Ben & Jerry’s ice cream pints are available for purchase at a grocery store. The ice cream company is accusing its parent company Unilever of violating their merger agreement by removing the CEO without the board’s approval. This dispute, which started in 2021, has escalated with the latest complaint filed in New York. Ben & Jerry’s lawyers argue that the merger rules protect the brand’s interests, but Unilever disregarded these rules by replacing the CEO due to the brand’s public comments on progressive issues. Unilever has not yet responded to the allegations. The ongoing conflict also involves Unilever allegedly restricting Ben & Jerry’s social media posts, including those related to social justice issues and Black History Month. Ben & Jerry’s initial lawsuit in 2024 claimed that Unilever silenced the company’s support for Palestinian refugees. The former CEO, David Stever, who joined Ben & Jerry’s in 1988 and became CEO in 2023, was removed from his position by Unilever. Unilever is currently undergoing a leadership change as well. To access more CNN news and newsletters, sign up at CNN.com.
