BBC News coverage Johnson and Johnson talc Asbestos Scandal
06 June 2024 - 3 minute read
06 June 2024 - 3 minute read
The following articles are BBC news reports covering the ongoing Johnson & Johnson talc claim scandal. They provide detailed insights into the legal battles, health implications, and corporate responses associated with the controversy:
May 2024 - Johnson & Johnson proposed a $6.475 billion settlement over 25 years to resolve most of its 59,000 talc-related lawsuits, part of an $11 billion fund. It aims to end litigation despite claiming no merit to the cases. Previous offers included $9 billion for broader claims. Reactions are mixed, with some lawyers saying it undervalues the claims. J&J, which stopped selling talc-based baby powder in 2020, maintains its products are safe.
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January 2024 - Johnson & Johnson (J&J) agreed to a $700 million settlement with over 40 US states over talc-based baby powder marketing. Facing 50,000 lawsuits alleging the product caused cancer, J&J insists it's safe but seeks resolution. Analysts predict J&J may spend over $10 billion. J&J stopped US sales in 2020, planning to end global sales and shift to a corn-starch version
April 2023 - Johnson & Johnson proposed a $9B settlement for 40,000+ lawsuits alleging its talc-based products cause cancer. Despite deeming the claims "specious," the company aims to end the legal battle, up from a previous $2B offer. Supported by 60,000 claimants, the proposal follows halted US sales in 2020 and bankruptcy court efforts since 2021.
August 2022 - Johnson & Johnson (J&J) will globally stop selling talc-based baby powder next year, after halting US and Canada sales in 2020 due to safety concerns. Facing lawsuits alleging asbestos contamination causing cancer, J&J maintains its safety and will transition to cornstarch-based powder, defending the product despite legal challenges
June 2021 - Johnson & Johnson will stop making and selling talc-based baby powder globally in 2022, after halting sales in the US and Canada in 2020 due to safety concerns and lawsuits. Despite claims that its talc powder contained asbestos and caused cancer, J&J asserts that independent research confirms its safety. The company will shift to an all cornstarch-based baby powder portfolio amid ongoing legal battles and significant financial settlements.
October 2019 - Johnson & Johnson recalled 33,000 bottles of baby powder in the US after the FDA found asbestos in a purchased bottle. Customers should stop using powder from the affected batch immediately. J&J initiated the recall out of caution and is reviewing the test's integrity. The recall adds to J&J's legal issues, including thousands of lawsuits claiming its talc products caused cancer. Shares fell over 3%.
December 2018 - Shares in Johnson & Johnson dropped over 10% following a Reuters report revealing the company had known about asbestos in its talcum powder for decades. Facing numerous lawsuits claiming the talc caused cancer, internal documents showed trace asbestos from 1971 to the early 2000s. Investors' concerns led to significant market value loss, with mixed legal case outcomes, including a $4.7bn payout in July.
July 2018 - Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $4.7 billion to 22 women who claimed its talc products caused ovarian cancer. A Missouri jury awarded $550 million in compensation and $4.1 billion in punitive damages. Facing 9,000 similar cases, J&J plans to appeal, denying asbestos in their talc. Plaintiffs argued J&J knew about asbestos risks since the 1970s. Six of the 22 women have died.
August 2017 - Johnson & Johnson must pay $417 million to Eva Echeverria, who claims she developed ovarian cancer from using their talc-based products. This is the largest award in a series of similar lawsuits. Johnson & Johnson, facing numerous claims, plans to appeal, asserting their products' safety. Echeverria, with terminal ovarian cancer, alleged the company hid the risks.
May 2017 - Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has been ordered by a US court to pay over $110 million to Lois Slemp, who developed ovarian cancer after using its talcum powder for four decades. Prosecutors claimed J&J failed to warn about the cancer risks. The verdict includes $5.4 million in compensatory damages and $105 million in punitive damages. J&J plans to appeal, defending its product's safety.
I was still in my childbearing years, my husband and I were still young. I was lying there, and it just hit me, Oh, my gosh, I cannot have kids anymore. We are done having a family, we do not have a choice. It is not my choice anymore.Lora StahlClaimant with Ovarian cancer | 01/05/2024
06 June 2024