THE WHAT? A Los Angeles Superior Court jury has awarded US$40m in compensatory damages against Johnson & Johnson in a talc-related ovarian cancer lawsuit involving two long-term users of the company’s baby powder products.
THE DETAILS The verdict follows a four-week trial brought by plaintiffs Monica Kent and Deborah Schultz, who developed ovarian cancer after decades of using talc-based baby powder. The damages award also includes compensation for Schultz’s husband, Dr. Albert Schultz.
Jurors heard testimony from former US Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. David Kessler, who cited internal Johnson & Johnson documents dating back to the 1970s and testified that the company was aware of asbestos contamination risks in talc products for decades. Medical experts presented epidemiological and pathological evidence linking frequent genital talc use to increased ovarian cancer risk.
The case marks the first plaintiffs’ verdict in a talc–ovarian cancer trial since 2021 and is the first of at least 10 trials expected through the first half of 2026. It proceeds independently of federal multidistrict litigation in New Jersey, where more than 70,000 talc-related claims remain pending following multiple failed bankruptcy strategies by Johnson & Johnson.
THE WHY? The ruling increases litigation and financial risk exposure for legacy talc products and keeps regulatory, legal and reputational scrutiny on cosmetic-grade talc sourcing, disclosure and long-term safety across the beauty and personal care industry.
Source: Businesswire
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