Elon Musk Allows Controversial Conspiracy Theorist Alex Jones, Who Called Sandy Hook Victims ‘Crisis Actors,’ Back On X

Elon Musk has reinstated the banned X account of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones – and stirred up even more controversy among advertisers. 

On Saturday, Musk conducted a poll in which he asked users whether Jones should be allowed back on the platform, formerly known as Twitter.

The results of the poll showed that 70% of respondents believed that Jones should be reinstated. Musk took to X again on Sunday and stated, “The people have spoken and so it shall be.”

Shortly after Musk’s announcement, Jones’ posts reappeared on the platform, with the last one posted back in 2018 when he and his show, Infowars, were permanently banned for abusive behavior.

Musk, who considers himself a free speech absolutist, defended his decision and emphasized his philosophy that protects individuals’ rights to express their opinions. 

Additionally, Musk hinted that X’s crowd-sourced fact-checking service, Community Notes, would address any future posts by Jones that required correction.

This move marks a significant reversal for Musk, who had previously stated he would not allow Jones back on the platform, and cited his disdain for those who exploit tragic events for personal gain or political motives.

Last year, Musk tweeted, “I have no mercy for anyone who would use the deaths of children for gain, politics, or fame,” about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting – which Jones had repeatedly claimed was a hoax.

Jones was sued by relatives of the Sandy Hook shooting victims in Connecticut and Texas, which resulted in judgments of nearly $1.5 billion against him.

In October, a judge ruled that Jones could not use bankruptcy protection to avoid the payment of over $1.1 billion of that debt.

In the trials, the relatives testified they faced harassment and threats from Jones’ followers, who confronted them in person, accused them of being “crisis actors” and claimed their children never existed in the first place.

Jones currently is appealing the judgments, arguing that he did not receive fair trials and his speech is protected by the First Amendment.

The decision to reinstate Jones’ account coincides with the backlash Musk has faced from major brands like Disney and IBM, who pulled their advertisements on the platform due to concerns about their ads presented alongside extremist and hateful content.

Musk himself drew criticism for his endorsement of an antisemitic conspiracy theory earlier this month.

Since he acquired Twitter, Musk has extended “amnesty” to suspended accounts and has reinstated notable figures like former President Donald Trump, Kanye West and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia), all of whom faced bans for various reasons.

Trump has since launched his own social media site, Truth Social, and has been relatively inactive on Twitter.

Musk made headlines in October when he offered Wikipedia $1 billion to change its name to a curse word.