The bankrupt parent of Alex Jones’ infamous Infowars program, Free Speech Systems LLC, has successfully obtained court approval to switch lawyers. This development occurs as the company navigates a critical period that might culminate in either a successful reorganization or orderly liquidation.
During the Chapter 11 proceedings for Free Speech Systems LLC, stakeholders concurred on terms permitting the right-wing media company to replace its main counsel and persist their efforts to reorganize in the upcoming weeks. The approval for a counsel switch was given by Judge Christopher Lopez of the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas during a hastily scheduled hearing on Monday.
- The company’s request to swap attorney Ray Battaglia with lawyers at O’ConnorWechsler PLLC was acknowledged consensually in accordance with an agreement among the major parties involved in the case.
- According to the trustee, it was agreed that discussions will continue on how to bring an end to both bankruptcy proceedings and the ongoing litigation initiated by Free Speech against PQPR Holdings—an Infowars vendor owned by Jones and his parents, which has allegedly received millions in insider payments.
- The trustee had previously stated that reorganization prospects for Free Speech look bleak, suggesting the court entertain a motion to convert the case to a Chapter 7 liquidation concurrently with considerations for a Chapter 11 plan approval.
Both Jones and his right-wing media company are resorting to bankruptcy to tackle $1.5 billion worth of state court judgments against them. These lawsuits were brought forward by families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook School shooting, who were defamed by Jones by insinuating they were crisis actors partaking in a hoax.
For professional reference, the case is In re Free Speech Systems LLC, Bankr. S.D. Tex., No. 22-60043 as of the hearing on March 11, 2024.