A former Campbell Soup Company employee, Robert Garza, has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging he was fired for reporting racist and derogatory comments made by Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer Martin Bally. The comments, which were recorded by Garza, include Bally stating that Campbell’s products are for “poor people” and contain “bioengineered meat,” and making racist remarks about Indian employees .
The lawsuit, filed in Wayne County Circuit Court, claims that Campbell Soup Company maintained a racially hostile work environment and retaliated against Garza for reporting the incident. Garza, who worked as a security analyst, met with Bally in late 2024 to discuss his salary, but instead was subjected to an hour-long rant.
In the recording, Bally allegedly said, “We have st for fing poor people. Who buys our st? I don’t buy Campbell’s products barely anymore. It’s not healthy now that I know what the fk’s in it. Bioengineered meat — I don’t wanna eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3-D printer.” He also allegedly made derogatory comments about Indian employees, calling them “idiots” who “couldn’t think for their f**ing selves” .
Campbell Soup Company has responded, stating that if the comments are accurate, they are “unacceptable” and “do not reflect our values and the culture of our company.” Bally has been placed on temporary leave pending an investigation .
Garza’s attorney, Zachary Runyan, said Garza felt compelled to report the incident to protect his colleagues and that he had never received any disciplinary action prior to his termination. The lawsuit seeks compensation for emotional, reputational, and economic harm .