A griefstruck mother desperately looks for answers after husband and son both die within two months of each other.
Key Takeaways:
Angus Cloud's mother, Lisa Cloud, is suing Johnson & Johnson, alleging that their baby powder caused her late husband's cancer.
The lawsuit claims that the cancer was caused by cumulative doses of asbestos, fibers, and talc present in Johnson's baby powder.
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that their talc-based products have caused cancer.
The outcome of Lisa Cloud's lawsuit could have a significant impact on raising awareness about the potential health risks of asbestos contamination.
On July 31st, 2023, Angus Cloud, 25, known for his role in the hit HBO series "Euphoria," died of an apparent overdose. Just two months after his father, Conor Hickey, 65, died of stage 4 mesothelioma.
The Cancer Spread Quickly
Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the linings of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, can be both fatal and spread rapidly. According to Conor's official death certificate, his passing was attributed to the presence of excess fluid surrounding his lungs and heart, along with stage 4 cancer affecting those organs.
Conor's wife, Lisa Cloud, shared her thoughts on the sudden tragedy at a memorial service,
"His cancer moved quickly which was devastating to all who loved him, but there is comfort in the fact that his pain wasn't prolonged."
According to an interview on The TMZ podcast, Angus' family shared he had been taking the news hard. After losing his dad and "best friend," Conor struggled with suicidal thoughts.
At 11:30 AM PST, the Oakland PD and Fire Dept. responded to a 911 call made by Angus' mom, claiming he didn't have a pulse. The young star was pronounced dead on scene, after a "possible overdose".
Just one week prior, Angus spread his father's ashes in Ireland with his family, including his twin sisters Molly & Fiona. In an interview with PEOPLE, Lisa shared,
"My son and his twin sisters were deeply grieving about their dad. They were all devastated."
Allegations Against Johnson & Johnson
Now, Angus's mom is suing Johnson & Johnson, claiming that her husband's long-term use of Johnson's baby powder contributed to his cancer.
Lisa Cloud, and her daughters Molly and Fiona Hickey, are suing Johnson & Johnson for emotional damage and reperations stemming from Hickey's death. Mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos, which has been linked to the use of Johnson & Johnson's baby powder.
"Johnson & Johnson has gotten away with and continues to get away with misrepresenting their product even in 2023 — after numerous juries and courts have found their product causes cancer—they keep lying to the public and telling everybody it’s safe."
In the lawsuit filed by Lisa Cloud and her daughters Molly and Fiona, they claim that Joseph Hickey's fatal mesothelioma diagnosis was caused by cumulative doses of asbestos, fibers, and talc exposures present in Johnson & Johnson's baby powder.
They allege that Hickey used the product religiously after bathing and in his shoes for over five decades.
The family's lawsuit also states that Hickey's cancer caused physical and emotional pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and untimely death. Thousands of other individuals have filed similar lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, claiming that their talc-based products caused cancer.
The suit also claims that all defendants failed to place any warnings on their products or even disclose the fact that their products allegedly contained asbestos. "At any point, up to and including present day."
"Despite the clear hazard and direct information that their products did contain asbestos."
Johnson & Johnson's Response
Johnson & Johnson stands firm in their assertion that their talc-based baby powder is safe and does not contain cancer-causing asbestos. The company highlights that numerous independent medical experts worldwide have conducted over 40 years of studies, all concluding that cosmetic talc is safe for use.
In April of 2023, Johnson & Johnson made headlines by agreeing to pay nearly $9 billion to settle around 40,000 lawsuits related to their talcum powder, despite stating that the claims "are specious and lack scientific merit."
As part of their response, Johnson & Johnson discontinued the product and introduced a cornstarch-based substitute. They maintain that these legal actions lack scientific merit and are driven primarily by plaintiff lawyers.
While thousands of individuals continue to claim that Johnson & Johnson's baby powder caused their cancer, the company remains steadfast in their position. They argue that the extensive research and evidence support the safety of their talc-based products. As the lawsuits continue to unfold, Johnson & Johnson hopes to defend their reputation and reassure consumers of the safety of their current offerings.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths of Conor Hickey and Angus Cloud have left a lasting impact on their families and raised important questions about the accountability of companies like Johnson & Johnson. The lawsuits brought against the pharmaceutical giant shed light on the alleged dangers of talc-based products containing asbestos, and the potential risks associated with their use.
As the legal battles continue, it is crucial that the public remains informed and vigilant about the potential dangers posed by certain products. By holding companies accountable and raising awareness about asbestos contamination, we can strive for a safer future for all.
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