Jeffrey Wigand: The big tobacco whistleblower

60 Minutes

60 Minutes

29 min, 47 sec

The transcript narrates the story of Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, whose revelations about the tobacco industry's knowledge of the dangers of cigarettes were initially suppressed, leading to a significant legal and public relations battle.

Summary

  • Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, former research director at Brown & Williamson, exposed the company's knowledge of the addictive nature of nicotine and the use of additives increasing the danger of disease.
  • Wigand faced legal suits, personal life intrusion, and character assassination by the company as they tried to discredit his claims.
  • Despite threats and challenges, Wigand's testimony became central to criminal investigations and lawsuits against the tobacco industry.
  • CBS initially withheld broadcasting Wigand's interview due to legal concerns but later aired it as the Wall Street Journal published parts of his deposition.
  • Wigand, now a high school science teacher, insists on the importance of revealing the truth about the tobacco industry's disregard for public health.

Chapter 1

Introduction to Dr. Jeffrey Wigand's Story

0:00 - 1 min, 14 sec

The segment introduces Dr. Jeffrey Wigand's conflict with Brown & Williamson, detailing the company's efforts to discredit him and his revelations about the harmful effects of cigarettes.

The segment introduces Dr. Jeffrey Wigand's conflict with Brown & Williamson, detailing the company's efforts to discredit him and his revelations about the harmful effects of cigarettes.

  • Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, a former director of research at Brown & Williamson, faced a campaign to destroy his reputation after he disclosed harmful truths about cigarettes.
  • Brown & Williamson, the third-largest tobacco company in America, employed law firms and PR consultants to discredit Wigand.
  • CBS was initially reluctant to air Wigand's interview due to the risk of a multi-billion dollar lawsuit.

Chapter 2

CBS's Initial Restraint and Subsequent Airing of Wigand's Claims

1:14 - 2 min, 45 sec

This chapter discusses the initial CBS decision not to air Wigand's claims, the Wall Street Journal's publication of his deposition, and CBS's eventual broadcast of the interview.

This chapter discusses the initial CBS decision not to air Wigand's claims, the Wall Street Journal's publication of his deposition, and CBS's eventual broadcast of the interview.

  • After the Wall Street Journal published a confidential deposition by Wigand, CBS reconsidered and aired his story.
  • Wigand claimed that Brown & Williamson knew about the addictive nature of nicotine and the dangers of their tobacco products.
  • The airing of the interview revealed internal conflicts and scientific knowledge within the tobacco industry.

Chapter 3

Wigand's Revelations About Nicotine and Additives

3:58 - 4 min, 11 sec

This chapter summarizes the scientific and technical details provided by Wigand regarding nicotine manipulation and other additives in tobacco products.

This chapter summarizes the scientific and technical details provided by Wigand regarding nicotine manipulation and other additives in tobacco products.

  • Wigand explained the use of ammonia to enhance the effect of nicotine, a process known as 'impact boosting'.
  • Brown & Williamson's internal documents showed awareness of nicotine addiction and the use of carcinogenic additives.
  • Wigand's efforts to create safer cigarettes were hindered by legal intervention and corporate decisions.

Chapter 4

Wigand's Struggles Within Brown & Williamson and Personal Life

8:09 - 4 min, 55 sec

The chapter delves into Wigand's internal battles at Brown & Williamson, his ultimate dismissal, and the personal repercussions he faced.

The chapter delves into Wigand's internal battles at Brown & Williamson, his ultimate dismissal, and the personal repercussions he faced.

  • Wigand's disputes over the additive coumarin and safer cigarettes led to his firing from Brown & Williamson.
  • Post-dismissal, Wigand faced a lawsuit from the company, which resulted in financial and personal distress, including marital separation.
  • Brown & Williamson's aggressive tactics to undermine Wigand included legal action and discrediting his character.

Chapter 5

Wigand's Legal Battles and Public Defamation

13:05 - 4 min, 40 sec

The segment outlines the intensifying legal challenges and public defamation campaign that Wigand faced after his dismissal.

The segment outlines the intensifying legal challenges and public defamation campaign that Wigand faced after his dismissal.

  • Brown & Williamson sued Wigand and cut off his severance and health benefits, alleging confidentiality violations.
  • Wigand's family life was disrupted, and he received anonymous threats after speaking with government investigators.
  • A media campaign led by Brown & Williamson sought to tarnish Wigand's reputation by spreading allegations about his past.

Chapter 6

Repercussions and Support for Wigand

17:45 - 4 min, 55 sec

This chapter covers the repercussions Wigand faced for his whistleblowing and the support he received from legal and medical professionals.

This chapter covers the repercussions Wigand faced for his whistleblowing and the support he received from legal and medical professionals.

  • Wigand's whistleblowing led to a significant impact on his personal and professional life, including a divorce filing by his wife.
  • Despite Brown & Williamson's attacks, Wigand found support from state attorneys general, who viewed his testimony as credible and vital for lawsuits against the tobacco industry.
  • Wigand's commitment to revealing the truth is showcased by his willingness to endure hardships for the cause of public health.

Chapter 7

Brown & Williamson's Defense and Conclusion

22:40 - 7 min, 4 sec

The final chapter presents Brown & Williamson's defense against Wigand's allegations and the conclusion of the story.

The final chapter presents Brown & Williamson's defense against Wigand's allegations and the conclusion of the story.

  • Brown & Williamson refuted many of Wigand's claims and insisted on the lawful nature of their products and practices.
  • CBS's financial support for Wigand in the legal battle with Brown & Williamson was questioned, but CBS maintained its objective reporting stance.
  • Despite the controversy, the focus remained on Wigand's efforts to expose the tobacco industry's deceit and the health risks of smoking.

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