Ben & Jerry's Chair Accuses Magnum of Intimidation and Smear Tactics

The ousted chair of Ben & Jerry's, Anuradha Mittal, has made serious accusations against Magnum, the company now owning the iconic ice cream brand. She claims that Magnum threatened to launch a public smear campaign against her, supported by defamatory statements, if she did not step down from her role.

Mittal's removal from the board is linked to an ongoing feud between the independent board of Ben & Jerry's and its new owner regarding the maintenance of the company's core social missions and operational independence.

In her statements to BBC, Mittal elucidated that the conflict stems from efforts to undermine the board's authority, asserting, For several years now, we have been resisting their overreach, including their efforts to muzzle us from speaking out for human rights, for peace.

Following a recently commissioned investigation, Magnum declared that Mittal no longer fit the criteria to serve on the board and announced her removal along with two other members, citing governance issues within the Ben & Jerry's Foundation.

Mittal, who has helmed the board for seven years, received a letter notifying her of her removal, followed by purported offers from Magnum to join a multimillion-dollar nonprofit role if she relinquished her position. She described this proposition as inappropriate and rejected it.

This tension between Magnum and Ben & Jerry's has historical roots, as the brand was sold to Unilever in 2000 with an understanding that it would retain autonomy in its social mission. Previous disputes over political stances taken by Ben & Jerry's, including its refusal to sell ice cream in Israeli occupied territories, have further complicated the relationship.

A spokesperson for Magnum insisted that the changes to governance were intended to reinforce the integrity and governance of Ben & Jerry's while maintaining commitment to its social values.

As Magnum continues to expand its dominance in the ice cream market, the friction regarding Ben & Jerry's identity and mission suggests a significant crossroads for both brands.