Johnson & Johnson proposed a $5.5 billion settlement to resolve approximately 76,000 U.S. lawsuits alleging its talc-based baby powder caused ovarian cancer. The agreement requires acceptance by at least 95% of claimants to conclude the decade-long legal battle.
Under the separation agreement with its spin-off Kenvue, Johnson & Johnson retained all talc-related liabilities in the U.S. and Canada. The parent company will indemnify Kenvue for all associated costs, effectively resolving the most significant litigation risk for the consumer health business.
Kenvue remains responsible for talc-related lawsuits outside of North America. The company currently faces thousands of claims in the United Kingdom, marking the largest product liability case in UK history.