Supreme Court rejects Johnson & Johnson appeal in $2 billion talc verdict

The Supreme Court will let stand a $2 billion verdict in favor of women who claim they developed ovarian cancer from using Johnson & Johnson talc products.

The justices did not comment Tuesday in rejecting Johnson & Johnson's appeal. The company argued that it was not treated fairly in facing one trial involving 22 cancer sufferers who came from 12 states and different backgrounds. A Missouri jury initially awarded the women $4.7 billion, but a state appeals court dropped two women from the suit and reduced the award to $2 billion. The jury found that the company's talc products contain asbestos and asbestos-laced talc can cause ovarian cancer, with Judge Rex M. Burlison writing that evidence at the trial showed "particularly reprehensible conduct on the part of Defendants." The company disputes both points.