Jamie Spencer
Escalating Dispute Between Ice Cream Brand and Parent Company
Ben & Jerry’s has filed a new lawsuit against Unilever, accusing the conglomerate of unlawfully removing its CEO and censoring its social media activity. The legal battle, which began in 2021, has intensified, with the ice cream brand alleging that Unilever has repeatedly tried to silence its progressive messaging.
Allegations of Unlawful CEO Removal
In an amended complaint filed Tuesday in New York, Ben & Jerry’s claims that Unilever violated its 2000 merger agreement by removing CEO David Stever without following the proper procedures. The lawsuit states that Stever was ousted due to his dedication to the company’s social mission rather than concerns about his performance.
“Unilever’s motive for the removal of Stever was due to his commitment to Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission and Essential Brand Integrity … rather than any genuine concerns regarding his performance history,” the lawsuit alleges.
Unilever (UL) has not yet responded to CNN’s request for comment. The UK-based conglomerate announced in March 2024 that it was seeking to sell Ben & Jerry’s along with its other ice cream brands, though no deal has been finalized.
Claims of Social Media Censorship
The lawsuit also accuses Unilever of blocking Ben & Jerry’s from making statements on various political issues. In January, the company alleged that Unilever prevented it from posting about abortion rights, climate change, and universal healthcare because the post referenced President Donald Trump.
In the most recent complaint, Ben & Jerry’s claims that Unilever also blocked a planned post about Palestinian refugee Mahmoud Khalil, who remains in ICE custody after his green card was revoked following protests at Columbia University. The post, which would have included a link to an ACLU petition advocating for his release, was never published, with no explanation provided by Unilever.
Another instance cited in the lawsuit includes a post intended to celebrate Black History Month in February, which was also allegedly prohibited from being shared.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The lawsuit follows Ben & Jerry’s initial complaint filed in November 2024, which accused Unilever of suppressing the company’s support for Palestinian refugees and its efforts to push for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. The company further alleged that Unilever threatened to dismantle Ben & Jerry’s independent board and sue its members for attempting to issue a statement calling for “peace” and a “permanent and immediate ceasefire.”
David Stever, who has been with Ben & Jerry’s since 1988 and was appointed CEO in May 2023, was removed under unclear circumstances. His current role within the company remains uncertain.
Unilever’s Leadership Changes
Unilever itself is undergoing leadership changes, as its CEO stepped down just weeks ago after serving only a short tenure. The management shakeup adds further complexity to the ongoing tensions between the parent company and Ben & Jerry’s.
