It’s getting pretty heated over at Ben & Jerry’s, but it’s not about ice cream. The Vermont-based company is suing its parent company, Unilever, for allegedly unlawfully firing CEO David Stever.
The reason? According to Ben & Jerry’s, Stever was shown the door because of his commitment to the brand’s outspoken social and political stances.
In an amended lawsuit filed in New York, Ben & Jerry’s claims that Unilever violated a 2000 merger agreement that was supposed to protect the ice cream brand’s independence, especially when it came to social justice initiatives. The agreement says Unilever can’t just fire Ben & Jerry’s CEO without first consulting the company’s independent board, which, the lawsuit argues, never happened.
Why Is Ben & Jerry’s Taking This to Court?
Ben & Jerry’s has a long history of taking bold political stances. Whether it’s supporting Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, climate action, or migrant justice, the company has never been shy about speaking out on social issues. That’s been a point of tension with Unilever, which prefers a less controversial approach to running a business.
The tension exploded in 2022 when Ben & Jerry’s wanted to stop selling its products in the occupied West Bank as a stance against Israeli settlements. Unilever blocked the move, leading to a lawsuit that was ultimately dismissed.
Now, the ice cream company says history is repeating itself, but this time it’s about freedom of speech. The lawsuit alleges that Unilever “muzzled” Ben & Jerry’s, preventing them from publicly supporting Palestinian refugees. The company even claims that Unilever threatened employees who tried to speak out.
Who Is David Stever?
Stever wasn’t just some outside hire. He’s been with Ben & Jerry’s since 1988, starting as a tour guide before working his way up to chief marketing officer. His promotion to CEO was a major milestone, it was the first time someone from within the company was chosen to lead the brand. But his dedication to the company’s social mission might have cost him his job.
Unilever’s Side of the Story
Unilever hasn’t said much about the lawsuit, but Ben & Jerry’s argues that this isn’t about performance, it’s about silencing a leader who wouldn’t back down on the company’s progressive values. They claim Unilever wanted someone more compliant at the helm.
As of now, Unilever hasn’t responded to requests for comment. But with Ben & Jerry’s refusing to melt under pressure, this legal battle is far from over.
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