Influencer Faces $137K Fine from Chinese Company Over Negative Underwear Review
An influencer recently faced significant backlash after publishing a critical review of a pair of underwear without the brand’s authorization. The influencer, known as 'lianggexiaoduan,' ignited controversy on February 4 with her assessment of a garment purchased from the popular Chinese retail chain Pangdonglai.
According to reports, the influencer suffered an allergic reaction to the underwear, which landed her in a nearby hospital. She further alleged that the product's color faded after a single wash and criticized the brand for inadequate support in addressing her concerns.
Despite Pangdonglai compensating the influencer with $70 and covering her medical expenses, the company has now taken a drastic step by demanding a whopping 1 million yuan (equivalent to around $137K) from her for damaging their brand reputation through social media.
In a bid to vindicate the quality of their product, Pangdonglai removed the underwear from its shelves and subjected it to scrutiny by three independent quality inspection agencies across different provinces. Surprisingly, all three agencies concurred that the underwear was free of defects, prompting Pangdonglai to resume its sales confidently.
Furthermore, Pangdonglai conducted an internal review of its customer service practices to ensure consistency and reliability. While the investigation revealed areas for improvement in employee attentiveness, the company promptly retrained its staff to enhance customer satisfaction.
Not stopping there, Pangdonglai reached out to the underwear manufacturer, Funalai, and issued a formal apology for any potential financial losses incurred due to the influencer's negative review. The comprehensive details of these actions are documented in a meticulous 53-page report released by the company.
Amidst this controversy, the influencer, 'lianggexiaoduan,' faces an uphill legal battle as Pangdonglai is determined to ascertain whether she violated any legal guidelines by sharing her review. The ultimate decision on the $137K fine rests with the court, adding a layer of suspense to this unfolding drama.
Interestingly, this incident is not an isolated case in the realm of social media clashes. In a similar vein, another influencer previously initiated legal action against a TikToker for mimicking her page's aesthetic, seeking a hefty $150K in compensation for alleged lost income.
