Campbell’s Co. has fired a vice president in its information security department after he was secretly recorded calling the company’s products “highly process(ed) food” for “poor people” and making derogatory comments about Indian workers, according to a lawsuit filed by a former employee.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Bally initially made headlines after a leaked recording captured him mocking Campbell’s products and referring to them as “sh*t for f*ck*ng poor people,” comments that later surfaced in Garza’s lawsuit.
The food giant terminated Martin Bally on Tuesday after reviewing the allegations and portions of a recording submitted in a lawsuit filed by former employee Robert Garza.
The scandal highlights tensions between corporate executives and the products they sell. It also raises broader questions about workplace discrimination and possible retaliation against whistleblowers.
Garza, who was fired January 30, claims he lost his job after reporting Bally’s inflammatory comments to a supervisor. He filed suit last week in Michigan, where both men reside.
According to the lawsuit, Garza secretly recorded a November 2024 salary meeting with Bally. During the conversation, Bally allegedly called Indian workers “idiots” and said he often worked while high on marijuana edibles. These statements are described in the lawsuit’s allegations.
Campbell’s said it first learned of the lawsuit last week and fired Bally after reviewing the recording. “The comments were vulgar, offensive and false, and we apologize for the hurt they have caused,” the company said in a statement.
Local 4 News in Detroit aired portions of Bally’s expletive-filled remarks. “Bioengineered meat. I don’t want to eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3D printer,” Bally said on the recording.
Campbell’s defended its products Wednesday, insisting its chicken comes from trusted U.S. suppliers and meets high quality standards.
“The comments heard on the recording about our food are not only inaccurate, they are patently absurd,” Campbell’s said.
Public relations expert Larry Kopp criticized Campbell’s handling of the crisis, saying the company should have acted faster.
“If they had settled they would not be in this mess,” said Kopp, chairman of The TASC Group. “Recordings like these are devastating and should never see the light of day.”
Garza is seeking monetary damages from Campbell’s, Bally, and his former manager, J.D. Aupperle. Campbell’s confirmed Wednesday that Aupperle remains employed at the company.
The Camden, New Jersey-based manufacturer now faces potential reputational fallout from the incident. The case underscores ongoing challenges companies face in policing executive conduct, addressing discrimination complaints, and protecting whistleblowers.
