Today in Focus The multi-million pound baby powder case
Nov 3, 2025
Esther Adley, an investigative reporter for The Guardian, and Sue Rosello, a brave cancer survivor, delve into the gripping class-action suit against Johnson & Johnson over talc-based baby powder. They discuss the alarming allegations of asbestos contamination linked to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Sue shares her personal battle with cancer and the motivations driving her to join the lawsuit. The duo also explores the implications of potential outcomes for the claimants and the corporation's future, revealing a story of resilience and accountability.
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Childhood Memory Of Baby Powder
- Sue Rosello remembers being a toddler having Johnson's baby powder lovingly applied by her mother, tying the product to safety and care.
- That lifelong familiarity made her later cancer diagnosis feel like a shocking betrayal of a trusted household product.
Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis And Survival
- Sue was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in her late 40s and given a 20% chance of surviving, undergoing gruelling treatment.
- Against the odds she survived and later joined other survivors pursuing legal action against Johnson & Johnson.
Alleged Corporate Concealment
- The claimants allege J&J knew talc was contaminated with asbestos from mining and concealed that risk for decades.
- They accuse the company of suppressing data, lobbying regulators, and sponsoring studies to downplay harms.