Johnson & Johnson continues to face legal challenges over allegations that its talcum powder causes cancer. Recently, a judge dismissed the company’s latest attempt to settle thousands of lawsuits through bankruptcy, marking the second time J&J’s bankruptcy strategy has been rebuffed. We take a look at the timeline of the talc litigation below.
Johnson & Johnson is planning on spinning off its consumer unit, which will be known as “Kenvue.” The separation of the unit could happen later this year.
The company’s talc-related troubles started in 2009 when the first lawsuit was filed against J&J alleging its talc products caused a woman’s ovarian cancer. By 2016, J&J suffered its first significant legal defeat with a $72 million verdict. In 2018, a jury ordered the company to pay $4.69 billion to cancer victims.
Johnson & Johnson began selling its Baby Powder brand of talcum powder in 1894.
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