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Former Ben & Jerry's Chair Sues Unilever for Defamation

3/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Anuradha Mittal, former chair of Ben & Jerry's independent board, filed a defamation lawsuit against Unilever and its Magnum ice cream unit in Oakland, California.
The suit arises from her support for Palestinian rights and follows a dispute over Ben & Jerry's autonomy after Magnum's spinoff.
Mittal alleges Unilever and Magnum made false accusations, including self-dealing and a toxic work environment, and seeks compensatory and punitive damages, asserting malice.

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Story summary

Anuradha Mittal, former chair of Ben & Jerry's independent board, filed a defamation lawsuit against Unilever and its Magnum ice cream unit in Oakland, California.
The suit arises from her support for Palestinian rights and follows a dispute over Ben & Jerry's autonomy after Magnum's spinoff.
Mittal alleges Unilever and Magnum made false accusations, including self-dealing and a toxic work environment, and seeks compensatory and punitive damages, asserting malice.