The satirical news site The Onion has officially acquired InfoWars, the infamous platform created by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, which has been embroiled in significant legal challenges and recent bankruptcy proceedings. This takeover marks the culmination of years of turmoil surrounding Jones, particularly following his false claims about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
On Thursday, The Onion announced its successful bid during the bankruptcy auction for InfoWars, which was initiated to clear the debts owed by Jones. These debts include nearly $1.5 billion awarded to the families of the Sandy Hook victims, stemming from defamation lawsuits claiming Jones's assertions led to emotional distress and harassment against the bereaved.
The acquisition was publicly backed by families of Sandy Hook victims, who, feeling the detrimental effects of Jones’s misinformation campaign, say this purchase is not just about ownership but accountability. “The dissolution of Alex Jones's assets and the death of InfoWars is the justice we have long awaited and fought for,” said Robbie Parker, whose daughter was killed in the shooting. The families agreed to forgo some of their recovery to make The Onion’s bid more attractive, emphasizing their determination to put an end to Jones’s harmful rhetoric.
InfoWars, which has been notorious for spreading conspiracy theories, including the unfounded claims about the Sandy Hook incident being staged, had become synonymous with radical right-wing media. The financial and legal repercussions of these activities have finally taken their toll on the operations of Jones’s enterprise, leading to the bankruptcy auction where The Onion emerged victorious.
Ben Collins, CEO of Global Tetrahedron, the parent company of The Onion, remarked on the acquisition, calling it “an easy decision.” He emphasized the goal is to turn InfoWars now owned by The Onion back against itself by relaunching it as a parody site. “We thought this would be a hilarious joke. It’s going to serve as our answer to the almost lawless media environment where every extreme view seems to have found its platform,” Collins noted.
Starting January 2025, InfoWars will be redesigned to satirize not just the outlandish claims of Jones but also those of other supposed “weird internet personalities” who parade dubious health supplements and conspiracy theories. Everytown for Gun Safety, the nonprofit founded after Sandy Hook, will be involved as the exclusive advertising partner during this relaunch, bringing attention to the real-world issues tied to gun violence.
This twist of fate for InfoWars seems comedic, almost poetic, especially considering The Onion has long mocked the absurdities of Jones’s rhetoric. Their new take is expected to provide insights combined with humor, countering the narratives spun by sensationalist media outlets. “InfoWars has shown consistent commitment to manufacturing anger and radicalizing individuals. Now we get to make fun of it,” Collins expressed with anticipation.
Last year, juries found Jones liable for $1.4 billion after evaluating the psychological toll his claims had on families who lost loved ones at Sandy Hook. The families fought tirelessly through the courts, establishing both legal precedence and community support against misinformation propagation. One attorney for the families, Chris Mattei, noted, “Families wanted true accountability to bring InfoWars to its knees. They understood it was of utmost importance to stop Jones from reaching more potential victims.”
Jones had attempted to maneuver around his liabilities, but the court's final rulings culminated in the trustee's approval for InfoWars and its parent company, Free Speech Systems, to be auctioned off. Transparent throughout this entire process was the 2012 Sandy Hook tragedy, the event whose legacy continues to cast long shadows over both Jones and his platform.
The acquisition was dictated by financial desperation on Jones's part, heightened by his previous bankruptcy filing in late 2022. Following the Connecticut verdicts, he sought to liquidate his assets to meet the court demands, which eventually spiraled down to this auction, providing The Onion with unexpected opportunity.
Adding to the irony of the situation, Jones has made statements post-acquisition, albeit ones of disbelief, saying he would continue his shows until “the show’s real too late.” He portrayed this scenario as competitive, under his signature bravado. Regardless, the focus has shifted to The Onion’s forthcoming changes to the platform.
The new InfoWars is expected to retain aspects of Jones's original structure yet deliver sharp commentary on its past tenants. The Onion aims to challenge the narratives advanced by Jones with humor, leveraging its brand recognition to convey messages about accountability, truthfulness, and the ramifications of misinformation on society.
Experts expect the relaunch to attract viewers familiar with The Onion’s comedic style but who may also be newly engaged with the issues surrounding Jones's legacy. The Onion is not simply acquiring InfoWars; it’s preparing to repurpose it as a cultural critique, showcasing how misinformation spreads and its consequent societal impacts.
Through this acquisition, the families and their attorney hope to represent broader lessons about the responsibility of media entities, especially those with large followings. Their sentiments were echoed throughout the decade-long battle against Jones — accountability for misdeeds and the realization of truth resting at the forefront.
Robbie Parker’s sentiments encapsulate not just the aspirations of these families but extend to society at large: “The world needs to see having a platform does not put one above accountability. The ending of InfoWars reflects how we can hold even the loudest voices accountable.”
With this new chapter set to begin, much attention will be directed at how The Onion balances humor with the serious social commentary necessary to address the themes tied to gun violence and misinformation. The potential consequences of this venture may be transformative, leading to more effective strategies for tackling misinformation and reinforcing the importance of truthfulness within media.
This acquisition stands as both closure for many who have suffered under the weight of InfoWars and the beginning of what some color could be seen as revolutionary satire.
It is clear from this latest development, the intersection of media, justice, and accountability remains ever poignant, with the closure of one platform paving the way for potentially invigorated discussions on the responsibilities of content creators.
