Co-founder Jerry Greenfield has announced his resignation from Ben & Jerry’s after 47 years, citing concerns over the company’s diminished ability to address social issues. Greenfield expressed that the brand’s voice has been suppressed due to pressure from its parent company, Unilever. His letter indicates a feeling that Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced and sidelined by those in power.
Ben & Jerry’s alleges that its parent company, Unilever, ousted CEO David Stever to silence the ice cream company’s political activism. This action follows a series of disputes, including Unilever’s alleged attempts to prevent Ben & Jerry’s from criticizing President Trump and supporting Palestinian refugees. The move violates the merger agreement that established an independent board to safeguard Ben & Jerry’s social mission, the company claims in a lawsuit. Ben & Jerry’s has a long history of outspoken advocacy on social issues, dating back to its founding. Unilever’s actions are seen as an attempt to curtail this activism.
Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and 10 years probation for the manslaughter of her estranged husband. While the judge acknowledged Benefield’s claims of self-defense and remorse, he determined a reduced sentence was unwarranted. A jury found her guilty of manslaughter after a trial where conflicting accounts of the shooting were presented, with the prosecution arguing the self-defense claim was fabricated. A motion for a new trial based on alleged juror misconduct was denied by the judge.
John Q. Hosedrinker