The ousted chair of Ben & Jerry's has accused the company which owns the brand of threatening to launch a public smear campaign against her.
Anuradha Mittal, who chaired Ben & Jerry's independent board for seven years, told the BBC that Magnum had threatened to publish defamatory statements about her if she did not step down from her role.
This dispute is a reflection of increased tensions between the Vermont-based activist ice cream maker and its owner regarding the board's independence and freedom to pursue its social missions.
Magnum stated that Mittal no longer met the criteria to serve on the board, following an investigation by external advisors.
In a statement on Monday, Magnum detailed changes to board operations including a nine-year limit for board members. Alongside Mittal's removal, two other board members will also depart as a result of these changes.
Furthermore, an audit of the Ben & Jerry's Foundation revealed significant deficiencies in financial controls and governance policies.
Mittal expressed concerns over escalating tensions with Magnum regarding the brand's integrity and independence, stating, For several years now, we have been resisting their overreach, including their efforts to muzzle us from speaking out for human rights, for peace.
Magnum, recently spun off from Unilever, is now the world's largest ice cream maker and includes brands such as Cornetto and Wall's. The ownership issues have roots extending back to Unilever's acquisition of Ben & Jerry's in 2000, which allowed for an independent board with decision-making regarding social missions.
Earlier controversies included Ben & Jerry's refusal to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, leading to an Israeli operation's sale by Unilever. Mittal's removal is viewed as part of the ongoing struggle over corporate control versus social responsibility.
Mittal claimed her removal followed threats of defamatory action against her unless she resigned and described Magnum's tactics as an attempt at a public smear campaign.
In contrast, a spokesperson for Magnum stated that the measures taken were intended to strengthen corporate governance and maintain the brand's social mission integrity.
Overall, Mittal's removal and the accompanying discord reflect ongoing tensions between corporate governance and the preservation of mission-driven values that Ben & Jerry's has championed since its inception.
