ALBAWABA - Ben & Jerry's has filed a lawsuit against its parent company Unilever, alleging attempts to prevent the ice cream brand from publicly supporting Palestinian refugees who are suffering as a result of Israel's ongoing aggression in Gaza, according to multiple media outlets.
Ben & Jerry's claims Unilever has hindered the brand from openly supporting Palestinian refugees and asking for a ceasefire in Gaza, alleging that Unilever’s methods included threats to disband its independent board and even take legal action against board members, The Guardian reports.
Since 2021, when Ben & Jerry's announced it would no longer offer its products in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in adherence with its ethical standards, the two companies have had a tense commercial relationship, according to Reuters. In response, Unilever sold its Israel business to a local licensee, allowing distribution to continue in both Israel and the West Bank.
Ben & Jerry's sued Unilever as a result of this ruling, and a settlement was reached in 2022. Yet according to Ben & Jerry's, Unilever has since violated the conditions of that settlement, which allegedly included a clause requiring Unilever to uphold the social goal of the company.
Additionally, it is alleged that Unilever challenged Ben & Jerry's intent of contributing to human rights organizations, notably Jewish Voice for Peace, as it believed that the group's stance was too critical of Israel.
By the end of next year, Unilever, the conglomerate behind Dove and Vaseline, intends to split off its whole ice cream business, including Ben & Jerry's. According to analysts, the brand's strong social mission and autonomous board may make it more difficult for prospective shareholders, particularly private equity groups, to invest into the brand, Reuters reports.
Unilever responded to Ben & Jerry's allegations with a statement that claimed compassion for the victims of the events in the Middle East, adding that it strongly denies the allegations and vowed to fight the lawsuit.
