In a gripping legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for the tobacco industry, a Florida resident has taken on some of the biggest names in cigarette manufacturing. Anita Chiarenza filed a lawsuit against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Philip Morris USA, Inc., Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc., Reynolds American, Inc., and Shingala, Inc. (doing business as Poor Bob’s) in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida on November 15, 2024.
The case centers around allegations that these companies knowingly designed cigarettes to be highly addictive and concealed their harmful effects from consumers for decades. Chiarenza claims she began smoking at age 16 and was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in 2022 as a direct result of her addiction to cigarettes manufactured by these defendants. The lawsuit accuses the companies of manipulating nicotine levels and adding harmful chemicals to make cigarettes more addictive while misleading the public about their dangers.
Chiarenza's complaint is rooted in historical evidence that tobacco companies engaged in a conspiracy to downplay the health risks associated with smoking. According to court documents, internal communications from companies like Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds reveal they were aware of the addictive nature of nicotine as early as the 1950s but chose to mislead consumers through false advertising and public statements. "For over half a century," Chiarenza alleges, "Defendants concealed the addictive and deadly nature of cigarettes from Plaintiff...by making knowingly false and misleading statements."
The plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for medical expenses incurred due to COPD treatments and compensation for pain and suffering caused by her condition. She argues that defendants' actions constitute negligence, fraud, breach of warranty, and violation of consumer protection laws.
Representing Anita Chiarenza are attorneys who aim to hold these tobacco giants accountable for what they describe as an orchestrated effort to prioritize profits over public health. The case will be presided over by judges in Pinellas County under Case Number: 24-005054-CI.