Infowars, the controversial platform known for spreading conspiracy theories, and most of its assets went up for auction on Wednesday. Alex Jones, the controversial host behind the platform, waited anxiously to learn if he’d be allowed to continue using Infowars’ online presence or if he’d be forced off its platforms.
The auction was a part of Jones’ personal bankruptcy proceedings, stemming from nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuit judgments that he was ordered to pay to the families of the victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Jones had repeatedly claimed the massacre, in which 20 children and six adults were killed, was a hoax staged by crisis actors. Although Jones now acknowledges the shooting did occur, he is appealing the defamation verdicts.
The bankruptcy trustee announced that sealed bids would be opened at 10:30 a.m. CST to identify the winning bidder or bidders. As hours passed without any updates, Jones voiced his impatience on his show.
“I just want to know: Is this our last day here or not?” he said.
Later, Jones took to social media platform X to announce that trustees informed him the results would be revealed Thursday morning.
Interest in submitting bids came from various quarters, including Roger Stone, an ally of Jones and former President Donald Trump, as well as progressive media groups critical of Jones. Jones stated that he might be allowed to continue using Infowars’ platforms if his allies won the bidding, but that Infowars could be shut down if opponents were successful.
Based in Austin, Texas, Jones has preemptively set up a new studio, along with websites and social media accounts, in case the auction result forces him to leave Infowars. Personal social media accounts, including his popular X account with over 3 million followers, are not part of the sale and their fate is pending in court.
Jones disclosed that he collaborated with a group that submitted a bid, though he withheld specific details.
“The folks I’m working with, who put in (a) substantive bid to try to save Infowars and continue it in the future, have been given no information on the other bidders. That’s all secret,” he stated in a video posted on X.
The auction included everything from Jones’ studio desk to Infowars’ name, video archive, social media accounts, product trademarks, and inventory. Buyers could even acquire an armored truck and video cameras. Any items left unsold would be auctioned off next month.
Additionally, many of Jones’ personal assets, including real estate, firearms, and other personal belongings, are being sold as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
Prospective buyers had to submit sealed bids and confidentiality agreements by the previous Friday. The bankruptcy trustee, attorney Christopher Murray, appointed by the Justice Department, had the option to hold new rounds of bidding on Wednesday to drive prices higher than the sealed bids.
Jones expressed frustration with Murray’s decision to only choose from the sealed bids, learning of changes to the auction process merely a day prior. A judge’s order in September granted the trustee extensive authority and mentioned that additional bidding rounds on Wednesday were optional.
Murray also retained the ability to reject bids, including the highest ones if deemed “contrary to the best interests of the Debtor’s estate, FSS (Infowars parent company Free Speech Systems) and their creditors.”
Families of the Sandy Hook victims sued Jones and his company for defamation and emotional distress due to his repeated false claims that the shooting was a hoax intended to promote gun control. Testimonies from parents and children of many victims highlighted their trauma caused by Jones’ conspiracies and the ensuing threats from his followers.
