Alex Jones Ordered to Sell Assets to Pay Sandy Hook Debt

Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist and host of Infowars, has been ordered by a Texas judge to sell his assets to pay a $965 million defamation judgment to the families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The families sued Jones for repeatedly spreading false claims that the 2012 massacre was a hoax. Judge Maya Guerra Gamble ordered Jones to hand over financial records to a court-appointed receiver who will oversee the sale of assets. Jones' lawyers have already filed an appeal, arguing that the jury's damages award was excessive. The families' lawyer, Mark Bankston, stated that the receiver will have the authority to sell any property or business owned by Jones, including his Infowars website and other companies. Jones' legal team has accused Bankston of misconduct, and the judge has set a hearing for next month to consider those claims. This ruling marks a significant development in the long-running legal battle between Jones and the families of the Sandy Hook victims. The judge's order to sell assets aims to ensure that the families receive compensation for the harm they have suffered as a result of Jones' defamatory statements. The case has drawn significant attention due to its impact on the spread of misinformation and the role of social media platforms in disseminating false information. The judge's order underscores the legal consequences of spreading harmful lies and the potential for victims to seek justice through the courts.

Summary

"The judge's order to sell assets is a major victory for the families of the Sandy Hook victims, who have long sought justice for the harm caused by Alex Jones' defamatory statements. This ruling could have significant implications for other individuals and organizations who spread false information online, as it demonstrates that there are legal consequences for such actions."

Updated at: 06.16.2024

Alex Jones
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Alex Jones ordered to sell assets to pay Sandy Hook debt - BBC.com