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

The lawsuit, filed in New York, states Unilever failed to consult Ben & Jerry's independent board before terminating Stever's position - a requirement under the merger agreement. The company believes Stever was dismissed due to his commitment to maintaining Ben & Jerry's activist stance on social and political issues.

The conflict intensified after a 2022 dispute when Ben & Jerry's attempted to halt product sales in the occupied West Bank to protest Israeli settlements, which Unilever blocked. The current lawsuit alleges Unilever has "muzzled" the company's ability to support Palestinian refugees and threatened employees who spoke out.

Stever, a 35-year company veteran who started as a tour guide in 1988, rose through the ranks to become Ben & Jerry's first internal CEO promotion. His termination, according to the lawsuit, wasn't performance-related but rather an attempt to install leadership more aligned with Unilever's less controversial business approach.

Ben & Jerry's has historically taken strong positions on social issues, including Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, climate action, and migrant justice. This commitment to social activism has created ongoing tension with Unilever, which typically maintains a more neutral corporate stance.

Unilever has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit or the allegations of attempting to suppress Ben & Jerry's social mission.

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