Fact Check: Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers Will Pay $1.5 Billion and Approximately $900 Million in the First Payment of the Settlement
What We Know
Recent announcements confirm that Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family have agreed to a significant settlement regarding their role in the opioid crisis. Specifically, the Sacklers will pay $1.5 billion, and Purdue Pharma will contribute approximately $900 million in the first payment of this settlement. This initial payment is part of a broader agreement totaling $7.4 billion that aims to address the damages caused by the opioid epidemic across the United States (source-1, source-2, source-3).
The settlement is designed to provide funds for addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts over the next 15 years. The Sacklers' payments will be structured, with additional payments of $500 million after one year, another $500 million after two years, and $400 million after three years (source-2, source-3).
Analysis
The claim that Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers will pay $1.5 billion and approximately $900 million in the first payment of the settlement is supported by multiple reliable sources, including state attorney general announcements from California and Michigan, which detail the financial commitments involved in the settlement (source-1, source-2, source-3).
The sources cited are official press releases from state attorney generals, which are generally considered credible due to their authoritative nature and the legal context surrounding the opioid crisis. Furthermore, the information has been corroborated by various news outlets, including Newsweek and ABC News, which reported on the settlement terms and the financial implications for both Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family.
Given the consistent reporting across multiple credible sources, the evidence strongly supports the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers will pay $1.5 billion and approximately $900 million in the first payment of the settlement is accurate. This information is substantiated by official announcements from state attorney generals and corroborated by various reputable news sources, confirming the financial commitments made as part of the broader settlement to address the opioid crisis.
Sources
- AG Sunday Announces Historic Settlement with Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family Regarding Manufacture, Distribution of Opioids that Fueled Addiction Epidemic. Link
- Attorney General Bonta Signs On to $7.4 Billion Purdue Pharma Settlement. Link
- AG Nessel Signs On to $7.4 Billion Purdue Pharma Settlement. Link
- Letitia James - New York State Attorney General Announces Every State Has Joined $7.4 Billion Settlement. Link
- Alabama signs onto $7.4B nationwide opioid settlement with Purdue and Sackler family. Link
- 55 Attorneys General agree to $7.4 billion Sackler Family and Purdue Pharma Settlement. Link
- States agree to $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma in opioid crisis. Link
- Historic settlement bars Sacklers from US opioid sales. Link
