Monster Beverage Corporation (NASDAQ:MNST) (“Monster”) issued the
following statement in response to media and other inquiries relating to
the pending lawsuit against it by Angela Wheat, guardian of Jason Hamric:
“There is no credible evidence that Jason consumed a Monster Energy
Drink the day of the incident. The evidence in this case shows the only
person that saw him with a drink that day was Bill Ledbetter, a pastor
at the Fairview Baptist Church. When deposed and interviewed, Pastor
Ledbetter stated that Jason was holding a 'silver can'. In 2011 when
this incident occurred, Monster had no product that was even close to
being described, as in a silver can. We are truly sorry about Jason’s
injury, but we are confident that once all the evidence is heard, it
will be shown that Monster had no responsibility in this case.
“The sale and consumption of 12 billion Monster energy drinks worldwide
over more than 12 years has shown that our products are safe. Contrary
to allegations, they are not 'highly caffeinated' and they are not
marketed to children. In fact, a 16-ounce Monster Energy drink contains
less than half the caffeine than a 16-oz (Tall) cup of Starbucks brewed
coffee. Monster’s labels state: 'Not recommended for children, people
sensitive to caffeine, pregnant women or women who are nursing.'”
Copyright Business Wire 2014