Alex Jones, founder of Infowars, asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday to delay a $1.4 billion damages ruling against him for defaming the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims. The families sued Jones after he falsely claimed the 2012 shooting was a hoax and that the victims' relatives were actors.
The Supreme Court filing marks the latest effort by Jones to postpone any payment. Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, also seek the court's review of their appeal, which will be discussed at a closed-door conference on Friday. Jones's lawyers argue that the case threatens the free speech rights of journalists, warning that large defamation awards could lead to self-censorship.
During the trial, evidence showed Jones continued spreading false claims for financial gain, resulting in harassment and threats against the families. Despite the damage awards in 2022, the families have yet to receive any compensation.
The Supreme Court filing marks the latest effort by Jones to postpone any payment. Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, also seek the court's review of their appeal, which will be discussed at a closed-door conference on Friday. Jones's lawyers argue that the case threatens the free speech rights of journalists, warning that large defamation awards could lead to self-censorship.
During the trial, evidence showed Jones continued spreading false claims for financial gain, resulting in harassment and threats against the families. Despite the damage awards in 2022, the families have yet to receive any compensation.
