The Onion continues legal battle to finalize Infowars acquisition

The protracted legal battle to transfer ownership of the conspiracy-theory platform Infowars to the satirical outlet The Onion remains ongoing, as court proceedings continue to block the formal handover of the site’s assets. Despite the impasse, the prospective new owners have launched a satirical version of the platform in an attempt to challenge its historical influence and parody the style of its former proprietor, Alex Jones.

The acquisition process was initiated following extensive legal action against Jones, who utilized Infowars to propagate conspiracy theories, including claims that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax. Jones alleged that the victims of the attack were crisis actors, a narrative that prompted defamation lawsuits from the families of those killed. Following a court-ordered judgment for damages, the platform was placed into a bankruptcy auction, with Global Tetrahedron, the parent company of The Onion, emerging as the winning bidder in November 2024.

Media additions

The assets involved in the stalled transfer include the website, social media accounts, an office located in Austin, Texas, and an armoured truck. Ben Collins, chief executive of Global Tetrahedron, noted that the organization has maintained a steely resolve throughout the two-year period of legal friction. According to Collins, the effort to acquire the site is intended to provide what he describes as karmic justice by recasting the platform as a parody of itself and redirecting proceeds from the venture to the families affected by Jones’s claims.

While the formal transfer is currently obstructed by bankruptcy proceedings, The Onion has moved ahead with its operational strategy. The project features actor Tim Heidecker, who has been cast to portray a parody version of Jones. Heidecker’s performance includes a series of broadcasts that mirror the original creator’s style, an effort Collins describes as a move to make fun of the dominant form of media.

Collins indicated that the initiative is deeply personal, rooted in his professional history covering the rise of online misinformation. As a reporter, Collins faced the impact of conspiracy narratives firsthand, including the aftermath of the 2015 shooting of journalist Alison Parker, which was also subject to false claims by online figures. He stated that the current state of the media environment and the prevalence of gun violence in the United States served as catalysts for his decision to pursue the acquisition. Furthermore, Collins expressed that the families of the Sandy Hook victims have provided express permission for these efforts.

Despite the bankruptcy auction outcome, Jones continues to broadcast, operating outside of the company that he formerly led. He has been documented using the Infowars X page to air segments attacking public figures and discussing topics ranging from political developments to artificial intelligence. Jones’s current audience reach appears diminished compared to the outlet's height, with viewer counts often landing in the low five figures.

Financial gains from the acquisition efforts have already begun to accumulate. The Onion has generated profit through the sale of Infowars-themed merchandise, which is intended to be distributed to the Sandy Hook families once the legal transfer of the platform is finalized. Collins estimated that the families stand to receive approximately two million dollars upon the conclusion of the court proceedings, in addition to the funds already collected from merchandise sales.

What to watch next

• The conclusion of the bankruptcy proceedings that currently prevent the formal handover of physical and digital assets to Global Tetrahedron.
• The long-term plans of Global Tetrahedron to transform the platform into a venue for emerging comedy talent.