Ben & Jerry’s has updated its lawsuit against parent company Unilever, accusing it of suppressing social media statements.
Allegations of Suppression and Censorship
The Vermont-based ice cream company claimed Unilever blocked a social media post mentioning Donald Trump. Ben & Jerry’s board sought to address issues like abortion, climate change, minimum wages, and universal healthcare under Trump’s administration. However, Peter ter Kulve, Unilever’s president of the ice cream division, allegedly banned the post because it referenced Trump.
“Ben & Jerry’s has a four-decade history of progressive activism, including challenging Trump’s policies,” the lawsuit stated. Yet, ter Kulve deemed Trump-related criticism “too taboo” for the brand known for “Peace, Love, and Ice Cream.”
Legal Disputes Over Political Statements
Ben & Jerry’s also claimed Unilever prevented it from supporting Palestinian refugees and opposing military aid to Israel. The ice cream maker accused Unilever of threatening its board and blocking efforts to promote peace and call for an immediate ceasefire.
The lawsuit argued that Unilever violated a contractual obligation to respect Ben & Jerry’s board’s authority over its social mission. “Unilever has silenced four public statements supporting peace and human rights,” the company stated.
Conflict Over Palestinian Territories
Tensions began after Ben & Jerry’s announced in 2021 it would stop selling products in occupied Palestinian territories. The company argued this decision aligned with its values and commitment to human rights.
“We have a history of advocating for social and economic justice,” Ben & Jerry’s declared on its website. “Our products should not be present in internationally recognized illegal occupations.” The lawsuit highlights the growing rift between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever over the ice cream brand’s social mission.
