J&J (JNJ) Prevails in Talc Cancer Lawsuit as Jury Finds No Negligence

A Los Angeles jury found Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) not negligent on June 5, 2026, in a lawsuit by the families of three women who alleged the company's talc-based baby powder caused ovarian cancer. The plaintiffs represented Mary Owens, Bonnie Tienken, and Geneva Williams, all of whom died from the disease after using the products. Ten of the 12 jurors concluded that J&J acted responsibly in manufacturing and selling cosmetic talc items. The verdict adds to a recent win for J&J in Oklahoma last week. J&J discontinued U.S. sales of talc-based baby powder in 2020, shifting to a cornstarch formula. The company confronts over 67,000 talc-related lawsuits, with most alleging ovarian cancer. While J&J has settled the majority of mesothelioma cases tied to asbestos, it has faced mixed trial outcomes, including significant adverse rulings. J&J litigation vice president Erik Haas dismissed the case as based on "junk science." Trials resumed after a bankruptcy court failed to resolve the mass tort litigation.