Alex Jones of InfoWars Appeals to Supreme Court to Halt $1.4 Billion Defamation Judgment
Alex Jones, the controversial figure behind InfoWars, has appealed to the US Supreme Court to pause a significant defamation judgment. The ruling requires him to pay nearly $1.4 billion concerning his claims about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Background on the Defamation Case
In 2022, Alex Jones was ordered to make this hefty payout for asserting that the tragic 2012 shooting was a hoax. This incident at Sandy Hook, which resulted in the deaths of 20 children and six adults, has been a focal point of Jones’s unfounded conspiracy theories.
Possible Sale of Infowars
Jones is seeking to halt the sale of his media company, InfoWars, to The Onion, a satirical news outlet. This proposed sale, aimed at funding the defamation judgment, faced rejection in bankruptcy court last year.
- The Onion attempted to purchase InfoWars as part of the compensation plan for the Sandy Hook victims’ families.
- A judge denied the sale in December 2022, as well as Jones’ allegations of auction collusion.
First Amendment Arguments
Jones’s attorneys argue that he deserves free speech protections akin to those enjoyed by journalists. In their recent court documents, they assert that the severe financial implications from the judgment could deter other media figures from expressing their views.
- Jones maintains that a ruling against him could create a chilling effect on journalists.
- His defense emphasizes the importance of protecting free speech, especially in ideologically diverse areas.
What’s Next for Jones and InfoWars
On Friday, the Supreme Court is set to privately review Jones’s request to stay the judgment while his appeal proceeds. He claims that the sale of InfoWars would lead to “irreparable harm” and a tactical disadvantage against his “ideological nemesis.” This ongoing legal battle underscores the tensions between media expression and accountability in high-profile cases.
