Ben & Jerry’s Sues Unilever, Alleging Censorship Over Gaza Statements “`

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Ben Jerry's Gaza

Ben & Jerry’s is suing its parent company, Unilever, alleging suppression of its statements supporting Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in a New York federal court, claims Unilever has breached its contractual obligations by threatening to dissolve Ben & Jerry’s independent board, sue board members, intimidate staff, and silence the company’s public support for peace and refugee rights.

Unilever, based in London, refuted Ben & Jerry’s social mission board’s claims in a statement, vowing a strong defense.

Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s, a long-time advocate for progressive social causes, in 2000, but in 2021, it agreed to halt sales in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Upon acquisition, the companies agreed that Ben & Jerry’s independent board could pursue its social mission, encompassing support for various liberal causes, while Unilever retained final say on financial and operational matters.

Unilever subsequently announced in July 2022 its intention to sell its stake in the Vermont ice cream maker, which would then market Ben & Jerry’s products with Hebrew and Arabic labels in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. Ben & Jerry’s challenged this in court but were unsuccessful.

Following negotiations, Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever reached a settlement where Unilever would respect the board’s authority over the company’s social mission and brand integrity, and “work in good faith” to protect and advance both, according to the lawsuit.

Unilever allegedly prevented Ben & Jerry’s from publicly criticizing the Gaza war on four occasions, silencing calls for peace, a ceasefire, support for protesting students, and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.

The lawsuit alleges Unilever’s disregard for the independent board’s responsibility and brand integrity, including threats against Ben & Jerry’s personnel for speaking out on issues Unilever wished to censor. The lawsuit aims to protect Ben & Jerry’s mission from Unilever’s actions.

In March, Unilever announced restructuring plans to cut costs and improve profits.