Tim Heidecker on The Onion's InfoWars and Making Fun of Alex Jones
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Onion has acquired InfoWars following Alex Jones' $1.4 billion defamation loss related to Sandy Hook conspiracy claims, aiming to transform it into a comedy platform that supports the victims' families.
- Despite a Texas appeals court temporarily halting The Onion's operation of InfoWars, the team, including comedian Tim Heidecker, is proceeding with content production and merchandise sales to assert control.
- InfoWars will officially relaunch on July 2 with shows like Heidecker's "Emergency" and The Onion's "The Jim Haggerty Show," focusing initially on satire of conspiracy culture before shifting to broader internet comedy.
- Heidecker emphasizes that their satire aims to expose absurdity and human flaws without didacticism, and notes strong support and gratitude from many Sandy Hook families involved in the process.
- The new InfoWars seeks to spotlight emerging comedic talent from diverse backgrounds, positioning itself as a fresh voice in comedy distinct from mainstream or traditional comedy circles.
