The Onion Acquires Alex Jones’ Infowars with Sandy Hook Families’ Support
In an unexpected twist, satirical news giant The Onion has won the bankruptcy auction for Alex Jones’ Infowars, with support from families of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims. These families, owed over $1 billion in defamation judgments from Jones, sought justice for years against his harmful conspiracies, and now they have a symbolic victory through The Onion’s acquisition.
A Symbolic Victory for Sandy Hook Families
Robbie Parker, father of Emilie Parker, who was killed in the 2012 shooting, stated, “The dissolution of Alex Jones’ assets and the death of Infowars is the justice we have long awaited and fought for.” Parker’s comments reflect the collective relief of Sandy Hook families, who have endured trauma exacerbated by Jones’ conspiracy theories labeling the massacre a hoax.
The Onion’s acquisition includes Infowars’ website, social media accounts, Austin studio, trademarks, and video archive. Though the sale price remains undisclosed, this acquisition signifies more than monetary value for the families involved; it’s a step toward dismantling the platform that spread harmful lies and disinformation about their tragedy.
The Onion’s Plan for Infowars
The Onion announced that its “exclusive launch advertiser” on Infowars would be the gun violence prevention organization Everytown for Gun Safety. In a statement, The Onion shared, “Everytown will continue to raise awareness on Infowars’ channels about gun violence prevention and present actual solutions to our nation’s gun violence crisis, including bipartisan, common-sense measures and public safety initiatives backed by Everytown.”
Everytown’s involvement will bring a sharp contrast to the conspiratorial content once featured on Infowars, shifting the platform’s influence towards gun safety education and public health initiatives.
Jones, visibly distressed, confirmed the acquisition in a video posted on social media. “Last broadcast now live from Infowars studios. They are in the building. Are ordering shutdown without court approval,” he said, his voice heavy with frustration. Jones hinted that he plans to contest the sale and, if unsuccessful, move his broadcasts and product sales to new platforms he has already set up.
Jones’ supporters and detractors had both expressed interest in purchasing Infowars. While other bidders have not been disclosed, The Onion, with Sandy Hook families backing the move, secured the deal through sealed bids opened on Wednesday.
Jones has continued to assert that he will transition to alternate studios and platforms should he lose access to Infowars’ established channels, claiming that he could still reach his audience despite this significant setback. The Onion, known for its absurd and exaggerated satire, now holds a uniquely powerful position over a platform infamous for its inflammatory content, with a newfound mission to counter misinformation and promote genuine social awareness.