In a surprising twist, satirical news outlet The Onion has acquired Infowars, the controversial media organization run by Alex Jones, known for promoting conspiracy theories, at a court-ordered auction for an undisclosed amount. The purchase was made with the backing of families who suffered the tragic loss of loved ones in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, who had previously won a hefty $1.5 billion defamation lawsuit against Jones for spreading harmful misinformation about the incident. A Texas judge initiated the auction process in September, drawing interest from various bidders including both Jones’s supporters and detractors. Despite the sale, Jones intends to continue his broadcasting activities through alternative platforms, demonstrating his resilience in the face of legal and financial troubles.
In a video message following the auction, Jones framed the acquisition as a severe infringement on free speech, claiming it was part of a broader “tyranny of the New World Order” aimed at silencing dissenting voices in America. He expressed uncertainty about his future but vowed to remain active until he was forced to cease operations. This rhetoric underscores the deep-rooted conspiracy mindset that has characterized Jones’s career, as he continues to portray himself as a martyr defending free speech against perceived oppressive forces.
The Onion plans to revamp the Infowars website, integrating content from prominent internet humorists and creators with the aim of transforming the platform into a “very funny, very stupid website,” according to Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion’s parent company. In a cleverly crafted article, The Onion mocked the situation, highlighting its intention to take advantage of Infowars’ history of manipulation while acknowledging the former company’s role in inciting division and radicalizing vulnerable audiences. This satirical takeover reflects the underlying tension between humor and serious issues, especially given the significant harm caused by Jones’s conspiracy theories over the years.
The acquisition has been hailed by legal representatives of Sandy Hook victims as a significant step towards holding Jones accountable for his actions. Chris Mattei, a lawyer for the families of several victims, expressed optimism that divesting Jones of Infowars would limit his capacity to inflict further damage. Robbie Parker, a father of one of the Sandy Hook victims, emphasized the importance of accountability in media, asserting that the dismantling of Jones’s platform is a long-awaited justice for those affected by his persistent and harmful rhetoric.
Historically, Alex Jones started as a fringe figure in the Texas media landscape in the 1990s but eventually amassed a vast audience through a combination of unconventional opinions, sensational speculation, and blatant falsehoods. Infowars generated revenue primarily through an online shop that marketed wellness products, including vitamins. As Donald Trump’s political career progressed, Infowars gained traction among the former president’s supporters, with Trump himself appearing on the platform during the 2016 election campaign, even praising Jones’s “amazing” reputation.
Jones’s financial woes are intrinsically tied to his promotion of conspiracy theories following the Sandy Hook tragedy, where twenty young children and six staff members tragically lost their lives. His repeated denials of the legitimacy of the massacre, which he infamously labeled a “giant hoax,” led to a torrent of harassment directed at grieving families. Although Jones ultimately recanted his earlier claims, the damage was done. Families of the victims successfully secured defamation judgments against Jones, resulting in his declaration of bankruptcy in 2022 and subsequent liquidation of his assets, nearing $8.6 million in value. The acquisition of Infowars by The Onion marks a pivotal chapter in this ongoing saga, blending dark humor with a serious call for accountability in the media landscape.