Today, Explained Johnson & Johnson’s “bankruptcy”
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Sep 22, 2022 
Tiffany Hsu, a New York Times reporter covering the Johnson & Johnson baby powder lawsuits, and Jamie Smith, U.S. correspondent for the Financial Times, delve into the controversial bankruptcy strategy known as the “Texas two-step.” They discuss allegations linking Johnson & Johnson's baby powder to cancer, particularly in marginalized communities. The conversation highlights the company’s marketing evolution and the ethical challenges presented by its legal tactics against thousands of affected individuals seeking justice.
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Baby Powder Marketing
- Johnson & Johnson marketed baby powder as pure and gentle, emphasizing trust for mothers.
- Initially, it was primarily used to alleviate diaper rash in infants.
Talc and Cancer Concerns
- Talc, the softest mineral, is mined from geological deposits and used in baby powder.
- Concerns arose about talc's link to cancer, possibly due to asbestos contamination or migration of particles.
J&J's Knowledge of Asbestos
- Johnson & Johnson knew about asbestos concerns but allegedly discredited researchers and withheld information from the FDA.
- Tests in the 1970s found asbestos in their talc, with some levels described as "rather high."