The satirical news site The Onion has acquired Infowars in a controversial bankruptcy auction that, according to insiders, bypassed standard certification procedures. In a surprising move, the auction awarded Infowars to a lower bidder, a decision that’s highly unusual and unprecedented in such cases. The acquisition was partially funded by families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, following a historic court ruling that Infowars’ founder, Alex Jones, owes over $1 billion in damages for defamation after falsely claiming the massacre was a hoax.
BREAKING: Democrats Are On Their Way To The Building To Shut InfoWars Down Now– Alex Jones Explains The Future of InfoWars In This Critical Emergency Broadcast https://t.co/eBE30t4Gf6
— Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) November 14, 2024
The sale encompasses the Infowars website, Texas studio, social media accounts, trademarks, and video archives, along with its valuable URL. Despite the change in ownership, Jones quickly set up a new studio and launched the Alex Jones Network, where he plans to continue broadcasting via radio, his website, Twitter, and other platforms. On Thursday morning, Jones shared a live stream from the Infowars studio, claiming, “Last broadcast now live from Infowars studios. They are in the building. Are ordering shutdown without court approval,” sparking further controversy.
Infowars is being shut down now! pic.twitter.com/nb4loGvL12
— Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) November 14, 2024
The amount of the winning bid has not been disclosed, though sources say Jones’ allies attempted an unsuccessful seven-figure bid to retain control. According to NBC News, The Onion plans to transform Infowars into a satirical platform, collaborating with well-known humor writers and online creators.
“The dissolution of Alex Jones’ assets and the death of Infowars is the justice we have long awaited and fought for,” Robbie Parker, whose daughter was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting, told the Associated Press through his legal team. The Onion announced that Everytown for Gun Safety, an anti-gun violence organization, will be its first advertiser on the revamped site.
LIVE: The Auction To Sell Infowars And Take Alex Jones Off The Air Is Happening Right Now! Tune In As Alex Jones & Crew Break Down The Latest Developments As We Take America Back! https://t.co/312A238lz9
— Alex Jones Network (@AJNlive) November 13, 2024
Jones has already stated that he will challenge the sale in court and urges followers to join his new network at alexjones.network and follow him on Twitter.
