Alex Jones, facing a court ruling to pay nearly $1.5 billion to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, must sell his personal assets. This decision comes amidst a bankruptcy case that could determine the future of his controversial Infowars franchise.
Jones, known for spreading conspiracy theories, was ordered by a Texas jury to pay $49.3 million to two Sandy Hook families in August 2022. This was followed by a Connecticut jury awarding $965 million to 15 plaintiffs, later adding $473 million in attorney fees. Despite claiming financial strain in April 2022, Jones filed for bankruptcy in December 2022, estimating his assets at $1 million to $10 million. However, recent financial statements suggest he has at least $9 million in assets, with an economist estimating his worth up to $270 million.
The Sandy Hook families proposed Jones settle his debt by paying a minimum of $85 million over 10 years, but Jones offered $55 million over 10 years, along with other income-related payments. When the families rejected this, they requested Jones liquidate his assets.
Five Texas homes linked to Jones were valued at $7.5 million in 2022, one of which, worth $3.5 million, was reportedly transferred to his wife. Free Speech Systems, the parent company of Infowars, filed for bankruptcy in July 2022 after reporting $79 million in debt.
Judge Christopher Lopez approved the liquidation of Jones’ personal assets to pay the Sandy Hook families, allowing a trustee to oversee and sell these assets. However, whether Infowars will continue broadcasting remains uncertain. Jones hinted at its possible end, saying, “This is probably the end of Infowars here, very, very soon.”
Jones has a history of spreading false claims about the Sandy Hook shooting, calling it a hoax orchestrated by the U.S. government. Despite the court rulings against him, he has expressed disbelief and stated he would be unable to pay the damages.
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