Bruno Pugh
You’re sitting in a restaurant expecting a straightforward conversation about your salary, but instead, you’re listening to your company’s vice president trash everything about the organization you both work for. That’s exactly what happened to Robert Garza, a cybersecurity analyst at Campbell’s, when he met with Martin Bally, the company’s VP and Chief Information Security Officer, in November 2024.
What Garza captured on his phone during that Michigan meeting would ultimately cost Bally his job and send shockwaves through social media.
The Recording That Shook A Fortune 500 Company
The recording allegedly features Bally declaring that Campbell’s makes products for poor people and admitting he barely purchases them himself. But the comments didn’t stop there. The hour-and-fifteen-minute tirade included claims about bioengineered meat and chicken from 3D printers, alongside what the lawsuit describes as stereotypical remarks about Indian coworkers.
Garza told Local 4 News in Detroit that he had “an instinct that something wasn’t right” with Bally, which prompted him to record the conversation. In Michigan, it’s perfectly legal to record someone without their knowledge if you’re part of the conversation.
Campbell’s Fires Back—Literally
Campbell’s initially placed Bally on administrative leave while conducting an internal investigation, but by Wednesday, November 26, the company had made its decision: Bally was out. The company confirmed that the voice in the recording likely belongs to Bally, and they weren’t having any of what he allegedly said.
The soup giant went into full damage control mode, publishing statements and even creating a dedicated factsheet on their website. Campbell’s emphasized that they don’t use 3D-printed chicken, lab-grown chicken, or any form of artificial or bioengineered meat in their soups. They stressed that their chicken comes from USDA-approved suppliers and contains no antibiotics ever. The company noted that Bally worked in IT and had nothing to do with how their food is made, making his claims particularly absurd in their view.
But here’s where the story gets messier: Garza reported the comments to his manager in January 2025, and just weeks later, he was abruptly terminated. His lawsuit now alleges wrongful termination, retaliation, and maintaining a prejudicial, hostile work environment. Campbell’s hasn’t officially responded to the lawsuit in court yet.
Social Media Erupts, And Florida Gets Involved
The internet did what the internet does best—it exploded. Social media users announced boycotts, with people declaring they’d throw out their Campbell’s soup and never buy from the brand again. The timing couldn’t have been worse for Campbell’s, coming right before Thanksgiving when many Americans stock up on comfort foods.
Then things got even more interesting. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the state’s Consumer Protection Division would investigate Campbell’s, citing Florida’s law banning lab-grown meat. His X post threatened to “shut down” violators, adding another layer of pressure on the company.
Campbell’s stock fell about 1.43% over five days following the controversy, though the company—which also owns Pepperidge Farm and Prego—remains the 425th company on the Fortune 500 list. Whether this scandal will have lasting effects on the iconic brand remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: the soup aisle won’t look quite the same to many shoppers anymore.