Johnson & Johnson CEO Testifies for First Time in Talcum Powder Asbestos Cancer Trial

Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky recently appeared in a New Brunswick, New Jersey courtroom to testify in a talcum powder asbestos cancer lawsuit brought by four plaintiffs who claim they developed a serious form of cancer from years of using one of the company’s most iconic products. The talcum powder lawsuit alleges that the plaintiffs developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure from using Johnson & Johnson products like Baby Powder and Shower to Shower while the pharmaceutical and cosmetics giant knew about the risk posed to consumers but chose not to provide any safety warnings on the products.

During his testimony, Gorsky indicated that he relied on company experts when he announced on national television that Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder does not contain asbestos and was safe for consumers to use. Despite Gorsky claiming that he did not have firsthand knowledge of the science behind Baby Powder risks, revelations have surfaced in recent months that the company knew for decades about possible risks and that the company still chose to market its products to vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson was forced to issue a recall of 33,000 bottles of Baby Powder after independent testing conducted on behalf of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered the presence of asbestos fibers in the product lot. Those tests have since spurred Congressional oversight committees to call for standardized testing methods and terminology to dispel ambiguity about how results are interpreted and ensure the public at large is protected from products containing deadly asbestos.

Johnson & Johnson currently faces an estimated 17,000 talcum powder asbestos cancer lawsuits in state and federal courts across the country brought by plaintiffs who claim they or their deceased family members developed serious forms of cancer, including mesothelioma, from using Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products. Thus far, state juries in California, Missouri, and New Jersey have handed down over $5 billion in total compensation to dozens of talcum powder cancer victims who claim Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower are to blame for their medical diagnoses.

Exposure to asbestos fibers is directly linked to developing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer which affects thin linings of tissue, usually around vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Asbestos was once used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and even cosmetics products until federal regulations in the 1970s placed severe regulations on the production and use of asbestos. Unfortunately, even with state and federal asbestos laws in place, thousands of Americans receive an asbestos cancer diagnosis every year.

Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. We can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.