A senior executive at a major American food corporation has been placed on administrative leave following explosive allegations in a wrongful termination lawsuit. The suit claims the executive disparaged the company’s iconic products in a recorded conversation, calling them food for “poor people” and making a series of other inflammatory remarks.
The legal complaint, filed in Michigan by former security analyst Robert Garza, centers on conduct attributed to Martin Bally, a vice-president at the company. Garza alleges that during a November 2024 meeting, Bally launched into an extended tirade. On a recording later obtained by a local news outlet, a voice alleged to be Bally’s is heard stating, “We have shit for fucking poor people,” and questioning who buys the products. The voice further criticizes the food’s healthfulness, making unfounded claims about “bioengineered meat” and ingredients from a “3D printer.”
The lawsuit also accuses the executive of making racist comments about colleagues of Indian heritage and admitting to being under the influence of marijuana edibles at work. Garza contends he reported these comments to a supervisor in January, only to be fired without prior disciplinary action 20 days later. His legal counsel argues this was retaliatory dismissal for speaking up against a hostile work environment.
In response to the allegations, the company issued a statement confirming an internal investigation and Bally’s leave, calling the alleged comments “unacceptable” and contrary to company values. A separate statement to media vigorously denied the claims about bioengineered meat, asserting the use of “100% real chicken” from approved suppliers.
The executive named in the suit has not publicly addressed the allegations. The case joins a rare list of corporate incidents where internal criticism of a company’s own products has become public, often with significant reputational consequences.