Popular radio host embroiled in child custody dispute

Most Louisianans are easily able to separate their personal and professional lives. However, when one’s profession has a direct impact on his or her personal life, it can be difficult to untangle the two. This may not happen all that often, but it can become an issue when couples divorce and child custody becomes a heated dispute.

To see this, one need look no further than the ongoing custody battle between radio host Alex Jones and his ex-wife, Kelly Jones. Alex Jones is best known for his on-air personality, which has drawn criticism for its outlandish claims. For example, Jones has previously claimed that the Sandy Hook school shooting was faked, and that the federal government initiated a hoax that became 9/11. Now, during the custody case, his ex-wife claims that his on-air personality is who he is as a person. Jones, or at least his attorneys, argue that his on-air act is precisely that: an act.

Why does this matter? It matters because a court will make a child custody determination based on the best interests of the children involved. Here, Ms. Jones argues that Mr. Jones’s violent tirades are harmful to her children. She also appears to argue that the children are often present while Mr. Jones airs his show from his in-home studio, exposing them to detrimental material. This dispute seems to put Alex Jones in a tough spot, as he has to either admit to his fan base that he doesn’t believe what he says on air, or admit that his on-air persona is the real him, thereby putting the custody of his children on the line.

Custody and visitation matters like these are oftentimes difficult to handle because there are many moving pieces. However, failing to comb through the details could result in a party missing a key fact that might sway a judge or jury’s decision. With that in mind, those confronting contentious child custody issues may find it in their best interests to seek out legal counsel.

Source: ABA Journal, “Lawyers for radio host Alex Jones argue in child custody case that his persona is an act,” Lorelei Laird, April 18, 2017