Attorney General's News Release

April 23, 1997

Nixon to sue tobacco companies

Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon announced today he will file a lawsuit against the major tobacco companies for illegally targeting children in their advertising campaigns and for lying to consumers about the addictive nature of nicotine. Nixon said he will show that both actions place the companies in violation of Missouri consumer protection laws.

"Scientific evidence is overwhelming that tobacco use is a significant health risk. It is the most prevalent and the most preventable cause of premature death in the country. Tobacco companies have lied about the addictive nature of their product and have hidden from the public view research which indicates the health dangers of tobacco use," Nixon said.

Nixon said several factors are relevant to his decision to sue the tobacco companies:

• The settlement last month with Attorneys General and the Liggett Group Inc., a tobacco company that has agreed to share information which Nixon said "dramatically changes the posture of the litigation." Nixon negotiated a clause in the settlement agreement which allows other states to enter the litigation within the next six months to have the same access to the information and share in the settlement fee to be paid by Liggett Group Inc.
• Proposed Congressional action which might preclude future lawsuits against the tobacco companies. "If Congress is to consider a massive settlement it is important for Missouri to be on file in order receive our fair share of any future settlements," Nixon said.
• The recent settlement discussions with RJ Reynolds and Philip Morris. "Previously these major tobacco companies had refused even the possibility of settlement and now there may be an opportunity to settle without protracted and expensive litigation," Nixon said.

"These new developments significantly increase the likelihood of success and this is now a lawsuit I believe we can win," Nixon said. "We now have proof that the companies have broken the laws of Missouri by willfully targeting young people and knowingly lying about the addictive nature of nicotine."

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818