Infowars host and noted conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was widely mocked after breaking down in crocodile tears on his show after claiming that he was "duped by someone" and now the government is trying to shut down his studio.
But that's not the whole story.
Jones' meltdown came as relatives of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting urged a bankruptcy judge to liquidate Jones' media company, including Infowars, rather than allowing him to reorganize his business. This move comes as they aim to collect $1.5 billion in lawsuit verdicts against him.
Lawyers for the families filed an emergency motion in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston. They argued that Jones' Free Speech Systems has "no prospect" of obtaining court approval for a reorganization plan and has "failed to demonstrate any hope of beginning to satisfy" the legal claims. These claims stem from Jones' assertions that the 2012 school shooting was a hoax.
But Jones, ever the victim, used the moment to "cry" and complain, saying:
"I've literally fought these people from day one knowing I was right but this is probably our last broadcast. We've had these demons after us. They're so pathetic but it's okay."
"We hope we're back tomorrow... we're under total attack. ... 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... This may be my final performance.”
At this point, he began to "cry" openly on camera, twisting his face into a not very believable expression of sadness:
"At the end of the day, we're going to beat these people. I'm not trying to be dramatic but it's still a hard fight. These people hate us."
You can hear what Jones said in the videos below.
Jones later insisted his display was not a “publicity stunt." He claimed in comments to The Daily Beast that the art in the studio "was taken off the walls, employees took their stuff home, there were tears."
But no one was buying it and Jones was mocked profusely.
If liquidation proceeds, Jones, based in Austin, Texas, may be required to sell most of his assets, including his company. However, he would likely be allowed to keep his home and other personal belongings exempt from bankruptcy liquidation.
The proceeds from the sale would be distributed to his creditors, including the Sandy Hook families. As of now, there is no agreement or court ruling on the specifics of how liquidation would be implemented in Jones' cases.
Both Jones and Free Speech Systems filed for bankruptcy reorganization following the lawsuits won by the Sandy Hook families in Texas and Connecticut.
The families claimed defamation and emotional distress due to Jones' false assertions that the 2012 school shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 20 first graders and six educators, was staged by crisis actors to promote gun control laws.
Over the past several months, Jones' lawyers have been unable to reach a settlement with the attorneys representing the Sandy Hook families regarding the bankruptcy cases. Recently, Jones' lawyer indicated in court that the cases appear to be heading toward liquidation or withdrawal.
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