A Texas judge has dismissed a bold request from Attorney General Ken Paxton to temporarily halt Tylenol’s advertising claims and prevent the medication’s maker, Kenvue, from distributing dividends. The case centers on allegations that Tylenol is unsafe for pregnant women and children—a claim rooted in unproven theories linking the drug to autism and developmental disorders.

In court documents filed last Friday, Judge LeAnn Rafferty of Panola County refused Paxton’s plea to block Kenvue from promoting its product and to stop the company from distributing $400 million in dividends later this month. These rulings mark an early setback for the attorney general in a politically charged legal battle that echoes controversial claims popularized by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former President Trump.

Legal experts note that such claims lack scientific backing, with mainstream health authorities affirming Tylenol’s safety when used as directed. This case raises questions about the influence of political narratives on health-related litigation and advertising.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.