Judge narrows Ben & Jerry’s lawsuit accusing Unilever of silencing social activism

U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel dismissed seven claims and part of an eighth in Ben & Jerry's lawsuit accusing its former parent Unilever of silencing the ice cream maker's social activism, dismantling its board, and stopping funding its namesake foundation. The judge said Ben & Jerry's Class I directors and the Ben & Jerry's Foundation did not have a right to sue on behalf of the company, including on the appointment and removal of directors.

However, the judge allowed claims related to missed payments by Unilever to proceed. The lawsuit alleged that Unilever violated the 2000 merger agreement by censoring Ben & Jerry's speech, which included protests against the war in Gaza and an effort to suppress criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump. Unilever and its lawyers did not immediately respond to the ruling, while Ben & Jerry's accused Unilever of violating the merger agreement and failing to pay the required payments.