Kelly Rebecca Nichols is an American animal rights activist and the head of public relations and media operations for the nonprofit organization ‘People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA). She gained attention through her high-profile divorce from far-right conspiracy theorist and radio show host Alex Jones, which involved a legal battle over their children’s custody. Nichols is also known for her involvement in controversies and publicity stunts as part of her work with PETA.
Quick Facts
- Age: 55 Years
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Alex Jones (m. 2007–2015)
- Father: Edmund Lowe Nichols
- Mother: Sandra Kay Heiligman
- Siblings: James Edmund Nichols and Jill Elizabeth Nichols
- Children: Rex Jones
- Animal Rights Activists
- American Women
- U.S. State: Texas
Early Life & Career
Kelly Rebecca Nichols was born on July 2, 1968, in Travis County, Texas, USA, to Edmund Lowe Nichols and Sandra Kay Heiligman. She grew up in Travis County along with her siblings, James Edmund Nichols and Jill Elizabeth Nichols.
After completing her education, Kelly Nichols started working as an animal rights activist. She then moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where she became the head of public relations and media operations of ‘PETA.’ She also became involved in several publicity stunts that explained the importance of protecting animals.
In one such publicity stunt, Nichols showed up at the ‘Four Seasons Restaurant’ in New York City and placed a dead raccoon on Anna Wintour’s plate while the latter was enjoying dinner at the restaurant. Anna Wintour is a British-American journalist and editor-in-chief of ‘Vogue’ magazine. In another infamous publicity stunt, Nichols surprised American-Dominican fashion designer Oscar de la Renta by smashing a tofu cream pie into his face as part of her anti-fur campaign. Thanks to her innovative publicity stunts, Nichols was featured in several American publications which increased her popularity.
Relationship with Alex Jones
Kelly Rebecca Nichols married the well-known conspiracy theorist and radio show host Alex Jones, in 2007. She helped Jones’ career by promoting his shows. She also used her experience in the field of public relations and media operations to help Jones expand his brand ‘InfoWars.’ Subsequently, ‘InfoWars’ went on to become a popular conspiracy theory and fake news website. Nichols and Jones were blessed with three children before the couple decided to part ways.
As part of their divorce settlement, Jones was asked to pay $3.1 million to Nichols. She also received the keys to an impressive mansion in Austin, as part of the settlement. Their divorce was finalized in March 2015, and a battle of custody followed. In 2017, she sought joint or sole custody of their children, citing Jones’ behavior. Nichols said that she is concerned about his ‘felonious behavior’ and also claimed that he is ‘not a stable person.’ Later that year, Nichols revealed in one of her interviews that Jones had ridiculed her throughout their marriage and that he often exhibits rage. Eventually, she was granted the right to decide where her children should live, while Alex Jones was granted visitation rights by the court.
Family & Personal Life
Kelly Rebecca Nichols’ parents were Jews. Her father, Edmund Lowe Nichols, is a former US diplomat. In 1993, Nichols’ father was convicted for violating the conflict of interest statute under federal law. Kelly Nichols has a son and two daughters. Her son Rex Jones has worked for his father’s company ‘Infowars.’ He once made headlines for appearing in a video which criticized ‘gun control’ laws in the United States. Nichols currently lives in the US where she continues to work with ‘PETA.’