A federal bankruptcy judge has approved the liquidation of Alex Jones’ personal assets to help pay the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, as the radio host owes nearly $1.5 billion in damages for spreading baseless conspiracy theories about the shooting. The future of his media company Infowars is now uncertain.
Jones requested to convert his bankruptcy filing into a Chapter 7 liquidation, allowing a trustee to oversee and sell his assets. His financial statement reported about $9 million in assets, including a home in Austin, Texas. Some of the Sandy Hook families requested a permanent trustee to prevent further value destruction, accusing Jones of erratic behavior and diversion of assets from Free Speech Systems, his media company.
Jones has acknowledged that his legal battles could mean the end of Infowars, the conspiracy-tinged media empire he founded decades ago. The judge is still considering whether to allow the liquidation of Free Speech Systems’ assets, with conflicting stances from the company’s attorneys and Jones’ lawyers. Free Speech Systems filed for bankruptcy with $14.3 million in assets.
Jones was ordered to pay $1.48 billion to the Sandy Hook families across defamation judgments in Connecticut and Texas. The families of the victims were awarded damages after Jones falsely claimed the shooting was faked. Jones previously claimed he would be unable to pay back the families and proposed settling his debt over a period of 10 years, offering a minimum of $55 million. The families declined this offer and requested the liquidation of Jones’ and Free Speech System assets.
The judge’s approval of the liquidation of Jones’ personal assets marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Jones and the Sandy Hook families. The families have been pursuing justice for the spread of baseless conspiracy theories that have caused them immense pain and suffering. Jones’ financial situation and the fate of Infowars remain uncertain as the legal proceedings continue.
The bankruptcy court’s decision to allow the liquidation of Jones’ assets highlights the seriousness of the consequences he faces for his actions. The Sandy Hook families are seeking restitution for the harm caused by Jones’ dissemination of false information. The future of Infowars hangs in the balance as Jones grapples with the fallout of his legal troubles and the potential closure of his media company. The resolution of this case will have far-reaching implications for both Jones and the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy.
