- In 2024, Ben & Jerry’s made a complaint against Unilever, its parent business.
- At that time, Ben & Jerry’s claimed that Unilever was preventing them from expressing their opinions about the conflict in Gaza.
- Ben & Jerry’s claims that Unilever stopped them from making a comment about Trump.
Ben & Jerry’s is suing its parent company, Unilever, and has named President Donald Trump along with billionaires Elon Musk and Nelson Peltz in the case.
Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc. filed a lawsuit against Unilever and its company, Conopco, in the US Southern District of New York in November.
In its first complaint, Ben & Jerry’s claimed that Unilever stopped it from expressing support for Palestinians. The company stated this violated a settlement deal and hindered its ability to achieve its social goals.
The complaint stated that Unilever has repeatedly ignored the Independent Board’s main role in overseeing Ben & Jerry’s social mission and brand values. It also mentioned that Unilever has threatened Ben & Jerry’s staff if they discuss topics that Unilever wants to keep quiet.
Ben & Jerry’s stated that Unilever broke their deal by threatening to break up the Independent Board, sue Board members, and intimidate Ben & Jerry’s staff.
The ice cream company from Vermont focuses on political issues, social justice, and environmental action as a key part of its image. Ben & Jerry’s TikTok account recently supported the People’s March in Washington, DC.
On Friday, Ben & Jerry’s changed their lawsuit to mention Trump, Musk, and Peltz.
Ben & Jerry’s Claims That Unilever Edited A Comment It Made About Trump
In the updated lawsuit, Ben & Jerry’s stated that they planned to share a message on Inauguration Day that highlighted social issues they thought would be affected by the Trump administration. These issues included minimum wage, universal healthcare, abortion, and climate change.
Ben & Jerry’s stated that Peter ter Kulve, the head of Unilever’s ice cream division, stopped the post from being published.
The company stated in the lawsuit that even after weeks of working on the statement and getting input from Unilever’s Global Head of Litigation, Peter ter Kulve stopped Ben & Jerry’s from posting it on January 18, 2024, because it included the name ‘Donald Trump.’
Ben & Jerry’s stated that the decision overlooked the company’s ongoing efforts to oppose the Trump government.
Unilever’s Decision Comes At The Same Time As Peltz’s Support For Trump, According To The Lawsuit
The lawsuit also talks about Musk and Peltz.
Musk is working with the Trump government and is in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency. Peltz is a rich investor and co-founder of Trian Fund Management. He became a non-executive director on Unilever’s board in 2022.
Ben & Jerry’s stated in their lawsuit that Unilever stopped them from posting about Trump because of Peltz’s role on the board.
Ben & Jerry’s said that Unilever’s sudden issue with saying ‘Trump’ comes at the same time that one of its important board members, Nelson Peltz, has publicly backed Mr. Trump. “Sure enough, within a day of Mr. ter Kulve blocking the Inauguration Post based on a gut feeling instead of proof, he held an Ice Cream Townhall and claimed that Mr. Peltz was the one who introduced Elon Musk to Donald Trump.”
Ben & Jerry’s stated that Unilever has a history of taking control away from its board and interfering with the company’s social goals and brand trust.
Mr. ter Kulve stated that even after 40 years of social activism and many years of opposing Trump’s policies, criticizing Trump had become too risky for the brand known for “Peace, Love, and Ice Cream,” according to the company’s lawsuit.
Ben & Jerry’s lawyer told Parhlo World that the company wants to uphold its morals.
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“This disagreement centers on an American institution that defends the important values it has been known for over the last 40 years: social justice, equality, and free speech,” the statement said. “It’s unfortunate that Unilever has trouble grasping these principles and what makes our company special.”
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