WED AM: Philip Morris’ Keane Labels own Statements “Preposterous”
January 19, 2005 11:06 am by Gene BorioDOJ attorney Andrew Goldfarb this morning seemed to score heavily with his questions to Denise Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Philip Morris USA Inc. In her previous (2002) deposition, she appeared to claim Philip Morris had never disputed the public health community on issues of smoking and health. Ms. Keane today claimed those answers were obviously “preposterous,” and she had been confused by the questioning. The statements seemed quite clear, and were reiterated four times. And Ms. Keane seems extremely britght, swift and well-spoken–not easily confused, even by a 16-hour deposition.
Still, the statements were preposterous, and the incident may simply go down as one of those inexplicable things.
There seems some “history” between these two. The questioning this morning was contentious, as was yesterday’s, when it seemed more minor points were scored. Ms. Keane is obviously quite sharp and ready with her answers. Mr. Goldfarb seemed uncharacteristically high-strung, a bit nervous. Judge Kessler had to step in surprisingly often to tell Mr. Goldfarb not to talk over Ms. Keane’s answer, and to warn both to SLOW DOWN!
Other matters discussed have been:
– the exact tar levels needed to label a cigarette “light” or “ultra-light,”
–the “Hatch Statement” and its relation to a) the attempt for federal legislation in 1997, and b) the MSA.
–the health and addition information on Philip Morris’ website, and how it has changed.
–the myriad ways Philip Morris has promoted its website–in TV ads, inserts, onserts, POS dislplays, as part of its ads and cigarette packs, etc.