The Onion has bought Infowars. Yes, that Onion and that InfoWars.

The playful “news” site has been satirizing US and global news for over two decades.

The Onion Acquires Alex Jones’ Infowars, Plans Overhaul Amid Controversy

Satirical news site The Onion has won control of Alex Jones’ media platform, Infowars, in a bankruptcy auction approved by the court. The acquisition comes amid a push from Sandy Hook families to hold Jones accountable for defamation after he called the 2012 school massacre a hoax.

The Onion, backed by families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School victims, secured Infowars’ assets, including its website, social media accounts, and studio equipment. Although the final sale price was not disclosed, proceeds will go toward the $1 billion-plus in judgments against Jones, stemming from his defamation cases in Texas and Connecticut.

The Onion plans to repurpose Infowars into a humor platform featuring established internet comedians and writers. Its chief executive, Ben Collins, hinted at a “very funny, very stupid” vision for the reimagined site. Collins, formerly a journalist covering conspiracy theories, posted his plans on the social site BlueSky, stating that the overhaul aims to curb misinformation while embracing satire.

The satirical site’s transformation of Infowars will launch with exclusive sponsorship from Everytown for Gun Safety, which seeks to utilize the platform to advance awareness on gun violence prevention. John Feinblatt, Everytown’s president, welcomed the collaboration, calling it an opportunity to educate audiences on solutions to gun violence.

Jones, 50, built Infowars into a significant presence in alternative media, amassing followers and revenue through sensational and often false claims about conspiracies and government actions. His broadcasts and online store, known for promoting supplements and survival gear, will now be repurposed or closed as The Onion assumes control.

For years, Jones claimed the Sandy Hook shooting was staged, resulting in legal battles with families who testified they were threatened by Jones’ followers. Robbie Parker, who lost his daughter Emilie in the tragedy, expressed relief at Infowars’ change of ownership, viewing it as overdue accountability.

In response to The Onion’s takeover, Jones vowed to continue broadcasting on separate channels, claiming he could relocate his operations if needed. He issued a video statement Thursday, calling his detractors “fools” and hinting at future legal challenges.

The sale marks a significant point in Jones’ financial struggles after filing for bankruptcy in 2022. Under the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s oversight, his assets are being liquidated in response to the Sandy Hook judgments.