Johnson & Johnson has faced tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging that its talc-based baby powder and other talc products caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Plaintiffs alleged that some products contained asbestos or otherwise increased the risk of cancer. Johnson & Johnson has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that its talc products are safe and asbestos-free. After more than a decade of litigation, the company announced a proposed $5.5 billion settlement to resolve approximately 76,000 ovarian cancer claims, while continuing to deny liability. The proposed settlement requires at least 95% of eligible claimants to participate before it becomes effective. The litigation has generated extensive court proceedings, numerous jury verdicts, multiple appeals, and several unsuccessful bankruptcy attempts by a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary before the company shifted to a voluntary settlement approach. Johnson & Johnson states that the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing but a practical resolution to long-running litigation. Sources Reuters – J&J reaches sweeping talc deal that could end decade of litigation https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/johnson-johnson-announces-55-billion-settlement-talc-lawsuits-2026-07-27/ Reuters – Can J&J finally put the talc litigation behind it? https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/can-jj-finally-put-talc-litigation-behind-it-2026-07-29/ Associated Press – Johnson & Johnson proposes $5.5 billion talc settlement to end marathon legal fight https://apnews.com/article/abecc65008f04bf25a9c7fcbb7514be7 Reuters – US judge casts doubt on 69,000 cases alleging J&J talc caused cancer https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-judge-casts-doubt-69000-cases-alleging-jj-talc-caused-cancer-2026-07-22/