Talcum Powder Mesothelioma Lawsuit Yesterday the Oakland mesothelioma lawsuit against JJ ended with closing arguments. The plaintiff, who is 24 years old, shared his emotional story of devastation and fear over the diagnosis of cancer. JJ has won a number of defense verdicts in the past 14 months in talcum powder trials. However, one colossal verdict could turn the talcum powder spectrum on its head. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium which is the lining or membrane that covers certain organs within the body.