Ben & Jerry's Lawsuit Against Unilever

In a dramatic development, Ben & Jerry's has launched a lawsuit against its parent company, Unilever, claiming that the multinational giant is attempting to censor its outspoken stance on the crisis in Gaza. This legal battle intensifies the ongoing discord between the iconic ice cream brand and its corporate overseer, especially since the recent escalation in the Gaza conflict.

Allegations Against Unilever

The lawsuit alleges that Unilever has taken steps to dismantle the independent board of Ben & Jerry’s and suppress its efforts to advocate for Palestinian refugees. Specifically, the ice cream company asserts that Unilever has stifled its calls for a ceasefire, safe passage for refugees, and support for U.S. student protests against civilian fatalities in Gaza. “Unilever has silenced each of these efforts,” the lawsuit states emphatically.

Unilever's Defense

Unilever, however, is gearing up to vigorously contest these allegations, asserting, “We reject the claims made by Ben & Jerry's social mission board.” The corporate giant emphasizes its commitment to the principles of neutrality amid one of the world's most contentious issues.

Background of the Conflict

The backdrop of this legal clash is the devastating conflict that erupted following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2022. In retaliation, Israel has conducted relentless operations in Gaza, leading to an escalating humanitarian catastrophe that has reportedly claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.

Historical Context of Ben & Jerry's Activism

The battle between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever began in earnest in 2021 when the ice cream company declared it would halt sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, citing such actions as “inconsistent with our values.” This move sparked outrage, particularly in Israel, and prompted significant backlash against Unilever, including divestment from major U.S. pension funds.

Unilever's Mitigation Efforts

To mitigate the fallout, Unilever attempted to sell Ben & Jerry’s Israel business to a local partner, a decision that drew further ire from Ben & Jerry’s and resulted in another lawsuit. They ultimately reached a settlement that promised to uphold the integrity of Ben & Jerry’s independent board and its social mission.

Increased Pressure and Internal Conflict

Despite this, Unilever has reportedly intensified pressure on Ben & Jerry's to stifle its activism regarding support for Palestinian refugees. According to the lawsuit, when the board sought to express its position, top Unilever executives expressed concerns about potential accusations of antisemitism and hinted at drastic actions, including legal repercussions against board members if they proceeded with statements advocating for peace and a ceasefire.

Financial Obstacles

The lawsuit also reveals that Unilever obstructed Ben & Jerry’s intentions to allocate funds from a 2022 settlement — approximately $5 million — to human rights organizations that assist Palestinian refugees. Unilever argued that these organizations, including the progressive group Jewish Voice for Peace, were overly critical of the Israeli government, maintaining that the company must remain neutral in the ongoing conflict.

Future of Ben & Jerry's Activism