The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Alex Jones’ attempt to overturn a $1.4 billion defamation judgment related to his false claims that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a government-staged hoax. The decision, issued Oct. 14, leaves in place the Connecticut jury’s ruling against the Infowars founder.
Background on the Case
Jones repeatedly claimed the mass shooting — in which 26 people, including 20 children, were killed by 20-year-old Adam Lanza — was fabricated. A Connecticut judge found Jones liable by default in 2021 after he refused to comply with court orders or hand over evidence. A jury later determined the damages he owed to families of victims and an FBI agent.
Jones’ Legal Arguments
Jones asked the Supreme Court to intervene, arguing he was denied a proper trial and that state courts should not be able to issue administrative default judgments against media figures. His lawyers described the outcome as “a financial death penalty by fiat imposed on a media defendant whose broadcasts reach millions.” The court declined to review the case or to shield his assets, including Infowars, during the appeal.
Additional Judgments
In addition to the $1.4 billion Connecticut judgment, Jones also faces nearly $50 million in damages from a Texas lawsuit brought by the parents of a six-year-old Sandy Hook victim.
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