Ben & Jerry’s Files Amended Lawsuit Against Unilever Over Censorship of Social Media Statement
Ben & Jerry’s has amended a censorship lawsuit filed in November against parent company Unilever, claiming that the consumer goods giant had suppressed a social media statement that mentioned President Donald Trump. The Vermont-based ice cream maker alleges that Unilever’s president of its ice cream division, Peter ter Kulve, barred the company from issuing the post because it specifically mentioned Trump.
The statement was intended to highlight issues such as abortion, climate change, minimum wages, and universal healthcare, which are all facing uncertain futures under the Trump administration. According to the lawsuit, Ben & Jerry’s management and board sought to release the post, but ter Kulve intervened, claiming that criticizing Trump was too taboo for the brand.
This is not the first time that Ben & Jerry’s has accused Unilever of censorship. The company’s initial lawsuit, filed in the US Southern District of New York, alleged that Unilever silenced its attempts to publicly support Palestinian refugees and resolutions to end military aid to Israel. Ben & Jerry’s had done business in Israel since 1987.
The company’s feud with Unilever followed its decision in 2021 to stop selling products in occupied Palestinian territories, citing the actions as “inconsistent” with its values. Ben & Jerry’s claims that Unilever has repeatedly silenced its efforts to speak out in support of peace and human rights, despite the company’s contractual commitment to respect its social mission and brand integrity.
Ben & Jerry’s is seeking an injunction against Unilever, alleging that the company has breached its contract and stifled its free speech.
