Infowars, the media platform owned by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, will see its assets sold off at auctions this fall to help cover the more than $1 billion he owes to the families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Infowars Assets Up for Auction: What’s Included?
- A U.S. Bankruptcy Judge in Houston has scheduled auctions starting November, where Infowars’ intellectual property, including its trademarks, websites, and social media accounts, will be up for sale.
- Free Speech Systems, the parent company of Infowars, which Jones wholly owns, will be under the control of a bankruptcy trustee.
- Jones and his legal team have expressed intentions to continue his talk shows via different means, possibly leveraging his personal social media or creating new platforms.
Jones’ Bankruptcy and Legal Struggles: A Timeline
- In 2022, Alex Jones and his company filed for bankruptcy after being ordered to pay almost $1.5 billion in damages in lawsuits filed by the Sandy Hook families.
- Jones’ statements, calling the 2012 school shooting a hoax, were central to the lawsuits. Families described emotional distress caused by Jones’ followers, many of whom harassed and threatened them.
- Despite appealing the civil judgments, Jones now faces a liquidation of many of his assets, except for exempt properties like his main residence.
Future Earnings in Question: Will Jones Lose His Social Media Accounts?
- The trustee overseeing Jones’ bankruptcy case may seek permission to liquidate Jones’ personal social media accounts, a move opposed by Jones’ lawyers.
- The Sandy Hook families are pushing for Jones’ future earnings, including any income from social media platforms, to be part of the settlement.
- As per the current order, Jones’ social media accounts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with millions of followers are not included in the upcoming auctions.
What Will the Auction Cover?
- On November 13, the first auction will include Infowars’ intellectual property, such as its website, social media accounts, and any copyrighted materials.
- A second auction, on December 10, will cover physical assets like studio equipment, video cameras, and computers.
Legal Roadblocks: Disputes Over Free Speech Systems’ Debts
- There remains a legal battle over whether Free Speech Systems owes more than $50 million to another Jones-owned company, PQPR Holdings Limited.
- Sandy Hook lawyers allege this debt was fabricated to shield funds, while PQPR claims unpaid debts for dietary supplements sold through Infowars.
Key Players and Their Responses
- Christopher Mattei, a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families, views the auction as a critical step toward holding Jones accountable. He stated that “Alex Jones will no longer own or control the company he built.”
- Jones, despite facing liquidation, has suggested that patriot buyers could purchase Infowars’ assets, potentially allowing him to remain involved in the media platform.
Jones’ Future: What’s Next?
- Jones vows to continue his work, even if he loses control of Infowars, possibly by using alternative websites or social media to broadcast his shows.
- Legal battles surrounding Jones’ personal bankruptcy, his companies, and the Sandy Hook families’ compensation will continue as auctions proceed.
FAQs
- What is the current status of Alex Jones’ bankruptcy case?
Alex Jones’ personal bankruptcy case has been converted into liquidation, with auctions scheduled for November and December 2024. - What will happen to Infowars?
Infowars’ intellectual property, including trademarks and websites, will be auctioned off, and its future ownership is uncertain. - Can Alex Jones still run Infowars?
Jones has indicated that patriot buyers might purchase Infowars, allowing him to continue as an employee under new ownership. - What caused Alex Jones’ legal trouble?
Jones was sued by Sandy Hook families for calling the 2012 shooting a hoax, which led to harassment by his followers. Courts ruled against him, resulting in nearly $1.5 billion in damages. - How much does Alex Jones owe the Sandy Hook families?
Jones owes more than $1 billion in damages, resulting from defamation and emotional distress lawsuits filed by the Sandy Hook families. - Will Alex Jones lose his social media accounts?
The court has not yet decided on whether Jones’ personal social media accounts will be liquidated, but it remains a possibility. - What is Free Speech Systems?
Free Speech Systems is the parent company of Infowars, which Alex Jones owns entirely. It is under bankruptcy proceedings. - Who will get the proceeds from the Infowars auction?
The proceeds from the auction will go towards paying creditors, including the Sandy Hook families, although legal fees will likely be paid first. - What kind of assets will be auctioned off?
Infowars’ intellectual property, studio equipment, and physical assets will be sold at two separate auctions in November and December 2024. - How does Alex Jones make money?
Jones has earned millions from selling dietary supplements, survival gear, and books through Infowars.