Fact Check: The Sacklers Will Pay $1.5 Billion as Part of the Settlement, with Purdue Contributing Approximately $900 Million in the First Payment
What We Know
The Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, has agreed to pay a total of $1.5 billion as part of a settlement related to their role in the opioid crisis. Purdue Pharma will contribute approximately $900 million in the first payment of this settlement. The settlement, which totals $7.4 billion, is designed to resolve litigation against Purdue and the Sacklers and aims to provide funds for addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts across the United States (source-1, source-2, source-3).
The settlement will be distributed over a period of 15 years, with the majority of funds allocated in the first three years. The payment schedule includes the initial $900 million from Purdue, followed by $500 million after one year, another $500 million after two years, and $400 million after three years (source-4, source-5).
Analysis
The claim that the Sacklers will pay $1.5 billion and Purdue will contribute $900 million in the first payment is supported by multiple reliable sources, including statements from various state attorneys general (source-1, source-2, source-3). These sources include official announcements from state attorneys general, which are typically credible due to their authoritative nature and the legal implications involved.
The settlement is described as the largest of its kind, aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic that has significantly impacted communities across the nation. The funds are intended for addiction treatment and recovery programs, which adds a layer of public interest and accountability to the settlement (source-6, source-7).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they come from official government websites and press releases, which are less likely to be biased or misleading compared to other forms of media. The consistent reporting across multiple states reinforces the accuracy of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Sacklers will pay $1.5 billion as part of the settlement, with Purdue contributing approximately $900 million in the first payment, is accurate. This information is corroborated by multiple credible sources, including official statements from state attorneys general involved in the settlement negotiations.
Sources
- AG Sunday Announces Historic Settlement with Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family Regarding Manufacture, Distribution of Opioids that Fueled Addiction Epidemic. Link
- 55 attorneys general sign on to $7.4 billion Purdue settlement. Link
- AG Nessel Signs On to $7.4 Billion Purdue Pharma Settlement. Link
- Attorney General Alan Wilson announces 55 attorneys general sign on to $7.4 billion Purdue settlement. Link
- Attorney General Bonta Signs On to $7.4 Billion Purdue Settlement. Link
- Attorney General James Secures $7.4 Billion from Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family. Link
- Letitia James - New York State Attorney General. Link
- Carr: Georgia Joins National Settlement with Purdue Pharma to Resolve Opioid Crisis. Link
