Anuradha Mittal, the former chair of Ben & Jerry’s independent board, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Unilever and its spin-off Magnum unit following her removal in December. The case arises from a long-standing tension between the brand's social mission and its corporate parent’s governance.
Mittal alleges that Unilever discredited her reputation in retaliation for her vocal advocacy for Palestinian rights. The lawsuit claims the company falsely accused her of professional misconduct and fostering a toxic work environment to justify her ousting.
This legal conflict underscores the growing friction between multinational conglomerates and the political autonomy of subsidiary boards. Observers will monitor the case for its impact on corporate free speech and the future of social activism within global brands.