Jury Says Tobacco Firm Used Free Cigarettes to Entice Black Kids to Smoke
(Newser) — A jury has ruled the Lorillard Tobacco Co. tried to entice black children to become smokers by handing out free cigarettes and has awarded $71 million in compensatory damages to the estate and son of a woman who died of lung cancer. The Suffolk Superior Court jury announced its verdict Tuesday after hearing weeks of testimony. Willie Evans alleged Lorillard introduced his mother, Marie Evans, to smoking as a child in the 1950s by giving her free Newport cigarettes at the Orchard Park housing project in Boston, where she lived. He said his mother smoked for more than 40 years before dying of lung cancer at age 54.
SEE ALSO
- New TLC Show ‘Seeking Brother Husband’ Showcases Polyandrous Sisters
- Georgia Judge Prohibits Tiffany Haddish From Drinking And Ingesting Illegal Substances
- Lenny Kravitz Maintains Rock God Status With Bubble Bath Thirst Trap And A Phone Call From Denzel Washington During Performance
- Wendy Williams’ Son Kevin Hunter Jr. Evicted From Miami Apartment
- Tyler Perry And Byron Allen Are In Talks To Acquire BET From Paramount
