Full Breakdown
Texas Court Halts The Onion’s Attempt to Acquire Infowars
5/2/2026, 2:23:41 AM
Infowars Transfer Deal Stalls
A Texas state judge scheduled a hearing on April 30, 2026 to approve a licensing agreement that would let The Onion use Infowars’ trademarks while a court-appointed receiver liquidates the assets. The Texas Third Court of Appeals issued an emergency injunction that temporarily blocked any transfer. The judge set a new hearing for May 28, leaving the proposed takeover in limbo.
Legal Background & Financial Stakes
Jones owes the Sandy Hook families more than $1 billion in defamation judgments for calling the 2012 massacre a hoax. A Connecticut judgment exceeded $1.4 billion before a $150 million reduction; a Texas judgment is about $50 million. In November 2024 a bankruptcy court named The Onion the winning bidder for Infowars’ parent, Free Speech Systems, but a federal judge overturned the result. The licensing deal would have The Onion pay $81,000 monthly for rent and utilities, with proceeds earmarked for the families.
Key Players
Alex Jones – Infowars founder and conspiracy-theory broadcaster.
Ben Collins – CEO of The Onion, leading the licensing effort.
Chris Mattei – Attorney for the Sandy Hook families.
Mark Bankston – Attorney for some victims, vocal critic of Jones.
Texas Third Court of Appeals – Issued the injunction; the Texas Supreme Court is reviewing the families’ appeal.
Timeline & Upcoming Hearings
In November 2024 a bankruptcy court named The Onion the winning bidder for Infowars’ assets, but a federal judge overturned the result. On April 30, 2026 a state hearing on the licensing deal was halted by the appellate injunction. A new hearing is set for May 28, 2026. The families have appealed to the Texas Supreme Court, which is expected to rule before the May 28 hearing.
Official Statements & Criticism
Ben Collins called the injunction “insane, unprecedented legal stalling” that delays the deal and benefits Jones. Alex Jones called it a “massive victory,” saying the lawsuits have failed to silence him. Chris Mattei noted the families’ “endless patience” and urged swift enforcement. Mark Bankston accused Jones of repeatedly delaying liquidation to keep Infowars “alive.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total judgments: “more than $1 billion,” “over $1.3 billion,” and a $1.4 billion judgment reduced by $150 million plus a $50 million Texas judgment. The Texas Supreme Court’s pending decision adds uncertainty to the licensing agreement’s fate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This newly insane, unprecedented legal stalling does nothing but delay our deal with the receiver to take control of InfoWars,” — Ben Collins, The Onion
- “I said days ago there’s no way the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas doesn’t overturn this — you know they’re all Democrats — because it’s so outrageous what you’ve done,” — Alex Jones
- “As far as the world is concerned, Infowars is dead. Everybody knows that,” — Mark Bankston
- “The Sandy Hook families have endless patience and over $1 billion dollars in judgments against Alex Jones and Infowars,” — Chris Mattei
