CRBC News
Politics
Conflict
Security
Economy
Science
Technology
Environment
Health
Culture
Society
Lifestyle
Society

Former Campbell Employee Sues After VP's Alleged Tirade Calling Products 'for Poor People' and Making Racist Remarks

01:43 PM, 11/25/2025
Former Campbell Employee Sues After VP's Alleged Tirade Calling Products 'for Poor People' and Making Racist Remarks

Robert Garza, a former Campbell Soup Company employee, says he was wrongfully terminated after reporting alleged offensive comments by VP Martin Bally. Garza recorded a November 2024 meeting in which Bally allegedly disparaged customers as "s--- for f------ poor people," mocked "bioengineered meat," and used racist language about Indian colleagues. Garza reported the comments in January 2025 and was fired on Jan. 30, 2025; the lawsuit claims retaliation and is pending. Campbell says it is investigating.

Summary: A former Campbell Soup Company employee has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit after alleging he was fired for reporting offensive and racist remarks by a senior executive. The complaint centers on a recorded November 2024 meeting in which the executive allegedly disparaged customers, insulted Indian colleagues, and admitted to using marijuana edibles at work.

Allegations and recording

Robert Garza, the plaintiff, says he met with Martin Bally, Campbell’s vice president and chief information security officer, in November 2024 to discuss his salary. According to Garza’s court filing, Bally launched an hour-and-15-minute tirade during which he allegedly criticized the company and its customers, made derogatory remarks about Indian employees and admitted to using marijuana edibles while at work. Garza recorded the conversation and later included the recording in his complaint.

“We have s--- for f------ poor people. Who buys our s---? I don’t buy Campbell’s products barely anymore. It’s not healthy now that I know what the f---‘s in it.”

The complaint also alleges Bally mocked modern food technology, saying, “Bioengineered meat — I don’t wanna eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3-D printer,” and made disparaging comments about Indian coworkers, including, “F---ing Indians don’t know a f------ thing” and “they couldn’t think for their f------ selves.”

Complaint, firing and legal claims

Garza says he reported Bally’s remarks to his direct supervisor, J.D. Aupperle, in January 2025. He was terminated on January 30, 2025, and claims the firing was in retaliation for reporting the alleged misconduct. The lawsuit names Bally, Aupperle and Campbell Soup Company as defendants. Garza also says it took him roughly 10 months to find another job after his termination.

Garza’s attorney, Zachary Runyan, said his client was “sticking up for other people” when he raised concerns about the executive’s comments and that Garza had no prior disciplinary history.

Legal and corporate response

The complaint notes that Michigan law permits one-party recordings when the recorder is a participant in the conversation; attorney Symantha Heath is cited on the legal point. Campbell Soup Company issued a statement saying, in part, “If accurate, the comments in the recording are unacceptable. They do not reflect our values and the culture of our company. We are actively investigating this matter.”

The lawsuit is pending. The complaint’s allegations have not been proven in court. Campbell and the plaintiff’s legal counsel have been notified as part of the litigation process.

Similar Articles

Trending