Poll of the Day > Alex Jones (Info Wars) on the Hook for nearly one Billion Dollars...

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/12/alex-jones-sandy-hook-hoax-lawsuit-damages

No pun intended, but do you think he will be able to pay?

I'll be honest, I haven't been following this closely, but did he ever state for people to go and do what they did? I just don't see how a guy saying "this was fake" should be held liable for people who then mail threats and urinate on graves. Those were their choices to make. If he did say to go harass people, I get it. I don't know, the whole thing is just flatout weird in the first place.

And to be on-topic, no. I don't think people realize how big of a number one billion is when it comes to something like donations to keep one person afloat in something like this. Some of the nation's largest charity events don't even pull in $100M when they're hosted.

GanglyKhan posted...

I'll be honest, I haven't been following this closely, but did he ever state for people to go and do what they did? I just don't see how a guy saying "this was fake" should be held liable for people who then mail threats and urinate on graves. Those were their choices to make. If he did say to go harass people, I get it. I don't know, the whole thing is just flatout weird in the first place.

Wtf!?

On topic: This is great news and I wish we could see this kind of accountability across the board but the largest news network wont ever feel it.

It'll get reduced significantly I'm sure but I hope it stays large.

Nothing that I've seen that he said justifies a billion dollar payout. Defamation or lible, sure, if he spoke about or targeted specific individuals. There's no way he has a spare billion laying around anyway. He won't be able to pay.

GanglyKhan posted...

I'll be honest, I haven't been following this closely, but did he ever state for people to go and do what they did? I just don't see how a guy saying "this was fake" should be held liable for people who then mail threats and urinate on graves. Those were their choices to make. If he did say to go harass people, I get it. I don't know, the whole thing is just flatout weird in the first place.

And to be on-topic, no. I don't think people realize how big of a number one billion is when it comes to something like donations to keep one person afloat in something like this. Some of the nation's largest charity events don't even pull in $100M when they're hosted.

How about you start a radio show that pedals wild lies, pins the horrible ideas it on scapegoats, and then when a mass-shooting happens at an elementary school, you tell your audience of millions repeatedly that it was fake and these people are lying to 'the media'. Oh, also, you're profiting millions of dollars off of it.

See how it goes. These people want accountability. You don't get to lie to a massive audience and specifically target grieving parents, and then lie that you 'barely covered it' when you repeatedly focused on it for months on end.

Is there a time limit? How long doe she have to pay?

ReturnOfFa posted...

See how it goes. These people want accountability. You don't get to lie to a massive audience and specifically target grieving parents, and then lie that you 'barely covered it' when you repeatedly focused on it for months on end.

That's where my confusion was at. I was unaware whether or not he himself was targeting people or not. I don't care for the man, so I don't read up on him, this is the first I've honestly looked into it since he got notorious from speaking about the shooting. Thank you for explaining it to me.

My buddy showed me the amount today, and I was like, No way he can pay that! Thats almost 1 billion! And he agreed. I feel like thats way more than he has Anyway, hes fucked, I guess So, thats good

good

bury him in crippling debt for the rest of his life

GanglyKhan posted...

That's where my confusion was at. I was unaware whether or not he himself was targeting people or not. I don't care for the man, so I don't read up on him, this is the first I've honestly looked into it since he got notorious from speaking about the shooting. Thank you for explaining it to me.

Sorry if I sounded harsh. His cohosts at one point read off the address of a parent. Within weeks of their children dying, people who had listened to Infowars broadcasts were calling these parents and saying disgusting things about their children, and showing up at the parents homes.

ReturnOfFa posted...

Sorry if I sounded harsh. His cohosts at one point read off the address of a parent. Within weeks of their children dying, people who had listened to Infowars broadcasts were calling these parents and saying disgusting things about their children, and showing up at the parents homes.

No, no, you're good. And then when I also think about it more based on what you just said there, it's not as if he didn't have countless opportunities to tell them to stop that as well, so I do see how it's one of those things where condoning the behavior allows it to continue. Also, I apologize if my original message came off as callous.

From what I know about how he acted, all I can say is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdOPBP9vuZA

GanglyKhan posted...

I'll be honest, I haven't been following this closely, but did he ever state for people to go and do what they did? I just don't see how a guy saying "this was fake" should be held liable for people who then mail threats and urinate on graves. Those were their choices to make. If he did say to go harass people, I get it. I don't know, the whole thing is just flatout weird in the first place.

And to be on-topic, no. I don't think people realize how big of a number one billion is when it comes to something like donations to keep one person afloat in something like this. Some of the nation's largest charity events don't even pull in $100M when they're hosted.

I don't remember now but I'm pretty sure the reason this is happening is because he completely refused to comply with the court and he fell into default judgement.

A default judgment (also known as judgment by default) is a ruling granted by a judge or court in favor of a plaintiff in the event that the defendant in a legal case fails to respond to a court summons or does not appear in court.

I do believe he deserved to lose this case on it's merits regardless. He knew what he was doing and what the effect of it was, I believe he took this well beyond the bounds of protected speech.

"Verdict is second big judgment against Infowars host over promotion of the lie that the 2012 massacre never happened"

Wait, almost a billion dollars is only the second biggest judgement?

I have too many questions. What's their game plan in all this? Because right now I'm suddenly interested in the conspiracy.

ReturnOfFa posted...

His cohosts at one point read off the address of a parent. Within weeks of their children dying, people who had listened to Infowars broadcasts were calling these parents and saying disgusting things about their children, and showing up at the parents homes.

Rifling through their trash, harassing them at funerals, threatening to murder them, forcing them to move repeatedly... and yes, Jones and Co did encourage it for their own personal profit. Almost immediately after the shooting, he was singling out families and accusing them of inventing children that didn't actually exist.

NeoSioType posted...

I have too many questions. What's their game plan in all this? Because right now I'm suddenly interested in the conspiracy.

Game plan in what?

ReturnOfFa posted...

a radio show that pedals wild lies

*peddles ?

Metalsonic66 posted...

*peddles ?

thank you, I knew it looked wrong lol. but in my head I was like 'well, it's not petals!!!' lmao

undefined posted...

I have too many questions. What's their game plan in all this? Because right now I'm suddenly interested in the conspiracy.

the interest was definitely something called CHA-CHING CHA-CHING

rjsilverthorn posted...

"Verdict is second big judgment against Infowars host over promotion of the lie that the 2012 massacre never happened"

Wait, almost a billion dollars is only the second biggest judgement?

No. 2nd judgment. Chronologically.
There was one in TX before this that he also lost. It was capped by TX law, though. I think $100K.

Pedal to the Meddle

He won't be able to pay it.

The term y'all are looking for is Stochastic Terrorism

I doubt the families will get that money but Alex Jones is a terrible butthole human being and I hope a bunch of children beat him up

Overlooking the chilling implications this has for the exercise of free speech, does he even have a billion dollars? Once again, CT is showing itself to be among the worst states in the country.

And also, this was a case that was never actually tried. The judge kept pushing for additional documents, with an ever-increasing standard. When Jones & co couldn't finally produce everything, the judge awarded a default judgment in favor of the plaintiffs. In fact, BOTH trials were default judgments.

HornedLion posted...

On topic: This is great news and I wish we could see this kind of accountability across the board but the largest news network wont ever feel it.

Unfortunately, CNN will continue to run fake and inaccurate news, ranging from false reports about terrorist attack suspects all the way to asking if planes got eaten by black holes.

GanglyKhan posted...

That's where my confusion was at. I was unaware whether or not he himself was targeting people or not. I don't care for the man, so I don't read up on him, this is the first I've honestly looked into it since he got notorious from speaking about the shooting. Thank you for explaining it to me.

afaik, he wasn't targeting people individually, but he accused them collectively of lying. More importantly, he questioned the government, specifically the elements unaffected by elections since they're long-term appointments, hires, etc.

Considering what the US government has engaged in over the past two decades alone -- warrantless wiretaps, mass surveillance, torturing whistleblowers, etc, -- this should ring alarm bells. However, people are greeting these things with thunderous applause

ReturnOfFa posted...

Sorry if I sounded harsh. His cohosts at one point read off the address of a parent.

I don't condone that, but is the disclosure of public records illegal? I seem to recall you either raised no objection (or might have even been shocking okay) with doxing people's flight schedules -- which ISN'T public information -- and other behavior that enabled stalking.

(And yes, home addresses and phone numbers are public record. It's also easily-accessed in CT thanks to the state's voter ID laws, provided the person is a registered voter.)

NeoSioType posted...

I have too many questions. What's their game plan in all this? Because right now I'm suddenly interested in the conspiracy.

A lot of people believe in these conspiracy theories, the same as the Truther movement. Jones didn't create the conspiracy theory, but he reported on it and -- just like any other media organization -- profited from reporting on it. But no matter what Jones did, he profited from reporting on so it's not like this made his career or anything. He probably made more off chemtrails than anything related to Sandy Hook.

Count_Drachma posted...

Overlooking the chilling implications this has for the exercise of free speech

Deliberately spreading false information isn't protected speech

Its always a great topic when Rev and Zeus can show up and make stupid ass comments.

Would be amazing if that sack of shit ended up broke and destitute. Sorry but if you've made a career off telling dangerous lies to a mob of lunatics in order to fill your own pockets then you can shove your free speech right up your ass.

The best part of this is that he cannot discharge this through bankruptcy.

It's amazing how he stabbed himself in the foot so many times because his lawyer is a crackpot. Skipping court, going on air and shit talking everyone in the courtroom, and calling them slurs and demons didn't help, among other things.

How easy would it have been for a normal person to brush this off as "my free speech"?

You can pretend life is one big thought experiment all you want, but courtrooms have rules.

rjsilverthorn posted...

Wait, almost a billion dollars is only the second biggest judgement?

No. 2nd judgment. Chronologically.
There was one in TX before this that he also lost. It was capped by TX law, though. I think $100K

I think the poster meant overall in Trial history not this particular case...I think one of the Tobacco lawsuits had a Higher number
EDIT: Some of those are settlements so it might be another one for Judgement awards

https://finlegal.io/news-blog/what-are-the-5-biggest-class-actions-of-all-time

pionear posted...

I think the poster meant overall in Trial history not this particular case...I think one of the Tobacco lawsuits had a Higher number
EDIT: Some of those are settlements so it might be another one for Judgement awards

https://finlegal.io/news-blog/what-are-the-5-biggest-class-actions-of-all-time

I actually just misread what it said, it said 'the second big judgement' not 'the second biggest judgement'. It was late.

Count_Drachma posted...

Overlooking the chilling implications this has for the exercise of free speech

Oh yes it will be "chilling" on freedom of speech when unprotected speech isn't protected.

stochastic terrorism involves 'the use of mass media to provoke random acts of ideologically motivated violence that are statistically predictable but individually unpredictable'

And also, this was a case that was never actually tried. The judge kept pushing for additional documents, with an ever-increasing standard. When Jones & co couldn't finally produce everything, the judge awarded a default judgment in favor of the plaintiffs. In fact, BOTH trials were default judgments.

They were default judgements because he refused to cooperate, you're lying.

afaik, he wasn't targeting people individually, but he accused them collectively of lying. More importantly, he questioned the government, specifically the elements unaffected by elections since they're long-term appointments, hires, etc.

Considering what the US government has engaged in over the past two decades alone -- warrantless wiretaps, mass surveillance, torturing whistleblowers, etc, -- this should ring alarm bells. However, people are greeting these things with thunderous applause

Holy shit you're defending what he did? He lied about random people and made them targets of threats and acts from people as delusional as you are.

I don't condone that, but is the disclosure of public records illegal? I seem to recall you either raised no objection (or might have even been shocking okay) with doxing people's flight schedules -- which ISN'T public information -- and other behavior that enabled stalking.

Stop defending evil. They were disclosing their addresses to make them a target, inciting people to lawless actions isn't protected speech.

(And yes, home addresses and phone numbers are public record. It's also easily-accessed in CT thanks to the state's voter ID laws, provided the person is a registered voter.)

Does not matter.

A lot of people believe in these conspiracy theories, the same as the Truther movement. Jones didn't create the conspiracy theory, but he reported on it and -- just like any other media organization -- profited from reporting on it. But no matter what Jones did, he profited from reporting on so it's not like this made his career or anything. He probably made more off chemtrails than anything related to Sandy Hook.

Not something you can slap a number on.

Yellow posted...

It's amazing how he stabbed himself in the foot so many times because his lawyer is a crackpot. Skipping court, going on air and shit talking everyone in the courtroom, and calling them slurs and demons didn't help, among other things.

How easy would it have been for a normal person to brush this off as "my free speech"?

You can pretend life is one big thought experiment all you want, but courtrooms have rules.

I pretty much agree with this take. When your actions have the kind of consequences that incite people to harass victims and their families and you do nothing to mitigate or prevent it, you are not allowed to pretend that the courtroom is a closed bubble that actions outside of the court arent affected by.

His idea of free speech is a farce. Its a sad attempt at plausible deniability and ignores the pain hes indirectly caused, and I refuse to believe that he wasnt at least aware of people harassing families of victims.

Count_Drachma posted...

And also, this was a case that was never actually tried. The judge kept pushing for additional documents, with an ever-increasing standard. When Jones & co couldn't finally produce everything, the judge awarded a default judgment in favor of the plaintiffs. In fact, BOTH trials were default judgments.

Jones never produced anything, nor did he ever actually show up for anything

which is why this happened.

of course, you do have a history of defending racist and antisemitic radio hosts so it's unsurprising you would say any of this

topic.php?id=77993728

i still can't get over that phone thing. MAN, both jones and his lawyers fucked the trial up about as much as they possibly could

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/6/5/5/AAQwHjAADxnX.jpg

Count_Drachma posted...

A lot of people believe in these conspiracy theories, the same as the Truther movement. Jones didn't create the conspiracy theory, but he reported on it and -- just like any other media organization -- profited from reporting on it.

if you've ever listened to Alex Jones, you would understand that what he does is not 'reporting', nor is it 'like any other media organization', although Fox is ever closer as was RT.

Take that bastard for everything he's got!

Cacciato posted...

Its always a great topic when Rev and Zeus can show up and make stupid ass comments.

Yeah because Alex Jones is definitely a billionaire.

Revelation34 posted...

Yeah because Alex Jones is definitely a billionaire.

No shit, Rev. Thats why you pointing out he cant pay it is so fuckin stupid.

Count_Drachma posted...

Overlooking the chilling implications this has for the exercise of free speech, does he even have a billion dollars? Once again, CT is showing itself to be among the worst states in the country.

And also, this was a case that was never actually tried. The judge kept pushing for additional documents, with an ever-increasing standard. When Jones & co couldn't finally produce everything, the judge awarded a default judgment in favor of the plaintiffs. In fact, BOTH trials were default judgments.

Gonna ignore the rest of this post because its unhinged ramblings that have no basis in reality.

But the chilling implications that you cant incite others to violence? Fucking shocking! Thats only been illegal for 250 years!!!

And they were tried. Jones didnt cooperate. So, yes, he loses by default. Thats what happens when you disrespect the court. You lose. If you dont show for appointments, if you dont give requested documents, if you go on your radio show and call the judge a demon, you fucking lose your case. Its called contempt of court.

papercup posted...

Gonna ignore the rest of this post because its unhinged ramblings that have no basis in reality.

But the chilling implications that you cant incite others to violence? Fucking shocking! Thats only been illegal for 250 years!!!

And they were tried. Jones didnt cooperate. So, yes, he loses by default. Thats what happens when you disrespect the court. You lose. If you dont show for appointments, if you dont give requested documents, if you go on your radio show and call the judge a demon, you fucking lose your case. Its called contempt of court.

A judge wouldn't be able to do a default judgement if that was the only thing done.

You got to play to win and Jones not turning in discovery docs doomed him, but to me he largely falls under rhetorical hyperbole. I don't think any reasonable person can take him seriously. I know it is an overused strategy now a days, but if Trump & Tucker can do it and have it work, then Alex, "they are turning the frogs gay" Jones should be able to too. Probably would not have worked since the court seem out for blood in this case given the absurd compensatory damages awarded, but I don't know how anyone can take Jones seriously, even the Onion is more believable than him.

DragonClaw01 posted...

You got to play to win and Jones not turning in discovery docs doomed him, but to me he largely falls under rhetorical hyperbole. I don't think any reasonable person can take him seriously. I know it is an overused strategy now a days, but if Trump & Tucker can do it and have it work, then Alex, "they are turning the frogs gay" Jones should be able to too. Probably would not have worked since the court seem out for blood in this case given the absurd compensatory damages awarded, but I don't know how anyone can take Jones seriously, even the Onion is more believable than him.

Oh trust me they do take him seriously. Even after admitting to make it up just to make money.

He should be in jail. This guy along with Roger Stone, played a very important role in the rise of Trump with their lies and conspiracy theories then Jones went to far with the Sandy Hook lies.

Revelation34 posted...

Oh trust me they do take him seriously. Even after admitting to make it up just to make money.

I remember recently him doing a reaction video to the Ford Lightning towing video that is making the rounds. The thesis of that video is that the Lightning has no range when towing, but when Jones reacted the video he made the absurd conclusion that the truck can't go above 20 MPH, despite the video he was reacting to showing the car going above 60 MPH. I mean, do these people even believe thier eyes, even discounting the fact that everyone knows that electric vehicles are capable of going quite fast. The viewers would have to be dumb & blind to believe the assertions that Jones made in that video.

BUMPED2002 posted...

He should be in jail. This guy along with Roger Stone, played a very important role in the rise of Trump with their lies and conspiracy theories then Jones went to far with the Sandy Hook lies.

Hey @BUMPED2002 , why do you keep ducking out of all your topics?

DragonClaw01 posted...

You got to play to win and Jones not turning in discovery docs doomed him, but to me he largely falls under rhetorical hyperbole. I don't think any reasonable person can take him seriously. I know it is an overused strategy now a days, but if Trump & Tucker can do it and have it work, then Alex, "they are turning the frogs gay" Jones should be able to too. Probably would not have worked since the court seem out for blood in this case given the absurd compensatory damages awarded, but I don't know how anyone can take Jones seriously, even the Onion is more believable than him.

The "reasonable person" argument really needs to be looked at in modern days. That is the argument Sydney Powell and others are attempting to defend themselves. I don't see how it matters if the person who believes them is reasonable or not, this guy has a massive audience and a lot of them DID believe him and they did engage in a consistent harassment and threat campaign against the families that did not constitute protected speech.