For decades, people trusted Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder as a safe, everyday product for themselves and their families. Now, tens of thousands of consumers are involved in one of the largest mass tort litigations in American history, alleging that the very product they relied on caused them to develop ovarian cancer.
Johnson & Johnson proposed a $10 billion settlement to resolve these claims. In March 2025, a federal bankruptcy judge rejected the deal, forcing the manufacturer to continue the fight through the court system. This marks the third time the company’s bankruptcy strategy has failed in court.
Background on Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuits
The legal battle against Johnson & Johnson centers on allegations that the company’s talc-based baby powder contained asbestos and caused ovarian cancer in long-term users. More than 60,000 lawsuits have been filed by individuals claiming the product harmed them.
Court documents revealed that Johnson & Johnson was aware its talc contained asbestos as early as the 1950s, and lab tests detected asbestos in its products from 1971 through the early 2000s. Despite these findings, the company never reported them to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In 2020, Johnson & Johnson discontinued its talc-based baby powder and transitioned to cornstarch-based ingredients amid growing safety concerns.
Why Was the Talcum Powder Settlement Rejected?
To avoid fighting tens of thousands of individual lawsuits, Johnson & Johnson created a subsidiary called Red River Talc LLC, transferred all the talc-related legal liability to that subsidiary, and then had the subsidiary file for bankruptcy. Through this bankruptcy, the company proposed a $10 billion settlement that would resolve all current and future talc claims at once.
United States Bankruptcy Judge Christopher M. López rejected the plan for three reasons:
- First, the voting process was flawed. Some law firms cast tens of thousands of votes on behalf of clients without actually getting their permission. Many claimants didn’t receive enough time or information to make informed decisions. In some cases, votes were changed at the last minute.
- Second, the settlement tried to protect too many parties unfairly. The plan would have shielded not just Johnson & Johnson, but also retailers and other companies from any future talc lawsuits.
- Third, the judge questioned whether the settlement funds would adequately compensate everyone affected, especially future claimants.
What Are the Next Steps for Johnson & Johnson?
Rather than appeal the ruling, Johnson & Johnson has announced it will fight the remaining ovarian cancer lawsuits individually in court. In a corporate press release, company representatives have characterized the claims as meritless and expressed confidence in their legal position. Johnson & Johnson has already spent approximately $1 billion defending against talc-related claims and appears prepared to continue that fight.
What Should You Do If You Were Affected by Talcum Powder?
The court’s rejection of Johnson & Johnson’s proposed settlement signals that the legal battle over talcum powder and ovarian cancer is far from over. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after years of talcum powder use, speak to a lawyer who represents these claims right away. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and begin your journey toward justice.