Fact Check: "The settlement will bar the Sackler family from making, selling, or marketing opioids in the U.S."
What We Know
The Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, has reached a $7.4 billion settlement with 55 attorneys general from various states and territories regarding their role in the opioid crisis. This settlement is significant as it is the largest of its kind involving individuals responsible for the opioid epidemic (Attorney General Bonta). As part of the agreement, the Sackler family will pay up to $6.5 billion over 15 years, and crucially, the settlement stipulates that they will no longer have control over Purdue Pharma or the ability to sell opioids in the United States (Attorney General James).
The settlement aims to provide funding for addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs across the country, with a significant portion of the funds being distributed in the initial years (Attorney General Bonta). Furthermore, Purdue Pharma will be overseen by a board of trustees selected by participating states, ensuring that the company cannot engage in lobbying or marketing of opioids (Attorney General James).
Analysis
The claim that the settlement will bar the Sackler family from making, selling, or marketing opioids in the U.S. is supported by multiple authoritative sources. The statements from various state attorneys general confirm that the settlement effectively ends the Sacklers' control of Purdue and prohibits them from selling opioids (AG Sunday, AG Skrmetti, Attorney General Weiser).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they come from official announcements made by state attorneys general, who are directly involved in the legal proceedings and settlements related to the opioid crisis. These officials have a vested interest in accurately representing the terms of the settlement to their constituents and the public. Additionally, the context provided by these announcements aligns with the broader legal narrative surrounding Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family's accountability for the opioid epidemic.
However, it is important to note that while the settlement bars the Sacklers from selling opioids, it does not provide them with blanket immunity from all future legal claims related to opioids. This aspect was highlighted in the context of previous settlements and legal challenges faced by the Sacklers (Attorney General James).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the settlement will bar the Sackler family from making, selling, or marketing opioids in the U.S. is accurate. The terms of the $7.4 billion settlement explicitly end the Sacklers' control over Purdue Pharma and prohibit them from engaging in the sale of opioids, thereby holding them accountable for their role in the opioid crisis.
Sources
- Attorney General Bonta Signs On to $7.4 Billion Purdue Settlement
- AG Sunday Announces Historic Settlement with Purdue Pharma and Sackler ...
- Attorney General James Secures $7.4 Billion from Purdue ...
- AG Skrmetti and Bipartisan Coalition of 15 States Secure ...
- Attorney General Phil Weiser helps secure $7.4 billion from ...
