Unilever Requests Dismissal of Ben & Jerry's CEO Lawsuit

Published 3 days agoUL

Unilever Requests Dismissal of Ben & Jerry's CEO Lawsuit

Unilever has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from Ben & Jerry’s concerning the alleged ousting of its CEO, David Stever. Unilever firmly denies any involvement in Stever's resignation, asserting that he voluntarily left his position on March 31 after declining a global role within Unilever's ice cream division, as reported by Reuters.

Ben & Jerry's alleges that Unilever attempted to undermine its executive board and curtail its political activism. This includes actions such as the company's stance against the war in Gaza and criticisms directed at former U.S. President Donald Trump. The root of the legal battle lies in a 2000 agreement meant to preserve Ben & Jerry's independence following its acquisition by Unilever, with the lawsuit lodged in November 2024 claiming a breach of this agreement, according to Time.

In response to the allegations, Unilever maintains that Ben & Jerry's has shifted towards advocacy on controversial and polarizing issues, posing risks to the company's reputation and its employees. While seeking to dismiss the lawsuit, Unilever also outlines its broader corporate strategy, which includes plans to spin off its ice cream division—encompassing brands like Breyers and Magnum—by July 1, 2025, to refine its brand portfolio.

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