Jones has requested a U.S. judge to convert his bankruptcy to a Chapter 7 liquidation, abandoning efforts to resolve significant legal judgments linked to his statements regarding the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. According to Reuters, Jones’ legal team stated that he believes there is no realistic chance of successfully reorganizing his debts, primarily arising from $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits.
A Chapter 7 liquidation does not absolve Jones from paying the legal judgments but provides a more efficient process for selling his personal assets under the guidance of a court-appointed trustee. This decision sets the stage for a future where Jones will no longer be the owner of Infowars, the media outlet he established in the late 1990s. Courts in Texas and Connecticut have separately ordered Jones to compensate $1.5 billion to the families of 20 students and six staff members who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook shooting.
While bankruptcy can eliminate debts and legal judgments, the judge overseeing Jones’ case ruled in October that most of the defamation verdicts cannot be discharged due to the “willful and malicious injury” caused by Jones. This development follows Jones’ warning that Infowars could face closure sooner rather than later.
Jones said, “This is going to be Infowars’ last show, because I learned yesterday that they were going to padlock the door and kick us out last night.”
He added, “We’re going to beat these people. I’m not trying to be dramatic, but it’s been a hard fight.”
Jones concluded, “I’ve been targeted for abuse. I was duped by someone. Federal files in secret have claimed that I’m committing crimes. This was untrue, of course.”
CNN points out that the liquidation of Jones’ assets does not necessarily indicate the end of Infowars. There are various potential outcomes, such as the court-appointed trustee selling the business to a new owner.
