Alex Jones, the host of Infowars, has been denied bankruptcy protection and has been ordered to pay $1.1 billion to families who sued him over his conspiracy theories surrounding the Sandy Hook school massacre. A Texas judge ruled that Jones cannot use bankruptcy to avoid paying the damages to the families.
This ruling comes as another significant defeat for Jones, who has faced legal action and punishment for spreading falsehoods about the tragic shooting. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston states that the protections of Chapter 11 bankruptcy do not apply to Jones due to his willful and malicious conduct.
The families of the victims are pleased with the court’s decision. Christopher Mattei, a lawyer representing the families, stated that Jones will continue to be held accountable for his actions, regardless of his claimed bankruptcy. On the other hand, Jones’ attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In response to the ruling, Jones posted a video on his Infowars website, claiming that the judge’s decision would have little practical effect since he is personally over $1 million in debt and has little to offer the Sandy Hook families. He also stated that he will continue to appeal the verdicts and vowed to protect his right to free speech.
Following the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, where 26 people were killed, Jones propagated a false conspiracy theory that the massacre was a hoax on his Infowars show. He urged his audience to donate and shop on his website to support him and cover his legal costs.
However, financial records from Jones’ bankruptcy case revealed that his personal spending exceeded $93,000 in July alone, causing further frustration for the Sandy Hook families who have yet to receive any of the money awarded to them by the juries.
Jones was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion to the Sandy Hook families last year in lawsuits over his repeated promotion of the baseless theory. Moreover, an additional lawsuit filed by the parents of Noah Pozner, a 6-year-old victim, is pending in Texas, which could result in even more financial liability for Jones.
At the trials, relatives of the victims testified about being harassed and threatened by Jones’ followers, who accused them of being crisis actors and denied the existence of their deceased children.
While Jones claims the judge’s ruling will have little effect on him, the ongoing legal battles and mounting financial obligations suggest otherwise. Jones remains determined to fight for his right to free speech, insisting that he will continue to be on the air one way or another.
In conclusion, the denial of bankruptcy protection for Alex Jones is a significant ruling that holds him accountable for the damages caused by his conspiracy theories surrounding the Sandy Hook tragedy. The families of the victims continue to pursue justice, and Jones faces ongoing legal battles and the prospect of paying substantial sums in compensation.
