Supreme Court Upholds $64.6 Million Penalty Against Martin Shkreli

The U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear Martin Shkreli's appeal of a $64.6 million financial penalty, a significant development in the ongoing legal saga of the notorious "Pharma Bro." This decision comes as Shkreli posted a cryptic message on social media, simply stating, > "pardon plz." The tweet, shared by Martin Shkreli, has prompted speculation regarding his intent amidst continuous legal challenges.

The Supreme Court's rejection on October 7, 2024, effectively upholds a 2022 ruling by U.S. District Judge Denise Cote. This penalty stems from a civil antitrust case brought by the Federal Trade Commission and seven states, which found Shkreli liable for illegally monopolizing the drug Daraprim and blocking generic competition after his company, Turing Pharmaceuticals, dramatically increased its price from $17.50 to $750 per pill in 2015. Shkreli had argued that he should not be held personally responsible for profits his company made, claiming they never directly touched his possession.

This legal setback is not isolated. Just prior to the Supreme Court's decision, on August 26, 2024, a federal judge ordered Shkreli to surrender any copies of the unique Wu-Tang Clan album, "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin," that he allegedly retained. This ruling followed a lawsuit by PleasrDAO, the current owner of the album, which accused Shkreli of violating a forfeiture order by distributing digital copies.

Shkreli, 41, gained infamy for the Daraprim price hike and was later convicted in 2017 on two counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy, serving over four years in prison before his release in May 2022. In January 2024, a federal appeals court also upheld a lifetime ban preventing him from working in the pharmaceutical industry. These repeated legal defeats underscore the persistent scrutiny and penalties he faces, providing a backdrop for his brief social media plea.

Despite his appeal being rejected and the continued legal pressure, there has been no public indication or official discussion regarding a pardon for Martin Shkreli from any governmental authority. His tweet appears to be a personal expression amidst a series of court decisions that continue to define his post-prison legal landscape.