Campbell’s said Wednesday that it has dismissed a senior executive following the emergence of a recording in which the employee was heard making racist remarks and criticizing the company’s food products. The decision came days after a lawsuit filed in Michigan accused the executive, identified as Martin Bally, of using offensive language and admitting to workplace drug use during a conversation with a former colleague.
The lawsuit was filed last week by Robert Garza, a former employee who alleges he was terminated on January 30 after reporting Bally’s comments to a supervisor. Both Garza and Bally reside in Michigan, while Campbell’s is headquartered in Camden. According to the filing, Garza met with Bally in November 2024 to discuss compensation. Garza claims he recorded the meeting, during which Bally allegedly referred to the company’s products as “highly processed food” consumed by “poor people” and made a series of disparaging remarks about Indian employees, calling them “idiots.” The lawsuit also states Bally told Garza he frequently arrived at work under the influence of marijuana edibles.
Campbell’s said it first learned of the lawsuit last week. After reviewing portions of the audio provided to the company, officials said the voice in the recording appeared to be Bally’s. The company terminated him on Tuesday, stating that the remarks were entirely inconsistent with its standards and expectations. In a public statement, Campbell’s described the comments as “vulgar, offensive and false” and apologized for any harm caused, emphasizing that such behavior would not be tolerated.
Garza’s attorney did not release the full recording upon request, but a broadcast in Detroit reportedly aired segments of the audio in which Bally criticized the safety and quality of the company’s foods. In one clip, he questioned the origins of chicken products and made crude claims about how they were produced. Campbell’s strongly defended its practices, stating that its poultry is sourced from established U.S. suppliers, raised without antibiotics, and subject to rigorous quality controls. The company characterized the remarks in the recording as “not only inaccurate” but “patently absurd.”
The lawsuit names Campbell’s, Bally, and Garza’s former manager, J.D. Aupperle, as defendants. Garza claims he informed Aupperle of the conversation with Bally shortly before being dismissed from his position. Campbell’s confirmed that Aupperle remains employed with the company. Industry observers noted that the company could have resolved the matter more swiftly by addressing Garza’s report immediately, as recordings of this nature can be damaging once made public.
Garza is seeking monetary damages, alleging wrongful termination and retaliation, while Campbell’s continues its internal review of the incident. The case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace conduct, corporate culture, and the responsibilities companies face when addressing allegations of discriminatory behavior and employee mistreatment.
