Far right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones had one of his many days in court on June 14, 2024. The rulings were a mixed bag for Jones. He was ordered to sell his personal assets to help pay the $1.5 billion in damages he owes to the families of children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He falsely claimed the heartbreaking school shooting never happened.
Jones' company, Free Speech Systems, which runs the Infowars website, was not forced into bankruptcy. Judge Christopher Lopez made this decision. He argued that Sandy Hook families should utilize state courts instead.
"I think remaining assets can be resolved outside of a bankruptcy forum," Judge Lopez explained. In 2022, Jones was ordered to pay more than $1.4 billion in damages by a Connecticut court. That same year, he was ordered to pay $49 million in Texas.
Before the ruling, Jones told his fans that his website might be ending. Jones called it "a sinking ship." But as the ruling was read, fellow host Owen Shroyer mused this wasn’t the case. "It looks like Infowars just got some extra time," he stated.
More from LittleThings: Conspiracy Theorist Alex Jones Admits Sandy Hook Was '100% Real' During Cross-Examination
Jones’ victims are split on how they view a potential Free Speech Systems liquidation. The Connecticut side wanted it to happen. The Texas side wanted it to be dismissed, believing the money would be more likely to become available if the business was still operational.
A court-appointed trustee for Free Speech Systems wanted Judge Lopez to shift Jones' bankruptcy to a Chapter 7 liquidation instead. They were concerned that Jones’ "erratic and more unhinged" behavior could negatively affect the company’s value. This would mean less money for the payout.
Jones has been doing all he can to not pay the damages he owes. After Jones lost the 2022 cases in Connecticut and Texas, both he personally and his company, Free Speech Systems, filed for bankruptcy protections. Before the trials even began, he transferred many of his assets to family and friends. In 2023, Judge Lopez ruled that Jones could not use bankruptcy protection to circumvent paying the damages.
Jones seemed to be pleased with the ruling. "Of the two bad outcomes, this is the one that’s way better," he stated. "I have not given up. I’m fighting." According to court documents, Jones is personally worth about $9 million, and many of his assets will now be sold off. The majority of Jones’ revenue comes from the sales of vitamin supplements, which he promotes on his website.
