OPPO Kenya sues AIfluence Agency for unpaid Reno12 Series influencer dues
OPPO Kenya has addressed growing concerns from influencers over unpaid dues related to their involvement in the OPPO Reno12 series campaign. In an official statement, the smartphone giant clarified its position, emphasizing that it had fulfilled all its financial obligations to the influencer marketing agency responsible for managing the campaign.
According to OPPO Kenya, the brand had contracted AIfluence, an influencer marketing agency, to oversee the Reno12 series campaign. This partnership included managing influencer contracts, deliverables, and payments. The company detailed that it made an initial 50 percent down payment to AIfluence at the start of the campaign and completed the remaining 50 percent payment on 25th October 2024, in line with the contractual agreement.
“OPPO Kenya fulfilled all its financial obligations by making full payments to AIfluence,” the statement read. The company further explained that all influencers involved in the campaign had signed direct contracts with AIfluence, not with OPPO Kenya. Despite this, OPPO expressed deep empathy for the affected influencers, acknowledging the frustrations they are currently facing.
While OPPO Kenya legally lacks the authority to pursue AIfluence on behalf of the influencers due to the nature of the contracts, the company has offered significant support. This includes legal assistance and covering legal costs for any influencers willing to take legal action against AIfluence for non-payment. Interestingly, OPPO noted that none of the affected influencers have taken up this offer so far.
In a bold move to protect its brand reputation, OPPO Kenya has initiated legal action against AIfluence, citing defamation and brand damage caused by the agency’s failure to honor its payment commitments.
“OPPO Kenya does not condone the current frustrations that the influencers engaged in the Reno12 series campaign are going through,” the company stated. “Our goal is to ensure that the influencers’ rights are protected and fair compensation is given.”
The company reaffirmed its commitment to fostering positive and respectful partnerships within the Kenyan creative industry. “We value the contributions of all influencers and creatives and remain dedicated to supporting them in the Kenyan market,” OPPO Kenya stated.
This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of brand-influencer relationships in Kenya, highlighting the need for transparent and accountable practices in influencer marketing. As the legal battle between OPPO Kenya and AIfluence unfolds, the spotlight remains on how such disputes can be better managed to protect the rights of creatives in the digital space.
