Ben & Jerry's Sues Unilever Over Board Threats

Ben & Jerry's has filed a lawsuit against its parent company Unilever, accusing it of preventing the company from expressing support for Palestinian refugees and threatening to dismantle its board. This legal action highlights ongoing tensions between the two companies following a 2021 decision by Ben & Jerry's to cease sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which led to investor backlash and a previous lawsuit over the sale of its Israeli business. The current lawsuit claims Unilever breached a 2022 settlement agreement that recognized Ben & Jerry's independent board's role in overseeing its social mission. Ben & Jerry’s insists that its attempts to advocate for peace and human rights have been blocked by Unilever, including calls for a ceasefire and support for Palestinian refugees. Unilever, in response, rejects these claims and intends to defend itself vigorously. The dispute underscores the challenges in balancing corporate governance and social activism within multinational corporations.