The Daily The Alex Jones Verdict and the Fight Against Disinformation
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Aug 8, 2022 In this conversation, Elizabeth Williamson, a feature writer for The New York Times known for her insights into high-profile legal cases, dives deep into the Alex Jones defamation trial. She discusses the emotional toll on Sandy Hook families due to misinformation and the landmark ruling that ordered Jones to pay $45 million. Williamson highlights a mother's bravery as she confronts Jones in court, advocating for justice and truth. The discussion sheds light on the broader implications of disinformation in today's media landscape.
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Alex Jones's rise as a conspiracy theorist
- Alex Jones, starting in the '90s, spread conspiracy theories about events like the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11.
- His conspiracies intensified in 2012 when he falsely claimed the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax to take away guns.
Jesse Lewis's bravery
- Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis are parents of Jesse Lewis, a six-year-old killed in the Sandy Hook shooting.
- Jesse's heroic act during the shooting saved nine of his classmates.
The genesis of the defamation lawsuit
- After Neil Heslin appeared on Megyn Kelly's show discussing the shooting, Jones and his associate, Owen Schroyer, falsely claimed Heslin lied about holding his son's body.
- This led to the defamation lawsuit.