The Journal. Inside the Crisis at Tylenol
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Sep 30, 2025 
In this discussion, Wall Street Journal reporter Peter Loftus provides insight into the crisis surrounding Tylenol, sparked by Donald Trump's controversial claims linking acetaminophen to autism. Loftus elaborates on Kenvue CEO Kirk Perry's swift response to the uproar and the pressure he faced. They delve into the nuances of the research on acetaminophen and autism, contrasting it with past PR crises, and explore the wider implications for pharma companies under a politicized administration. This riveting conversation offers a deep dive into crisis management in the modern age.
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CEO Alerted By RFK Jr. Text
- Kirk Perry, Kenview's interim CEO, received a text from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linking to a Substack about acetaminophen and autism.
- That message alerted him that Tylenol faced a brewing public-relations crisis he hadn't anticipated.
Interim CEO Came Out Of Retirement
- Kirk Perry unretired after being asked to be interim CEO to turn around Kenview.
- He left retirement plans like elk hunting to take on the company's leadership during a difficult period.
Tylenol Still Powers Sales
- Tylenol remains a strong brand despite cheap generics and makes about 10% of Kenview's sales.
- That share makes Tylenol a strategically important product to sustain the newly independent company.