for now. However, Jones has set up another studio, websites, and social media accounts in case The Onion wins approval to buy Infowars and kicks him out. He has said he could continue using the Infowars platforms if the auction winner is friendly to him.
Reaction from The Onion and Sandy Hook Families
The Onion’s CEO, Ben Collins, expressed disappointment in the judge’s decision, stating that the company will continue to seek a resolution that helps the Sandy Hook families receive a positive outcome for the horror they endured.
Chris Mattei, a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families, said they were disappointed in the judge’s ruling but remain resilient and determined to hold Alex Jones and his companies accountable for the harm he has caused.
Alex Jones’ Bankruptcy Case
The sale of Infowars is part of Jones’ personal bankruptcy case, which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Most of the proceeds from the sale of Infowars, as well as many of Jones’ personal assets, will go to the Sandy Hook families. Some proceeds will go to Jones’ other creditors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the outcome of the auction sale of Alex Jones’ Infowars?
A: The auction sale was rejected by Judge Christopher Lopez, citing concerns about the bidding process and the amount of money families of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting stood to receive.
Q: Who bid on Infowars?
A: The Onion and First United American Companies bid on Infowars’ assets in the auction.
Q: What is the significance of the auction sale?
A: The auction sale is part of Alex Jones’ personal bankruptcy case, in which he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting.
Q: What is the next step for Alex Jones and Infowars?
A: Jones has set up another studio, websites, and social media accounts in case The Onion wins approval to buy Infowars and kicks him out. He may continue using the Infowars platforms if the auction winner is friendly to him.
