Over a decade after one of darkest days in conspiracy, American history, theorist Alex Jones is still attempting to outrun in consequences
This week the infowars founder asked US Supreme Court to overturna jaw dropping $1.44 billion defamation judgment against hime one that stemmed from years of promoting the false claim that 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre was government hoax.
Alex Jones
The Case That Could Rechange Free Speech Law
In a petition file September 5 Jones legal team argue massive judgment handed down Connecticut courts amount to financial death penalty one they added violates his First Amendment rights.
His lawyers insist that Jones never got fair trial claiming ruling based on default rather than evidence due to described as minor procedural missteps during discovery.
They argue that punishing someone for speech however offensive it may be set dangerous precedent.
.”Its amount that can never be paid” the petition said adding it could chill the reporting of news and encourage media outlets for censor themselves out of fear.
At heart of Jones legal argument is famous 1964 Supreme Court decision New York Times V Sullivan which shield journalist and public figure fom defamation claims unless actual malice can be proven.
What Led To Billion Dollar Judgment
Jones legal troubles start after repeatedly told mega online audience that Sandy Hook Shooting which claimed lives of 20 kids and six educators was stages using so called crisis actors.
In reply multiple families of victims as well as FBI agent who replied to tragedy sured hime for defamation citing years of abuse and threats they endured as result of claims.
In 2021 Connecticut judge found Jones in default for failing to comply with court orders effectively handing victory to plaintiffs and moving case straight to trial on damages.
A Waterbury jury awarded $965 million in damages which was later boosted by $473 million in damages bring the total to almost $1.44 billion.
In 2024, a state appellate court upheld most of the ruling. And in April 2025, Connecticut’s Supreme Court declined to revisit the case.
Alex Jones
Families Say Accountability Was long Overdue
During damages trial testimony from grieving family members painted harrowing picture of impact of Jones false claims.
Erica Lafferty daughter of slain Dawn Hochsprung announced she received rape threats from Jones followers FBI agent William Aldenberg who replied to scene was falsely labeled a crisis actor online and awarded $90 million in damages.
This was not free speech said Christopher Materl attorney to families
“It was targeted malicious harassment fueled by lies”
Mattel has called jones Supreme Court bid last gasp adding there is no legitimate basis for justice to take up case.
What Happens Now
The Supreme Court was now decide whether to even hear case.
If at least four justice agree it will move forward to full briefing argument if The $1.44 billion judgment remainfinal.
Jones financial empire is crumbling.
His company Free Speech system has been in out bankruptcy court.
His company Free Speech systems have been in and out of bankrupt court.
A Texas Judge appointed receiver to take over its assets though that under appeal.
The decision could have sweeping implication for how far the first Amendment goes in age of online misdata and what happens when speech lead to real world harm.
What Jones is Saying Now
Jones has admited the shooting was real.
He claims his statements were opinion protected speech not lies meant to defame.
His legal teamis asking nation highest court to weight in
They argue that allowing ruling to stand risks turning courts into arbiters of truth in public debate and conspiracy theories however extreme could become tomorrow censored speech.
The Mega Queries
Is Alex Jones being punised for defaming grieving families or for speaking unfamous even outrageous opinions?