Donald Trump and Elon Musk appear in Ben & Jerry's censorship lawsuit against Unilever, its parent company. Here's why.

Core Viewpoint - Ben & Jerry's has filed a lawsuit against its parent company Unilever, claiming that Unilever has censored its ability to express political views, particularly regarding support for Palestinians and criticism of Donald Trump [1][2][8]. Group 1: Legal Action and Allegations - Ben & Jerry's initiated legal proceedings against Unilever in November, alleging that the company blocked it from making statements supporting Palestinians, which it claims violates a settlement agreement [1][2]. - The complaint states that Unilever has threatened to dismantle Ben & Jerry's Independent Board and intimidate its personnel, thereby undermining the company's social mission and brand integrity [3][10]. - The lawsuit was amended to include references to Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Nelson Peltz, highlighting the influence of these figures on Unilever's decisions [4][6]. Group 2: Censorship Claims - Ben & Jerry's asserts that Unilever censored a planned statement on Inauguration Day that addressed various social issues, including minimum wage and climate change, due to its mention of Donald Trump [5][11]. - The complaint indicates that Unilever's decision to block the post was influenced by Peltz's position on the board and his public support for Trump [9][10]. - The company argues that Unilever's actions reflect a broader pattern of undermining its authority and social mission, which has historically included progressive activism [10][11]. Group 3: Company Identity and Values - Ben & Jerry's emphasizes that its identity is rooted in social justice, equality, and free speech, and it views Unilever's actions as a threat to these core values [11][12]. - The company expresses disappointment in Unilever's inability to understand its unique brand identity and the principles that have contributed to its popularity over the past four decades [12].