Frozen out | Ben & Jerry's CEO exit sparks Unilever row over political stance

Ben & Jerry's has claimed that parent company Unilever is forcing out its chief executive, David Stever, amid a dispute over the ice cream brand's political activism.

The allegation emerged in a legal filing from the firm in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. The company accused Unilever of breaching its 2000 merger agreement by attempting to suppress its "social mission."

According to the filing, Unilever had "repeatedly threatened Ben & Jerry's personnel, including CEO David Stever, should they fail to comply with Unilever's efforts to silence the social mission."

The dispute escalated following Ben & Jerry's public criticism of US President Donald Trump, with Unilever reportedly demanding the company halt its remarks. The ice cream maker has also voiced support for Palestine and advocated for a Gaza ceasefire, further straining relations.