• Ben & Jerry's accuses Unilever of blocking a social media post mentioning Donald Trump.
• The lawsuit underscores a history of conflicts over the ice cream company's social missions.
• Company management alleges Unilever's interference breaches their settlement agreement.
• The amended complaint includes references to other major figures like Elon Musk and Nelson Peltz.
• Ben & Jerry's has a long-standing tradition of advocating for social justice and human rights.

In a notable legal battle, Ben & Jerry's has recently revised its lawsuit against its parent company, Unilever, revealing that the ice cream brand claims its parent company prevented it from criticizing former President Donald Trump. This legal dispute stems from alleged censorship surrounding the company's planned social media communications related to various social issues, including minimum wage, universal healthcare, abortion, and climate change. According to the Business Insider, the company stated that Unilever’s ice cream division president, Peter ter Kulve, halted certain posts because they referenced Trump.

The CNN report notes that Ben & Jerry's alleges a pattern of interference from Unilever that hinders its commitment to social justice. The Vermont-based ice cream maker originally filed the lawsuit in November, asserting that Unilever had consistently failed to support its Independent Board's responsibility over the company's mission and integrity. The complaint also highlights attempts to issue public statements in favor of Palestinians, which the ice cream giant claims were thwarted by Unilever's directives.

In amending the suit, which was filed in the US Southern District of New York, Ben & Jerry's reiterated its commitment to its social mission and specified the intended message which had been blocked on Inauguration Day due to its mention of Trump. The amended complaint also discusses influential figures like Elon Musk and Nelson Peltz, noting the implications of their affiliations with Unilever that might have influenced executive decisions.

Ben & Jerry's attorney emphasized that the heart of this conflict lies in defending the company's core values of social justice, equality, and free speech, which have shaped its public identity over the past four decades. The company has long been synonymous with activism, prominently participating in movements and causes through their marketing. It is noteworthy that they previously announced a decision to cease sales in occupied Palestinian territories, arguing that such actions conflicted with their values.

The ongoing turmoil between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever exemplifies the challenges faced by companies striving to maintain their mission in the face of larger corporate pressures. Despite the increasing external influence on business operations, the ice cream brand remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for critical social issues. Both companies have yet to publicly respond to these recent allegations and concerns.

For further details, read the full articles from SCMP, CNN, and Business Insider.