A Texas courtroom is set to revisit the bid by satirical news outlet The Onion to purchase Alex Jones' conspiracy theory platform Infowars. The hearing, scheduled for Monday, will focus on whether the bankruptcy auction was conducted fairly amid allegations of collusion and fraud raised by Jones.
Infowars' sale is part of Jones' personal bankruptcy case, initiated in late 2022 following defamation lawsuits totaling nearly $1.5 billion from Sandy Hook shooting victims' families. Jones had previously claimed the tragic 2012 incident was a hoax orchestrated to promote gun control.
The auction saw The Onion offering $1.75 million for Infowars' assets, while a company linked to Jones bid $3.5 million. The trustee overseeing the auction, Christopher Murray, selected The Onion's bid, citing its potential to generate more funds for creditors, including the Sandy Hook families.
Allegations of collusion and fraud have been leveled against Murray, The Onion, and the families by Jones and the other bidding company. Murray dismissed these claims as an attempt to sway the auction process unfairly.
The auction included Infowars' studio equipment, social media accounts, websites, video archive, and trademarks. Jones, known for his far-right conspiracy theories, has prepared alternative platforms in case The Onion's bid is successful.
Despite appealing the defamation judgments on grounds of free speech, Jones has acknowledged the reality of the Sandy Hook tragedy. The outcome of the courtroom hearing will determine the future ownership of Infowars and its impact on Jones' broadcasting endeavors.
