Johnson & Johnson to pay $15 million to US man who claims its talc gave him cancer
Connecticut: Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has been ordered to pay $15 million to a U.S. man who alleges that he developed mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, after using the company’s talc powder for decades.
According to Reuters, Plaintiff Evan Plotkin sued the company in 2021 soon after his diagnosis, saying he became ill from inhaling J&J's baby powder. The verdict by jury comes as J&J seeks to resolve claims from over 62,000 individuals who say that they got ovarian and other gynaecological cancers from talc through a nearly $9 billion settlement in bankruptcy.
While the bankruptcy deal faces legal challenges from some plaintiffs' lawyers and has put lawsuits related to gynaecological cancers on hold, it does not impact the smaller number of mesothelioma claims, such as Plotkin's. J&J has settled some of those claims in the past but has not proposed a nationwide settlement yet.
Plaintiffs in all of the lawsuits say that J&J's talc products, including its once iconic baby powder, were tainted with asbestos, a carcinogen known to cause mesothelioma and other cancers, as mentioned by the news agency.
J&J denies these allegations, maintaining that its products are safe and free of asbestos.
The company withdrew its talc-based powder products from the U.S. market in 2020.
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Hundreds of TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Chennai (PTI): Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
