Campbell’s Employee Fired After Complaining About VP’s Controversial Rant Against Poor People
A Monroe, Michigan resident, Robert Garza, has filed a lawsuit against Campbell Soup Company following his termination. Garza claims his firing was in retaliation for reporting unacceptable comments made by a senior executive. These comments were made by Vice President Martin Bally during a lengthy tirade that Garza recorded.
Details of the Controversial Rant
The incident took place at a restaurant where Garza met Bally to discuss his salary. Instead, he encountered an hour-long complaint about the company and its customers. Garza described Bally’s behavior as lacking self-control, which led him to document the conversation on audio.
- Bally allegedly criticized Campbell’s soup products as “highly processed food for poor people.”
- He made derogatory remarks regarding Indian employees, referring to them as “idiots.”
- Bally’s comments included disdain for the quality of the products, stating he no longer buys them due to health concerns.
- He further admitted to arriving at work high on marijuana edibles.
Filing of the Lawsuit
Garza’s lawsuit, filed in Wayne County Circuit Court, names Bally and supervisor J.D. Aupperle as defendants. Garza, who worked remotely as a security analyst since September 2024, alleged that following his report to Aupperle, he was terminated within weeks.
Garza’s attorney, Zachary Runyan, stated that Garza had no prior disciplinary actions and had received positive feedback from Bally before his dismissal. The lawsuit asserts that Garza faced retaliation for voicing concerns over Bally’s conduct.
Garza described feeling “pure disgust” after hearing Bally’s remarks. He emphasized that reporting these comments was intended to protect others, not to jeopardize his employment.
Company Response
Campbell Soup Company acknowledged the gravity of the situation. They released a statement declaring that if the recorded comments are accurate, they are “unacceptable” and contradict the company’s values. An investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Following his termination on January 30, 2025, Garza reported difficulties in finding new employment, highlighting the impact of alleged retaliatory practices on his career. He criticized Campbell’s claims of fostering a familial work environment, stating the reality was far from the company’s professed values.
