OPPO Addresses Influencer Payment Controversy

OPPO Kenya has taken action days after influencers took to social media, accusing the mobile phone manufacturer of failing to pay the agreed-upon fees for the Reno12 Series campaign.

In a press release dated February 10, OPPO Kenya stated that they had taken legal action against the marketing company contracted to handle agreements, deliverables, and payments to the influencers.

According to the statement, the influencers were to receive half of their payment before the campaign and the remainder upon submitting their deliverables. OPPO clarified that both payments had been made to the agency.

Despite not having a contractual agreement with the influencers, OPPO expressed sympathy for them and offered legal assistance to help them pursue the agency for their unpaid fees.

However, OPPO reported that none of the Kenyan influencers had taken them up on the offer yet.

“OPPO Kenya made an initial 50% down payment to the agency to facilitate the influencers and remitted the final 50% payment upon completion of work, which was done on the 25th of October 2024,” OPPO clarified.

“It is important to note that all influencers in this campaign signed direct contracts with the agency and not OPPO Kenya.”

Due to Kenyan law, which does not permit the phone manufacturer to take legal action against the agency on behalf of the influencers, OPPO reported that they had directly sued the marketing agency for defamation and brand damage.

In addition to the lawsuit and offering legal support to the influencers, OPPO also sent an official demand letter to the agency, urging them to fulfil the payments owed to the influencers.

The brand concluded the statement by acknowledging the rights of influencers and reaffirming its commitment to supporting those affected by the situation.

“OPPO Kenya does not condone the current frustrations that the influencers engaged in the Reno12 Series campaign are experiencing. OPPO Kenya is fully committed to supporting any of the influencers affected by the current situation,” part of the statement read.

“The brand’s goal is to ensure that influencers’ rights are protected and that fair compensation is provided. The brand values the contributions of all influencers and creatives and remains committed to fostering positive and respectful partnerships in the Kenyan market.”