In a significant turn of events, Campbell’s has terminated an executive following the emergence of recorded remarks that have sparked outrage within the company and among the public. Martin Bally, who held the position of vice president in the information technology department, allegedly referred to the company’s products as items designed for “poor people” and made derogatory comments about Indian employees.
The controversy erupted when Bally was recorded by a former employee, Robert Garza, during what was purportedly a conversation about salary negotiations. In this hour-long discussion, which was aired by a Michigan TV station, Bally allegedly criticized Campbell’s offerings, stating, “Who buys our shit? I don’t buy Campbell’s products barely any more. It’s not healthy now that I know what the fuck’s in it… bioengineered meat.” He further expressed disdain for modern food production methods, claiming he did not want to consume chicken produced by a 3D printer.
The comments took a more troubling turn when Bally reportedly made disparaging remarks about Campbell’s employees of Indian heritage, stating, “Fucking Indians don’t know a fucking thing … Like they couldn’t think for their fucking selves.” Following this incident, Garza has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Campbell’s, alleging that Bally made not only racist remarks but also admitted to being under the influence of drugs during work hours. Garza claims that after attempting to file a complaint about Bally’s behavior, he faced retaliation, leading to his dismissal.
In response to the allegations and the outcry that followed, Campbell’s has issued a public apology for the distress caused by Bally’s comments, describing them as “vulgar, offensive and false.” The company, known for its iconic canned soups, reaffirmed its commitment to a culture that does not tolerate such language or behavior, stating, “This behaviour does not reflect our values and the culture of our company, and we will not tolerate that kind of language under any circumstances.”
Regarding Bally’s claims about the company’s products, Campbell’s firmly dismissed the allegations of bioengineered chicken, clarifying that the chicken used in its soups is sourced from trusted USDA-approved suppliers and adheres to stringent quality standards. The statement emphasized that all chicken meat utilized in their products is free from antibiotics.
With roots in the food industry extending back over 150 years, Campbell’s has diversified its offerings in recent years, shifting its brand focus beyond soups and incorporating various snack foods. The company owns several well-known brands, including V8 drinks, Prego sauces, and Kettle Brand snacks.
As the fallout from this incident continues, Bally has yet to respond publicly to the allegations and subsequent termination.
