Conspiracy theory purveyor Infowars and most of its assets went on the auction block Wednesday, with Alex Jones waiting to see if he will be allowed to stay or if he will get kicked off its online platforms.
The private auction was being held as part of Jones’ personal bankruptcy, which resulted from the nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuit judgments a judge and jurors ordered the bombastic internet show and radio host to pay to families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting for repeatedly telling his audience that the Connecticut massacre of 20 children and six adults was a hoax staged by crisis actors.
The bankruptcy trustee was scheduled to open sealed bids at 10:30 a.m. CST and choose the winning bidder or bidders. There was no immediate announcement of the results.
Jones revealed on his show Wednesday that he has been working with a group that put in a bid, but did not provide any details. He said he was concerned the trustee might not choose a bid made by people who support him. Earlier in the week, he stated without evidence that the process appeared “rigged.”
Jones has said that he believes he could remain at the Infowars studios in Austin, Texas, and continue to use its online platforms if supporters win the bidding. But if opponents buy the assets, he said it could be shut down immediately. He said he has set up a new studio, new websites and new social media accounts in case the latter happens.
Jones said that if his detractors buy Infowars’ assets and shut it down, he would “just drive down the road” and broadcast from a new studio he has set up. He vowed to remain on air in the Infowars studio in Austin, Texas.
Up for sale Wednesday were everything from Jones’ studio desk to Infowars’ name, video archive, social media accounts and product trademarks. Buyers could even purchase an armored truck and video cameras. Any items not sold will be auctioned off next month.
Many of Jones’ personal assets, including real estate as well as guns and other personal belongings, also are being sold as part of the bankruptcy.
Jones, who has since acknowledged that the Sandy Hook shooting did happen, is appealing the defamation verdicts.
Dave Collins, The Associated Press