The Onion, renowned for its satirical takes, has “explained” why it acquired the controversial far-right website Infowars. In a satirical post, the platform mocked its purchase, describing it as an “invaluable tool for brainwashing and controlling the masses.”
The acquisition happened during a bankruptcy auction on Thursday, 14th November. The New York Times reported that The Onion plans to transform Infowars into a parody of itself. The revamped site will target internet personalities who promote conspiracy theories and questionable health supplements.
Satirical Take on the Decision
In The Onion’s satirical article, Bryce P. Tetraeder, the fictional CEO of its parent company Global Tetrahedron, commented on the move.
“The decision to acquire Infowars was an easy one for the Global Tetrahedron executive board,” Tetraeder said.
Founded in 1999, Infowars gained notoriety during the Satanic Panic and has grown ever since. The CEO joked that the site has been “an invaluable tool for brainwashing and controlling the masses,” which made it irresistible to acquire.
“No price would be too high for such a cornucopia of malleable assets and minds,” Tetraeder added.
A Mockery of Radicalisation
Tetraeder also satirised Infowars’ history, noting its “unswerving commitment to manufacturing anger and radicalising the most vulnerable members of society.” He concluded by calling the acquisition “a coup for our company and a well-deserved victory for multinational elites the world over.”
The Onion’s playful commentary mirrors its approach to other contentious topics, blending humour with biting criticism.
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