Infowars has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after false, damaging Sandy Hook claims.
The outlet, founded by controversial far-right radio show host, Alex Jones, filed for bankruptcy on Sunday. According to court documents filed in Texas, Infowars has only approximately $50,000 in assets, with estimated liabilities ranging from $1 million to $10 million. The company owes multiple creditors, including the relatives of people killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre.
Jones’s bankruptcy largely arises from his claim that the mass shooting, which killed 20 children and seven adults, was a hoax. He was sued for these claims and offered plaintiffs in the lawsuit a settlement. It was ultimately rejected. During bankruptcy proceedings, all pending civil litigations are halted, which has many questioning if he filed to stall the suits.
This theory has been fueled by the fact that several of Jones’ companies are speaking with “restructuring advisers.” Newtown Action Alliance, an outreach organization formed in the wake of the tragedy, called Jones’ filing a “shameful attempt” at dodging the lawsuits.
Relatives of some of the Sandy Hook victims sued Jones for defamation, revealing that Jones’ supporters had threatened their lives. A judge sided with the plaintiffs and set a trial date for August. He was also found liable in similar defamation lawsuits in Texas. With the current bankruptcy filing, it is unclear if those court dates will move forward.
