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Judge narrows Ben & Jerry's lawsuit accusing Unilever of silencing social activism
New York Post • • business
Key Points:
- A federal judge dismissed seven claims and part of an eighth in Ben & Jerry’s 10-count lawsuit against former parent Unilever, primarily related to operations and alleged censorship of the ice cream maker’s social activism.
- The judge ruled that Magnum, the company that acquired Ben & Jerry’s from Unilever last year, will replace Unilever as the primary defendant in the case.
- Two claims that survived concern Unilever’s alleged failure to make $4.5 million in payments related to a 2022 settlement over trademark rights in Israel and support for Palestinian almond farmers.
- The lawsuit accused Unilever of violating the 2000 merger agreement by censoring Ben & Jerry’s speech and ousting a CEO who supported activism, claims Unilever denies, stating the CEO resigned voluntarily.
- Magnum welcomed the narrowing of the case and stated that the Ben & Jerry’s brand continues to thrive, while separate defamation litigation involving former board chair Anuradha Mittal remains ongoing.
