Even the world of ice cream is not free from drama. Jerry Greenfield — yes, the Jerry from Ben & Jerry’s — is officially stepping away from the iconic brand after nearly 50 years. Why? Because, according to his longtime partner-in-scoops, Ben Cohen, Jerry isn’t aligned with their parent company anymore.
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Jerry Said, “Y’all Got Me F’d Up”
In a heartfelt open letter shared on the ice cream brand’s website, Greenfield announced his resignation with a “broken heart.” He alleged that Unilever effectively silenced Ben & Jerry’s ability to advocate for causes like peace, human rights, and racial justice. Ben Cohen shared with NBC that Jerry had been “torn apart” for a while and just couldn’t remain in a situation where the company’s values were being suppressed.
The final straw? Unilever’s decision to fold Ben & Jerry’s under the new Magnum Ice Cream Co. umbrella — something both founders had tried to prevent. Additionally, Jerry says he felt “muzzled” by Unilever, especially regarding speaking out on social justice issues that have always been central to the brand’s mission.
“It’s with a broken heart that I’ve decided I can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, remain an employee of Ben & Jerry’s. I am resigning from the company Ben and I started back in 1978. This is one of the hardest and most painful decisions I’ve ever made,” the ice cream icon shared in the letter.
This Is Why Jerry Is Standing On Business
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about ice cream flavors. It’s about the essence of a billion-dollar brand that built its reputation on advocacy — from Black Lives Matter to climate change to LGBTQ+ rights. According to Ben, Ben & Jerry’s has recently been restricted from making statements on everything from the war in Gaza to Black History Month. And while Jerry chose to step away, Ben says he’s staying in the fight: “It’s a big platform…and I think it’s worth saving.”
Jerry wanted you to hear this from him.
We built Ben & Jerrys to stand for peace and love. It was needed then and it’s needed more than ever now. Which is why @MagnumGlobal must #FreeBenAndJerrys
See Jerry’s full message at https://t.co/p8Qqyw3Ei5 and be part of the campaign. pic.twitter.com/c9eWCKWrQu
— Ben Cohen (@YoBenCohen) September 18, 2025
What’s The Next Scoop?
Magnum issued a statement thanking Jerry for his service, but they’re seemingly still not aligned.
“We remain committed to Ben & Jerry’s unique three-part mission — product, economic, and social — and remain focused on carrying forward the legacy of peace, love, and ice cream of this iconic, much-loved brand,” a spokesperson for Magnum said.
Meanwhile, Ben is calling on consumers to join in on the fight. The ice cream co-founder wants to persuade the parent company to let it be run by socially aligned investors. Because, let’s face it: this isn’t just about what’s in your pint — it’s about what the brand represents.
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What Do You Think Roomies?
