A Los Angeles jury has awarded $40 million to two women who allege Johnson & Johnson’s talc powder caused their ovarian cancer, a verdict the company says it will appeal.
The Verdict
The jury awarded $18 million to Monica Kent and $22 million to Deborah Schultz and her husband. Their attorney, Daniel Robinson of the Robinson Calcagnie law firm in Newport Beach, California, said, “The only thing they did was be loyal to Johnson & Johnson as a customer for only 50 years,” adding, “That loyalty was a one‑way street.”
Broader Legal Context
This decision follows an October ruling in another California case where a jury ordered J&J to pay $966 million to the family of a woman who died of mesothelioma, claiming she developed the cancer from baby powder contaminated with asbestos.
J&J’s Response
Johnson & Johnson said it will appeal the liability verdict and compensatory damages. Erik Haas, the company’s worldwide vice president of litigation, noted that J&J had won “16 of the 17 ovarian cancer cases it previously tried” and expects to do so again on appeal. He called the jury’s findings “irreconcilable with the decades of independent scientific evaluations confirming that talc is safe, does not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer.”
Historical Product Changes
J&J stopped selling talc‑based powder worldwide in 2023. Earlier, in 2020, the company replaced talc with cornstarch in its baby powder sold in most of North America after sales declined.
Recent Settlement Attempts
In April, a U.S. bankruptcy court judge denied J&J’s plan to pay $9 billion to settle ovarian cancer and other gynecological cancer litigation claims based on talc‑related products.
Key Takeaways
- $40 million verdict awarded to two women.
- J&J plans to appeal and cites prior litigation successes.
- The company has phased out talc powder worldwide and faced a $966 million mesothelioma verdict.
The latest ruling adds to a series of legal challenges for Johnson & Johnson as it navigates claims that its talc products contributed to serious cancers.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
When not tracking a developing story, Morgan enjoys exploring Austin’s neighborhoods, attending local events, and connecting with residents to share the voices and experiences that define the community.
