New York: Ben & Jerry’s claims its parent company, Unilever, violated their merger agreement by firing its CEO without approval.
The ice cream brand alleges the removal of CEO David Stever was due to his stance on progressive social issues.
Ben & Jerry’s lawyers filed an amended complaint in New York, escalating their ongoing conflict with Unilever.
The lawsuit claims Unilever ignored protocols that protect Ben & Jerry’s ability to operate independently.
Unilever announced in March 2024 that it planned to sell Ben & Jerry’s but has yet to finalize a deal.
Social Mission
The lawsuit states that Stever’s commitment to the company’s values led to his removal.
Ben & Jerry’s argues his termination wasn’t due to performance concerns but to silence its social activism.
Unilever has not responded to media inquiries regarding the lawsuit and Ben & Jerry’s allegations.
The dispute between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever has been ongoing since their 2021 conflict.
Ben & Jerry’s contends that Unilever wants to suppress its activism on political and social matters.
Censorship Claims
The ice cream brand accuses Unilever of blocking its social media posts on key issues.
A January 2025 complaint alleged Unilever prevented a post on abortion, climate change, and healthcare.
Unilever allegedly stopped Ben & Jerry’s from posting about Palestinian refugee Mahmoud Khalil.
Khalil’s green card was revoked due to his role in demonstrations at Columbia University.
The blocked post would have linked to an ACLU petition advocating for Khalil’s release from ICE custody.
More Restrictions
Ben & Jerry’s also claims Unilever prevented a Black History Month post in February 2025.
The brand initially sued Unilever in November 2024 over censorship of statements on Palestinian refugees.
Unilever allegedly threatened to dismantle Ben & Jerry’s board over its stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The ice cream brand wanted to issue a call for peace and an immediate ceasefire.
Unilever reportedly warned of legal action against Ben & Jerry’s board members.
Leadership Changes
Stever has been with the company since 1988, starting as a tour guide before becoming CEO in May 2023.
His current role at Ben & Jerry’s remains unclear following his reported removal.
Unilever itself is undergoing leadership changes, with its CEO stepping down recently.
The company has not publicly commented on its ongoing dispute with Ben & Jerry’s leadership.
Ben & Jerry’s continues to assert its right to speak out on social and political issues.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The legal battle underscores the tension between corporate ownership and brand independence.
Ben & Jerry’s believes its merger agreement protects its right to uphold social justice values.
Unilever’s reported attempts to silence the brand contradict its history of social advocacy.
The outcome of the lawsuit may impact future corporate control over subsidiary companies.
For now, Ben & Jerry’s remains locked in a legal fight to protect its voice and mission.
