Ben & Jerry’s has accused its parent company, Unilever, of firing its CEO, David Stever, for supporting the ice cream brand’s political activism. The claim was made in an amended lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Tuesday.
According to the complaint, Stever’s collaboration with Ben & Jerry’s Independent Board on remarks in favor of Palestinian refugees was the direct cause of Unilever’s decision to fire him on March 3, 2025. According to the ice cream company, this is against the terms of the 2022 agreement that granted its independent board authority over the company’s social mission and brand integrity.
Context of the Conflict
Political activity has always been a part of Ben & Jerry’s. It gained notoriety in 2021 when it declared it would no longer sell its goods in West Bank Israeli settlements. When the parent firm transferred its activities in Israel to a local licensee, Unilever was sued as a result of this choice.
The latest legal filing alleges Unilever continued to silence Ben & Jerry’s public statements. It also accuses the conglomerate of blocking donations to groups like Jewish Voice for Peace and a chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Unilever’s Response
Unilever has denied the allegations, maintaining that it retains the right to hire and fire executives. Unilever expressed disappointment that the employee matter became public, stating it removed Stever “after good faith consultation and discussion.”
Additionally, Unilever claimed its actions were aligned with a neutral stance on the Israel-Hamas war. The company cited due diligence in denying donations to organizations it deemed controversial.
Ben & Jerry’s Stands Firm
Despite Unilever’s assertions, Ben & Jerry’s Board argues that the firing has damaged its brand reputation. The brand insists its customers expect it to speak out on social and political issues.
The case will proceed as Unilever has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, stating that Ben & Jerry’s has failed to prove damages.
Source: NBC News
