Published: Just now
Today begins the trial that will determine how much conspiracy theorist Alex Jones must pay to the parents of the victims of the Newtown school massacre in 2012.
The parents have sued Alex Jones, who broadcasts web television and publishes podcasts on his website Infowars, for falsely claiming that the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown did not take place.
The trial in Austin, Texas, where Alex Jones lives and broadcasts his television show, has been delayed by several months. Jones filed for bankruptcy protection for Infowars shortly before the trial was set to begin in April.
The damages are a new threat to Alex Jones’ business operations. He has already been banned from Youtube, Facebook and Spotify for violating the platforms’ rules against hate speech.
Guilty of defamation
In addition, Alex Jones must pay damages in a separate defamation case to other parents of victims of the massacre in Newtown, Connecticut. The lawsuit filings did not specify an exact amount that Alex Jones must pay.
Courts in Texas and Connecticut have already found Alex Jones guilty of libel for describing the Sandy Hook massacre as a hoax staged by actors with the aim of curtailing gun rights in the United States. Followers of the conspiracy theorist have harassed and threatened to kill relatives of the victims.
Big revenue
In the school shooting, the deadliest in US history, 20 elementary students and six teachers were killed. Families of eight of the victims and an FBI agent who responded to the massacre have sued Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems.
Jones has since admitted to the shooting. Last year, he claimed he has a $20 million shortfall in capital, but court documents show Alex Jones’ online store at Infowars, which sells nutritional supplements and survival gear, made more than $165 million between 2015 and 2018. Jones has also asked his audience to donate money.