In a landmark decision by a Baltimore jury, Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $1.5 billion to Cherie Craft, a local woman who has been diagnosed with peritoneal malignant mesothelioma, a type of cancer. This verdict arises from her long-term use of the company’s talc-based baby powder, which Craft claims exposed her to asbestos. WMAR2 News reported that Craft was diagnosed with this incurable disease in January of 2024, and has been using the product daily until the diagnosis was made.
Craft, who dedicates her life to running a non-profit organization, was represented by Jessica Dean, a partner at Dean Omar Branham Shirley law firm. Dean, in her interview with WMAR2 News, highlighted Craft's charitable work and stated, "Her cancer was preventable. She used Johnson’s Baby Powder every day of her life until she was diagnosed with cancer." Dean accused Johnson & Johnson of refusing to acknowledge any responsibility for the situation.
From the total sum awarded, $59.84 million is allocated for compensatory damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The punitive damages, however, make up the bulk of the award. Johnson & Johnson has publicly denounced the decision as "egregious and patently unconstitutional," signaling their intention to appeal. Erik Haas, the worldwide vice president of litigation for the company, gave a statement published by WYPR, claiming the trial court made "gross errors," which, allowed improper and prejudicial statements on the record.
This lawsuit is among approximately 67,000 others faced by Johnson & Johnson over allegations that its talc-based powder products, which the company replaced with corn-starch-based versions, in the U.S. in 2020 and globally in 2023 caused cancer. Despite the legal battles, Johnson & Johnson maintains that its baby powder is safe, does not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer—a standpoint contradicted by the jury's verdict and reflected in the numerous lawsuits it still faces. Only this past April, an attempt by Johnson & Johnson to resolve all existing and future lawsuits related to the powder was dismissed by a U.S. bankruptcy judge, according to WMAR2 News.
