FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PENSACOLA, FL, NOV. 8, 2022 – On November 3, 2022, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, PLLC (“AWKO”) filed the first class action lawsuit against L’Oréal USA, Inc. and Softsheen-Carson, Inc. for their toxic and dangerous hair relaxers and/or straighteners that are directly marketed to women of color. These products contain hazardous endocrine disrupting chemicals and other toxins that are known to contribute to and/or cause devastating and irreversible injuries.
AWKO filed this class action lawsuit in response to recent studies finding that Black women who use hair relaxing products develop cancers, like uterine cancer, at a disproportionate rate as compared to White women. This is very troubling, as the corporations marketing these products specifically target Black women, as well as Black children, many of whom begin using these products at a young age. This lawsuit centers on consumer claims and a need for medical monitoring of all women who have used these products, particularly as the science underlying its horrible injuries develops and is examined more thoroughly.
Hannah Pfeifler, an associate at AWKO, stated: “This is a pivotal moment for all of the women who trusted these companies and used their hair relaxers year after year based on the belief that they were safe to use. These companies knew their hair relaxing products were not safe for either adults or children, yet they marketed these products as though they were. AWKO is dedicated to holding these companies accountable to all women who are or have been impacted by these products.
One of the class representatives, who goes by the nickname Tabaquasea, told AWKO: “When I started using these products, I was confident that they would not only allow me to be beautiful and feel good, but trusted them to be safe. Now, I see that they are not safe. I am glad that this issue has been brought to the public’s attention and we have someone who cares about what we have been through.
For over 20 years, AWKO has been fighting for the rights of women who have suffered devastating, life-altering injuries from defective products and/or dangerous pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, such as hormone replacement therapy drugs, talcum powder, and transvaginal mesh. AWKO is honored to continue fighting for women in this litigation and holding these companies accountable for their deceit and misconduct.