Social activism has been a hallmark of the Ben & Jerry’s brand. Now it’s defending its social mission in court to preserve its ability to speak out as its sale looms.

The allegations come as part of a lawsuit aimed at blocking Unilever’s alleged efforts to dismantle Ben & Jerry’s independent board and end its social activism.

Ben & Jerry's wants a court order freeing the board to continue oversight of its social mission, and requiring Unilever to honor its commitment to make $25 million of payments to groups chosen by the ice cream company.

Ben & Jerry's accusations came in a lawsuit seeking to stop Unilever's alleged efforts to dismantle its independent board and end its social activism.

Ben & Jerry's, the ice cream brand, has accused its parent company Unilever (LON:ULVR) of trying to silence its criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump. This development comes as Unilever is preparing to spin off the ice cream brand later this year.