Johnson & Johnson Offers Up To $5.5 Billion To Settle Talc Cancer Lawsuits

Johnson & Johnson Offers Up to $5.5 Billion to Settle Talc Cancer Lawsuits Johnson & Johnson has offered to pay up to $5.5 billion to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging that its talc-based products, including its once-iconic baby powder, caused ovarian cancer. The proposed settlement is part of the company’s ongoing effort to end years of litigation over claims that its talcum powder contained asbestos or was otherwise linked to cancer. Johnson & Johnson has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that decades of scientific research and regulatory reviews support the safety of its talc products and that they do not cause cancer when used as intended. The company discontinued sales of its talc-based baby powder in North America in 2020 and later replaced it globally with a cornstarch-based formulation. While many plaintiffs have welcomed efforts to provide compensation, some lawyers representing claimants have opposed previous settlement proposals, arguing they would unfairly limit victims’ legal options.

The latest offer remains subject to legal approval and acceptance by eligible claimants as litigation over the company’s talc products continues.