Ben & Jerry's says parent Unilever silenced it over Gaza stance
The Hindu
Ben & Jerry's sues Unilever over silencing support for Palestinian refugees, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two companies.
Ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday (November 14, 2024) that parent company Unilever has silenced its attempts to express support for Palestinian refugees, and threatened to dismantle its board and sue its members over the issue.
The lawsuit is the latest sign of the long-simmering tensions between Ben & Jerry's and consumer products maker Unilever. A rift erupted between the two in 2021 after Ben & Jerry's said it would stop selling its products in the Israeli-occupied West Bank because it was inconsistent with its values, a move that led some investors to divest Unilever shares.
Also read: Why is Israel angry with an ice cream brand?
The ice cream maker then sued Unilever for selling its business in Israel to its licensee there, which allowed marketing in the West Bank and Israel to continue. That lawsuit was settled in 2022.
In its new lawsuit, Ben & Jerry's says that Unilever has breached the terms of the 2022 settlement, which has remained confidential. As part of the agreement, however, Unilever is required to "respect and acknowledge the Ben & Jerry's independent board's primary responsibility over Ben & Jerry's social mission," according to the lawsuit.
"Ben & Jerry's has on four occasions attempted to publicly speak out in support of peace and human rights," according to the lawsuit. "Unilever has silenced each of these efforts."
Unilever did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Deadly car attack in Zhuhai, China kills 35, sparking social media censorship and delayed official response.
Wounded Palestinian children find treatment in Lebanon amid fears of Gaza-like destruction, highlighting the toll of war on children.
Republicans sweep Congress and White House, giving Trump vast legislative power to push radical agenda and confirm key nominations.
Biden congratulates Trump on win, both pledge smooth transition in Oval Office meeting, reporters quickly ushered out.
Indonesian and Australian militaries conduct joint combat drills in Java, enhancing regional security and cooperation.
Sri Lanka's general election sees a shift in political landscape as voters choose representatives amid economic crisis aftermath.
Flight cancellations to Bali due to volcanic eruption; airlines like IndiGo and Air India affected, posing travel threat.
Israeli warplanes strike residential apartment in Beirut, injuring multiple people, as reported by Lebanese State-run media.
Iranian man convicted of raping dozens of women executed in public after Supreme Court confirms death sentence.
India, LMDCs advocate for equitable climate finance at COP29, pushing for transparency, fairness, and flexibility in financial commitments.
After Trump’s presidential win, Elon Musk-owned social media platform X’s rival Bluesky is seeing more new users.