Unilever prevented the board from publicly voicing its pro-Palestinian opinions on behalf of Ben & Jerry's, the suit said - including advocating for a cease-fire and safe passage for refugees, supporting college campus protests and urging a halt to U.S. military aid to Israel.
Ben & Jerry’s has launched legal action against Unilever, accusing its parent company of trying to block the ice-cream brand from making public statements supporting Palestinian refugees in the conflict in Gaza.
Ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday that parent company Unilever has silenced its attempts to express support for Palestinian refugees and threatened to dismantle its board and sue its members over the issue.
Ben & Jerry’s said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday that parent company Unilever has silenced its attempts to express support for Palestinian refugees and threatened to dismantle its board and sue its members over the issue.
Ben & Jerry's said in the lawsuit it has tried to call for a ceasefire, support the safe passage of Palestinian refugees to Britain, back students protesting at US colleges against civilian deaths in Gaza, and advocate for a halt in US military aid to Israel, but has been blocked by Unilever.
The lawsuit claims Unilever threatened to dismantle Ben & Jerry's independent board and sue its directors to prevent the company from publicly supporting peace efforts and Palestinian rights.
Ben & Jerry’s independent directors sued Unilever in November, accusing their parent company of silencing the ice cream maker’s statements in support of Palestinian refugees.
Ukraine & RussiaConfirmedYou decide
Unilever donates €5m and essential products to Ukraine
Unilever donates €5m and essential products to Ukraine, working with NGOs to deliver aid.
In addition, to support the humanitarian relief effort in Ukraine, we are donating €5m of support and essential Unilever products, working closely with NGOs to get help to where it is needed the most.
Community investmentConfirmedIn favor
Unilever donates €5m and products to Ukraine
Unilever donates €5m and essential products to Ukraine, working closely with NGOs to deliver aid.
In addition, to support the humanitarian relief effort in Ukraine, we are donating €5m of support and essential Unilever products, working closely with NGOs to get help to where it is needed the most.
Labor & working conditionsConfirmedAgainst
Unilever hides documents in worker crisis
Unilever failed to disclose key documents related to its crisis management role on a Kenyan plantation after victim requests.
Despite Unilever’s high-profile public commitment to the UNGPs, Unilever has sought to extinguish any possibility of access to remedy.4 Unilever relentlessly hid behind its corporate structure to prevent the claims from proceeding in England in the clear knowledge that the case could not proceed in Kenya (as confirmed in findings of the High Court – see paragraphs 39-44 below).5 Further, in response to specific requests by the victims, Unilever plc failed to disclose key documents relevant to its role in crisis management on the Kenyan plantation.
Israel & PalestineAllegationYou decide
Unilever is accused of muzzling Ben & Jerry's posts
Unilever is accused of muzzling Ben & Jerry's social media posts that mentioned President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Nelson Peltz.
Ben & Jerry’s independent board members, including Mittal, filed a lawsuit in November accusing Unilever of silencing the ice cream maker’s statements in support of Palestinian refugees.
Additional court documents allege that Unilever muzzled Ben & Jerry’s social media posts that mentioned President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Nelson Peltz, the billionaire investor and Unilever board member who introduced the president to Musk.
Health policyConfirmedYou decide
Unilever lobbied against sachet bans in India and Philippines
Unilever lobbied against proposed sachet bans in India and the Philippines, influencing lawmakers to drop the measures.
USA: Unilever accused of removal of chief executive for views on Gaza, calls for dismissal of lawsuit - Business and Human Rights Centre
The independent board of Ben & Jerry's filed a lawsuit alleging that Unilever, Ben & Jerry's parent company, removed chief executive David Stever partly due to his views on Gaza and Palestine.
USA: Unilever accused of removal of chief executive for views on Gaza, calls for dismissal of lawsuit