Ben & Jerry's is suing parent company Unilever for allegedly firing CEO David Stever unlawfully, claiming the dismissal violated their 2000 merger agreement that protects the ice cream brand's independence in social justice initiatives.

The lawsuit, filed in New York, states Unilever failed to consult Ben & Jerry's independent board before terminating Stever, a requirement under the merger agreement. The company claims Stever's dismissal was due to his commitment to the brand's outspoken social and political positions, particularly regarding Palestinian refugees.

This conflict follows a 2022 dispute when Unilever blocked Ben & Jerry's attempt to stop selling products in the occupied West Bank. The ice cream maker alleges Unilever has "muzzled" their freedom of speech and threatened employees who attempted to speak out on social issues.

David Stever, who joined Ben & Jerry's in 1988 as a tour guide, rose through the ranks to become the company's first internal CEO promotion. His 35-year journey from tour guide to chief marketing officer, and finally CEO, exemplifies the company's commitment to internal growth and maintaining its social mission.

Ben & Jerry's maintains that Stever's firing wasn't performance-related but rather an attempt by Unilever to install more compliant leadership. The case highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining corporate independence and adhering to parent company directives. Unilever has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

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