Why did wigand blow the whistle

One of the most notable is the Whistleblower Protection Act of , which protects federal employees who report misconduct within their agency.

In a provision under the False Claims Act, aptly titled qui tam, private citizens are allowed to bring a lawsuit against a corporation on behalf of the federal government. The First Amendment also protects public employees from retaliation from government agencies if an employee chooses to speak out against misconduct.

There are also many state laws in place to help protect whistleblowers. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures , 34 states in the country have laws on the books.

Shultz said that Theranos accused him of leaking trade secrets and violating a confidentiality agreement, and had him followed by a private investigator hired by the company. He blew the whistle on the company, telling a grand jury and the media the dark and dirty secrets of Big Tobacco: that using it could lead to serious, life-threatening diseases, that it was very addictive and that the industry knew these facts and were trying to hide them from the public.

While Wigand did not take down the tobacco industry, his information aided in lawsuits that ended up costing the industry hundreds of billions of dollars. However, speaking with the New York Times a few years later, Wigand said he did not regret the decision he made to blow the whistle. Today, he lectures on tobacco-related issues around the world and runs a nonprofit he founded called Smoke-Free Kids. Not every company sees whistleblowers as the enemy. Recent Segments Carnegie heroes and the neuroscience behind acts of heroism.

Stanching the longest-running oil spill you've likely never heard of. Missouri law prohibits local police from enforcing federal gun laws. Mario Bujold, head of one of the anti-tobacco groups in the lawsuit, said the spin doctrine went on for decades.

Wigand told Quebec Superior Court that the industry engaged in obfuscation, criticism and denial of the facts. He said he was under the impression he was hired to help develop a safer cigarette — which meant Brown and Williamson was aware smoking caused health risks. Wigand blew the whistle on the U. One of his daughters suffered from spina bifida and required daily medical treatment.

He needed the health benefits. There were the antitobacco lawsuits that needed his expert testimony. When he finally agreed to the 60 Minutes interview and to testify in the Mississippi antitobacco suit, he had no idea how or if his life would return to normal.

He enjoys mixing it up. Chuck Salter csalter fastcompany. To learn more about Jeffrey Wigand, visit his Web site or email him jwigand jeffreywigand. AWS Deloitte Genpact. Events Innovation Festival. Follow us:. By Chuck Salter 9 minute Read. For whatever reason, Wigand receives dozens of emails a day responding to his story, like these: Thank you for your efforts because I do believe they make a difference when speaking to our young people. Impact Impact 3 reasons agriculture is poised for a surge of sustainable innovation Impact These seaweed-inspired generators create underwater wave power Impact Why this former Tesla engineer now works on battery recycling.

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