Lawsuit claims consumer goods giant tried to silence statements on ceasefire and block donations to activist groups

Ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday 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 ice cream maker has accused Unilever of attempting to block Ben & Jerry’s from making public statements about the plight of refugees from the conflict in Gaza. Ben & Jerry’s alleges that Unilever has breached the terms of a confidential settlement made in 2022.

Ben & Jerry's independent board accuses Unilever of preventing the ice cream brand from advocating for Palestinian rights.

In escalation of long-running tensions, the ice-cream brand says its parent company blocked statements in support of Palestinian rights.

The ice cream maker claimed in a lawsuit that its parent company tried to stop it from expressing support for Palestinian refugees.

The independent board of Ben & Jerry’s has accused its parent company, Unilever Plc, of silencing it on advocating for Palestinian rights, in contravention of an agreement between the two.