Key players: Ben Cohen (cofounder, campaign leader, still a nominal employee); Jerry Greenfield (cofounder, resigned in September 2025 in protest); Ben & Jerry’s independent board (plaintiffs in lawsuit); Magnum Ice Cream Company (Amsterdam-based owner, Unilever spin-off); Unilever (former parent).[1][2][3][5]
Context and timeline: Ben & Jerry’s was acquired by Unilever in 2000 with protections for its independent board to oversee social mission, product quality, and values. Tensions escalated in 2021 over boycotting sales in Israeli-occupied West Bank territories; in 2025, Unilever demerged its ice cream unit into Magnum, which Cohen and Greenfield urged to sell Ben & Jerry’s separately—refused. Magnum allegedly imposed new board requirements in December 2025, ousting members (including chair and CEO supporter), blocking Gaza ceasefire flavor/statement, and amending bylaws for control. Lawsuit filed January 11, 2026; Greenfield resigned fall 2025; campaign launched shortly before with open letter (28,000+ signatures) and social media push; recent Trian fund partner joins Magnum board.[1][2][3][4][5][7]
Newsworthy now: Published April 7, 2026, amid Fast Company interview where Cohen details Magnum silencing advocacy on Gaza, racial justice (e.g., Minneapolis), student protests, and DEI; escalates public feud as lawsuit seeks injunction against Magnum’s governance changes, with Cohen hinting at consumer pressure on Magnum brands in a politically charged climate under Trump administration.[1][3][5]