Ben & Jerry’s has initiated legal proceedings against its parent company, Unilever, alleging the suppression of its voice concerning Palestinian refugee issues during the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
Ben & Jerry’s, renowned for its social activism, claims that its attempts to publicly support peace and human rights were thwarted by Unilever. These actions, according to the ice cream brand, violate a confidential agreement reached in 2022, which tasked Ben & Jerry’s independent board with the primary responsibility over its social mission.
The lawsuit, filed in New York, highlights four significant occasions where Ben & Jerry’s endeavoured to express its stance. The company sought to advocate for a ceasefire, urge the UK to facilitate the safe passage of Palestinian refugees, support student protests against civilian casualties in Gaza, and call for an end to US military support to Israel. Each attempt, the lawsuit claims, was hindered by Unilever.
This incident is not the first conflict between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever concerning social issues. In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s announced its decision to stop selling its products in Israeli-occupied Palestinian areas, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Unilever’s response involved selling the Israeli division of Ben & Jerry’s to a local operator, allowing sales to continue under a different brand label. Ben & Jerry’s challenged this decision legally, though that lawsuit was eventually settled.
Ben & Jerry’s political activism is a cornerstone of its brand identity, as evidenced by co-founder Ben Cohen’s arrest during protests in Washington last year, opposing the prosecution of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. This ongoing lawsuit represents another chapter in the company’s active engagement with socio-political issues.
Ben & Jerry’s legal action against Unilever underscores a significant conflict concerning corporate governance and social responsibility. As the case unfolds, it highlights the challenges faced by companies committed to activism within the larger structures of corporate ownership.
