Talcum Powder Mesothelioma Lawsuit The Oakland mesothelioma lawsuit filed against JJ had closing arguments yesterday. The plaintiff of 24 years old told his story of emotional anxiety and despair following his cancer diagnosis. Over the past 14 months, JJ has scored a series of defense verdicts in the talcum powder trial. But one huge decision could flip the talcum powder kaleidoscope on its head. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects mesothelium. It is the lining of the membrane or lining which surroun