Ben & Jerry's Sues Unilever Over CEO Ousting

Ben & Jerry's has filed a lawsuit against its parent company, Unilever, alleging that the latter unlawfully removed CEO David Stever in retaliation for his support of the ice cream brand's social mission and political activism. The legal complaint, filed in a New York court, claims that Unilever violated the merger agreement by dismissing Stever without consulting Ben & Jerry's independent board, which was established to safeguard the company's social values when Unilever acquired the brand in 2000. The dispute has roots in Ben & Jerry's outspoken positions on issues such as the Gaza conflict and Israeli settlements, which have previously led to tensions with Unilever. Ben & Jerry's accuses Unilever of attempting to suppress its activism, including blocking social media posts critical of Donald Trump and supportive of Palestinian causes. Unilever, which has not commented on the ongoing litigation, plans to spin off its ice cream business, including Ben & Jerry’s, by the end of 2025 as part of a corporate restructuring. The case underscores continuing friction between the iconic ice cream brand's progressive agenda and its corporate parent's business objectives.