Meta Stock Drops While $1.4 Trillion Trial Opens

Coverage notes that the lawsuit seeks $1.4 trillion in damages and that Meta’s stock price fell on the same day, as reported by Yahoo Finance. Reuters adds that a fee for law firm Motley Rice in a related Meta case in New Mexico could top $67 million. The story is framed by multiple outlets as a watershed moment. Bloomberg labels it a “Big Tobacco moment,” while KQED emphasizes the $1.4 trillion reckoning. Law360 calls the case a bellwether for social‑media litigation.

Local stations—including ABC7 Los Angeles, ABC7 Bay Area, and Dallas News—report the start of jury selection, and AP News and The Hill note the trial’s focus on online safety. France 24 repeats the “Big Tobacco” comparison, and Reuters supplies the fee detail, illustrating the breadth of national attention. The trial follows years of scrutiny over Meta’s platforms and their impact on minors. Attorneys general have pursued multi‑state actions alleging that Meta’s design encourages addictive use among children. The reported $67 million legal fee underscores the high financial stakes for plaintiffs’ counsel, echoing the costly litigation seen in past tobacco settlements.

Future coverage will track the completion of jury selection and the start of trial arguments, as indicated by ongoing reports. Observers will monitor further movements in Meta’s share price, which already responded to the trial’s opening. Additional filings, such as fee submissions from Motley Rice, may appear given Reuters’ note on potential fees. The trial’s outcome could shape future regulatory actions, a point emphasized by Bloomberg and France 24, making the proceedings a focal point for investors and policymakers alike.