Ben & Jerry’s accuses Unilever of muzzling it over Trump mention, in latest tensions over social policies

Ben & Jerry's ice cream on sale at a shop in Jerusalem, on July 19, 2021. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Ben & Jerry's ice cream on sale at a shop in Jerusalem, on July 19, 2021. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

NEW YORK – Ben & Jerry’s ratchets up its censorship lawsuit against Unilever, accusing its parent company of suppressing a social policy statement the ice cream maker wanted to release because it mentioned US President Donald Trump.

The allegation comes in an amended complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, where Ben & Jerry’s in November accused Unilever of silencing attempts to express its pro-Palestinian stance and call for an end military aid to Israel, and threatening to dismantle its independent board.

Ben & Jerry’s wants a court order freeing the board to continue oversight of its social mission, and requiring Unilever to honor its commitment to make $25 million of payments to groups chosen by the ice cream company.

Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s do not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Both companies have been publicly at odds since 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s decided to stop selling Cherry Garcia, Chubby Hubby and other ice cream flavors in the West Bank because it was inconsistent with the company’s values.

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