Progressive interest in Alex Jones’ Infowars auction suggests a dramatic shift is imminent after a $1.5 billion defamation judgment.
At a Glance
- Infowars assets will be auctioned to pay $1 billion to Sandy Hook families.
- U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez will approve the auctions starting in November.
- Jones vows to continue his talk shows through alternative platforms.
- Legal disputes and liquidation procedures raise uncertainties and delays.
Progressive Groups Show Interest in Infowars Auction Amid Major Judgment
Alex Jones’ Infowars media platform and various assets will soon be auctioned off to fund a massive $1.5 billion payout owed to the families of Sandy Hook victims. This follows a U.S. Bankruptcy Court ruling by Judge Christopher Lopez scheduled to start in November to pay off defamation damages. All assets of Infowars’ parent company, Free Speech Systems, fall under the trustees’ oversight and will seek liquidation.
Alex Jones plans to maintain his talk shows through other means, namely a new website or personal social media accounts. Jones is appealing the verdict, claiming this as an infringement on his free speech rights. Meanwhile, Jones has signaled to his supporters to purchase Infowars’ assets, allowing him to continue hosting his show. Whether or not such calls yield the desired outcome remains to be seen.
Alex Jones' Infowars to be auctioned off to pay Sandy Hook families https://t.co/b5g1nAEAvM
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) September 26, 2024
Legal Moves and Financial Uncertainty
Judge Lopez converted Jones’ personal bankruptcy reorganization case into a liquidation. The trustee overseeing Jones’ bankruptcy may seek court permission to liquidate his personal social media accounts and other intellectual properties. Intellectual properties under Infowars are set for an auction on November 13, excluding Jones’ personal social media accounts.
An initial auction for Infowars’ remaining assets, including studio equipment, is slated for December 10. Alex Jones’ lifestyle of extravagant spending financed by sales of various products on his shows underscores many uncertainties about how much the auctions will generate and subsequently how much families of Sandy Hook victims will receive.
The Fallout from Jones’ Actions
Jones and his company filed for bankruptcy in 2022 after incurring nearly $1.5 billion in defamation and emotional distress lawsuits. Testimonies from Sandy Hook families about harassment and threats from Jones’ followers played a pivotal role in Jones seeking bankruptcy protection. Legal fees and expenses for individuals managing Jones’ bankruptcy cases will get priority payments before restitution to the families.
A Federal bankruptcy judge in Texas has ordered that Alex Jones’ personal assets undergo liquidation through Chapter 7 to meet the nearly $1.5 billion damages obligation. Texas law, however, permits Jones to retain his residence valued at over $2 million and a trustee has been appointed to administer his personal estate. Items including his gun collection and jewelry will be listed for sale.
