Full Breakdown
The Onion's Attempted Takeover of Infowars
5/2/2026, 2:28:59 AM
Timeline of Court Actions
2022 – Jones files for bankruptcy.
2024 – The Onion offers a $1.75 million cash bid; a bankruptcy judge rejects it as the auction process is flawed.
April 30 2024 – Texas appeals court stays any asset transfer.
May 28 2024 – Hearing to consider a six-month licensing deal.
April 30 2026 – Families appeal to the Texas Supreme Court.
Financial Terms and Stakes
The deal requires The Onion to pay $81,000 monthly for Infowars studio rent, utilities and IP rights for a six-month term. Proceeds go to Sandy Hook families, awarded $1.3-$1.4 billion yet unpaid.
Official Statements & Responses
The Onion calls the deal a ‘bright spot’ that will turn a ‘dark’ platform into satire and fund victims. Sandy Hook families’ counsel stresses ‘endless patience’ and urges a ‘speedy and just resolution.’ Jones calls appeals-court ruling a ‘massive victory’ and says lawsuits have amplified his audience.
Criticism & Opposition
Families’ attorneys call the stay ‘frustratingly familiar’ legal stalling that delays restitution. The bankruptcy judge who rejected The Onion’s cash bid called the auction process ‘flawed.’ Critics say the Texas appeals court’s stay further postpones payment to the Sandy Hook families.
Conflicting Reports
Some reports say the licensing agreement awaits approval from Judge Maya Guerra Gamble; others note the Texas Supreme Court is reviewing the families’ appeal. No court has yet authorized The Onion to assume control, leaving Infowars’ status uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This newly insane, unprecedented legal stalling does nothing but delay our deal with the receiver to take control of InfoWars,” — Ben Collins, CEO, The Onion
- “Is this the most elaborate bullshit that I've ever had to encounter to get around to something that I thought was just a nice thing to do? Yes, it is,” — Ben Collins, CEO, The Onion
- “The Sandy Hook families have endless patience and over $1 billion dollars in judgments against Alex Jones and Infowars,” — Chris Mattei, Attorney for Sandy Hook families
- “I thank my enemies for their persecution because that which does not kill me only makes me stronger,” — Alex Jones
Next Steps
The May 28 hearing will decide if the $81,000-per-month licensing deal proceeds. Either side may appeal, and Texas Supreme Court’s ruling on families’ petition could ultimately decide whether Infowars is liquidated, transferred to The Onion, or kept under Jones.
