Fact Check: The Sacklers and Purdue Pharma Increased Their Settlement Contribution to $7.4 Billion After the U.S. Supreme Court Overturned a Prior Settlement in June 2024
What We Know
In January 2025, it was reported that Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family reached a new settlement of $7.4 billion related to their role in the opioid crisis. This settlement was reached after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a previous bankruptcy settlement in June 2024, which had been criticized for its leniency towards the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma (NPR, Texas Attorney General). The new agreement, which has been approved by all 50 states and U.S. territories, is intended to provide funds for opioid addiction treatment and recovery programs over the next 15 years (New York Attorney General).
Under the terms of this settlement, the Sackler family is expected to contribute approximately $6.5 billion, while Purdue Pharma will pay nearly $900 million (Vermont Attorney General). This settlement is notable as it represents the largest financial agreement to date with individuals implicated in the opioid crisis (Reuters).
Analysis
The claim that the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma increased their settlement contribution to $7.4 billion following the Supreme Court's decision is supported by multiple sources. The Supreme Court's ruling in June 2024 invalidated a prior settlement that had been viewed as insufficient in holding the Sacklers accountable for their role in the opioid epidemic (Texas Attorney General, Delaware Attorney General). This led to renewed negotiations resulting in the current settlement amount.
The sources reporting on this settlement include official statements from state attorneys general, which are generally reliable as they come from government officials directly involved in the negotiations. For instance, New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the importance of this settlement in holding the Sackler family accountable and providing much-needed funds to communities affected by the opioid crisis (New York Attorney General).
However, some critics, including addiction recovery advocates, have expressed dissatisfaction with the settlement, arguing that it does not adequately compensate direct victims of Purdue Pharma's actions (NPR). This perspective highlights the ongoing debate about the adequacy of financial settlements in addressing the harm caused by the opioid crisis.
Overall, the evidence supports the claim that the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma have indeed increased their settlement contribution to $7.4 billion following the Supreme Court's ruling.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma increased their settlement contribution to $7.4 billion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a prior settlement in June 2024 is accurate. The new settlement amount reflects the outcome of negotiations following the Supreme Court's decision, which invalidated a previous agreement that was deemed insufficient. This new settlement aims to provide substantial financial resources to address the opioid crisis and hold the Sacklers accountable for their actions.
Sources
- Purdue Pharma, Sacklers reach new $7.4 billion opioid settlement - NPR
- Attorney General James Secures $7.4 Billion from Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family for Fueling the Opioid Crisis - New York Attorney General
- Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures $7.4 Billion Settlement With Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family - Texas Attorney General
- AG Sunday Announces Historic Settlement with Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family - Pennsylvania Attorney General
- Attorney General Phil Weiser helps secure $7.4 billion from Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family - Colorado Attorney General
- Attorney General Clark Announces $7.4 Billion National Settlement with Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family - Vermont Attorney General
- Attorney General Jennings helps secure $7.4 billion from Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family - Delaware Attorney General
- Purdue Pharma $7.4 billion opioid settlement wins broad approval - Reuters
