Ben & Jerry's lodges complaint alleging unlawful removal of CEO by Unilever
US-based ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's has filed a complaint against its parent company, Unilever, for allegedly removing its CEO over the company's social and political activism, according to reports.
The ice cream maker lodged an amended complaint on late Tuesday claiming Unilever unlawfully removed their CEO David Stever due to his "commitment to Ben & Jerry's Social Mission and Essential Brand Integrity … rather than any genuine concerns regarding his performance history," CNN reported.
According to the company, Stever's removal was in violation of their merger agreement with Unilever in 2000, which protects the company's interest by "precluding the unilateral removal of its CEO."
Ben & Jerry's complaint amends a previous one that the company filed in November 2024, where it accused its parent company of silencing their statement in support of Palestinians in the Gaza war.
In its lawsuit, the ice cream shop alleged that Unilever attempted to sue its board members after they tried to issue a statement calling for a "permanent and immediate ceasefire," CNN reported.
Unilever responded to the latest lawsuit saying it made repeated attempts to engage with Ben & Jerry's Board and followed the correct process.
"We are disappointed that the confidentiality of an employee career conversation has been made public," the company told The Associated Press.
Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry's in 2000 for $326 million, according to The AP. In March 2024, the company said it was looking to sell the ice cream shop and other similar brands but has yet to complete a deal.
The clash between the two companies comes as Ben & Jerry's accuses its parent company of censoring them.
Last month, the ice cream shop also filed a complaint alleging that Unilever banned them from publicly criticising US President Donald Trump.
In the filing, reported by ABC News, Unilever attempted to work with Ben & Jerry's board on a statement that "focused on substantive issues without personal attacks on President Trump."
The board, however, reportedly rejected the "reasonable and prudent calls for balance."
According to CNN, Unilever also prohibited the company from making a post about a Palestinian refugee on social media, which would have included a link petitioning for his release.
Another post that was allegedly barred was content related to the celebration of Black History Month in February.
