Ben & Jerry’s updated its lawsuit against Unilever, accusing the company of suppressing a social media statement mentioning Donald Trump.
Allegations of Censorship and Control
In its complaint, the Vermont-based ice cream company claimed that Unilever’s ice cream division president, Peter ter Kulve, blocked a planned social media post. The post addressed abortion, climate change, minimum wages, and universal healthcare but also specifically mentioned Trump.
According to the lawsuit, ter Kulve unilaterally stopped the post, arguing that criticizing Trump was “too taboo” for the brand. Ben & Jerry’s, known for progressive activism, said this marked a significant departure from its history of challenging Trump’s policies.
Conflict Over Social Mission and Brand Independence
Ben & Jerry’s also accused Unilever of silencing its attempts to advocate for peace and human rights. The lawsuit alleged that Unilever repeatedly interfered with its board’s efforts to release statements supporting Palestinian refugees and opposing military aid to Israel.
The company said Unilever threatened to dismantle its board and take legal action if it issued statements calling for peace and a ceasefire. Despite contractual obligations to respect Ben & Jerry’s independent social mission, Unilever allegedly blocked these actions four times.
Values at the Heart of the Dispute
The tension stems from Ben & Jerry’s decision in 2021 to stop selling products in occupied Palestinian territories. The company argued that this was consistent with its values and commitment to human rights.
Ben & Jerry’s reiterated its identity as a values-driven brand, stating on its website, “We advocate for human rights and social justice. Our product cannot align with internationally recognized illegal occupations.”
This ongoing legal battle highlights the clash between Ben & Jerry’s progressive ideals and Unilever’s corporate priorities.