Goya’s former CEO said he didn’t know why he was fired. His family on the board alleges he was part of a cover-up

Earlier this week, the controversial former boss of Goya Foods self-published a mysterious press release about his departure from the company. Robert “Bob” Unanue said that after nearly five decades at the family business, he was suddenly informed that his “employment” at the company was over and he had “no real answers” as to why, noting Goya did not publicly indicate he was no longer leading the company.

Earlier this week, the controversial former boss of Goya Foods self-published a mysterious press release about his departure from the company. Robert “Bob” Unanue said that after nearly five decades at the family business, he was suddenly informed that his “employment” at the company was over and he had “no real answers” as to why, noting Goya did not publicly indicate he was no longer leading the company. “While the (board’s) decision has left many questions unanswered,” Unanue, a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump, continued on X, “one thing is certain — I will not waver in my fight against child trafficking,” referencing his view that open border policies lead to exploitation and trafficking. The post has nearly 70,000 likes on X and support in the comments from conservative-leaning accounts. But a lawsuit filed in Bergen County, New Jersey Superior Court by Bob Unanue’s cousin and Goya executive and board member Francisco “Frankie” Unanue on February 5 alleges that Bob Unanue engaged in a “clandestine agreement” that permitted the “looting” of Goya and thereafter “colluded” with a long-time friend to “perpetrate and/or cover up the resulting damage to Goya.” Bob Unanue was well aware of why he was removed from the board since at least early February – and it had nothing to do with Unanue’s political leanings or work against child trafficking, according to a source connected to the board who spoke on condition of anonymity because they’re not authorized to speak publicly. In a statement, Goya Foods said its “recent decision regarding a change in leadership has absolutely no connection to politics, media appearances, nor has it impacted our vital work in protecting children and addressing food insecurity through our Goya Cares and Goya Gives initiatives.”