The satirical news outlet The Onion has proposed taking over the platforms of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars, as his company faces liquidation due to more than $1 billion in defamation judgments owed to relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. According to CBS News, The Onion submitted a proposal to a state judge in Texas, seeking an exclusive, temporary license to Infowars' intellectual property.
Key Takeaways
The Onion has proposed taking control of Infowars' platforms as Alex Jones faces liquidation due to defamation judgments related to Sandy Hook conspiracy theories. The deal would turn Infowars into a parody site, with profits going to Sandy Hook families.
- The Onion seeks temporary license for Infowars intellectual property
- Deal aims to transform Infowars into comedy network
- Alex Jones plans to continue broadcasting under new studio and name
- Court-appointed receiver supports the plan
The deal would allow The Onion to put its own content on Infowars' website and social media accounts. Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion, told CBS News that the arrangement could be in place by April 30 if approved by Judge Maya Guerra Gamble. The Onion has already hired people, including comedian Tim Heidecker, to run Infowars as a parody site.
The licensing deal is for six months, with an option to renew for another six months while a court-appointed receiver works to sell the assets of Infowars' parent company, Free Speech Systems. The Onion would pay $81,000 a month to cover rent and other costs associated with Infowars' studios.
Alex Jones has vowed to fight the licensing proposal in court but acknowledged he could be kicked out of his current studio by the end of the month. He plans to continue broadcasting under a new name and from another studio, according to NPR. The Sandy Hook families who sued Jones support The Onion's plan, as it would turn Infowars into a force for social good.
The defamation lawsuits against Jones stem from his claims that the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax staged by 'crisis actors' to increase gun control. A jury and judge awarded the families more than $1.4 billion in damages, with additional awards in separate lawsuits. Jones has appealed these judgments.
The Onion's proposal comes after a bankruptcy auction for Infowars' assets was thrown out due to procedural issues. The attempt to sell off Infowars' assets moved to state court in Texas, where Judge Guerra Gamble appointed a receiver to liquidate the company's assets. Jones is also appealing that ruling.
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