Campbell executive documented as 'no longer working at company' during rant

Campbell's announced that former executive Martin Bally will no longer work at the company after he was accused of making racist remarks and comments about the company's customers and products.

The company said in a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 26, that Barley, the former vice president and chief information security officer, is no longer in his role following reports of the alleged remarks.

Bally's allegations became public after former employee Robert Garza claimed in a Nov. 20 lawsuit that he was wrongfully fired by Campbell's after he reported Bally's alleged tirade to the company.

The lawsuit includes a recording of a November 2024 conversation between Garza and Bally. Garza recorded an expletive-filled rant in which he claimed Barrie made racist comments and allegedly admitted to using drugs on the job. (Under Michigan law, it is legal for one party to record a conversation without the other person's consent. detroit free press, To quote attorney Symantha Heath. )

In Campbell's statement Wednesday, the company confirmed it learned of the lawsuit and recording on Nov. 20. “Neither Mr. Garza nor his attorney notified us of the existence of the recording.”

The statement continued, adding that after a “review,” they “believe the voice on the recording is in fact that of Martin Barrie.”

“These comments were vulgar, offensive and false, and we apologize for the hurt they caused. This behavior does not reflect our values ​​and company culture, and we will not tolerate this kind of language under any circumstances,” the statement read, before concluding that as of Tuesday, November 25, Bally was “no longer employed by the company.”

According to WDIV, Barrie's various comments included comments about food, saying the company produced “highly processed food” for “poor people.”

“We have this stuff for the damn poor people. Who buys our stuff? I almost don't buy Campbell's products anymore. Now I know what's in it, it's not healthy,” Barley allegedly said, according to local news outlets. “Bioengineered meat — I don't want to eat a piece of chicken that came out of a 3D printer.”

In response, Campbell Soup said Bally's alleged comments about the food were “not only inaccurate, but patently ridiculous.” The company said the chicken “comes from long-time trusted, USDA-approved U.S. suppliers that meet our high quality standards,” adding that all soups are made with antibiotic-free chicken.

Campbell Soup thanked its customers and said, “We are honored by the trust they have placed in us. We are proud of the food we make, the people who make it and the quality ingredients we use to provide consumers with high-quality food at a great value.”

Bally and Garza met in November 2024 to discuss Garza's salary; however, Bally allegedly made these remarks as well as derogatory remarks about Indian employees during the sit-in.

“Damn Indians don't know anything,” he said, according to WDIV. “It's like they can't think for themselves,” Bali allegedly said, calling them “idiots.”

He also allegedly admitted to Garza that he smoked marijuana at work.

After the conversation, Garza reported Barrie's comments to his immediate supervisor, J.D. Aupperle, in January 2025, Garza said in the lawsuit. He claimed that a few weeks later, on January 30, 2025, he was fired.

When PEOPLE reached out to Garza's attorney, Zachary Runyan, on Monday, Nov. 24, he said his client was “in a very difficult situation.” “He thought Campbell would thank him for reporting Martin's conduct, but instead, he was abruptly fired. We look forward to justice for Robert.”

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Garza's lawsuit alleges that he suffered stress, humiliation, embarrassment and mental anguish as a result of his supervisor, J.D. Aupperle, and Barrie, CBS News reported. Garza is seeking damages for moral, reputational and financial damages, as well as attorney fees, the outlet reported.