In another twist to the tale of Starboard Value's push for change at Pfizer, the activist investor has claimed former executives Ian Read and Frank D'Amelio were bullied into lending their support to current management.

Two former Pfizer executives published a statement saying they support the current company management as it gets pressured for changes by activist investor Starboard Value.

Starboard’s Jeff Smith called on the company to assemble a special committee to investigate the matter, describing it as “flagrantly unethical.”

The ongoing corporate battle between Pfizer and activist investment firm Starboard Value escalated on Thursday when Starboard pushed Pfizers board to investigate alleged coercive actions. This follows the

Hedge fund Starboard Value's activist campaign targeting Pfizer (PFE) divides Wall Street, with analysts questioning the potential impact on the company. Read more here.

Two former Pfizer top executives won’t participate in an activist investor’s effort to pressure the drugmaker to make changes to improve its performance.