Martin Sheen Testifies for James Marshall in Suit Seeking $11M from Maker of Acne Drug Accutane
Actor Martin Sheen testified via a video hookup from California today in a New Jersey trial in which actor James Marshall is seeking $11 million from the maker of the acne drug Accutane.
Marshall, 44, who played the role of Louden Downey in the movie A Few Good Men had great career promise before he had his colon removed in 1995 on an emergency basis, Sheen told the Atlantic City jury. Marshall blames manufacturer Roche Holding AG for the surgery that led to his becoming, he says, a “prisoner in my home” who must go to the bathroom up to 20 times daily, reports Bloomberg.
Roche unit Hoffman-LaRoche Inc. based in Nutley, N.J., actually makes the drug.
Sheen, 70, told the jury he was a close friend of Marshall’s father who has known the actor since birth and directed him in several productions. Marshall’s personalilty changed drastically and he looked wasted after the ulcerative colitis and surgery for which Accutane allegedly was responsible.
Actor Brian Dennehy gave similar testimony several weeks ago.
The drug manufacturer says there is no conclusive proof of a connection between Marshall’s travails and the acne medicine. However, it took Accutane off the market in 2009 after juries began awarding substantial damages in other cases alleging bowel damage from the drug.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “A $2.6 Million Verdict in Accutane Suit”
