OPPO’s marketing team is currently navigating what can only be described as a “dark moment.” Within just one month, the brand has crossed public decency lines twice, severely damaging its reputation and resulting in downgrades and salary freezes for several executives. Some of these mishaps seem like unfortunate misunderstandings, but others are entirely self-inflicted.
First, let’s look at the “Monet Purple” incident. This was originally an artistic color option for the OPPO Pad Mini, inspired by the dreamy, hazy purple hues in Claude Monet’s paintings. The intention was to convey a sense of healing and elegance. However, netizens interpreted the name as a crude pun—”Mo Nai Zi” (a vulgar slang)—leading to widespread controversy. Objectively, the brand seems unfairly targeted here, as the same name has been used in jewelry and by other phone brands without issue.
Beyond that, OPPO’s marketing for the Find X8s—branded as an “S-size phone”—also drew criticism, with some arguing that using clothing size terminology for a device was inappropriate.
But the Mother’s Day campaign was a different story entirely. OPPO released what some called “a cringe-inducing” line: “My mom has two husbands—one is my dad, and the other she sees twice a year.” The intent may have been to capture the spirit of fandom culture, showing that mothers can have their own passions and lives beyond traditional roles. However, the copy was perceived as disrespectful to family values and maternal imagery, especially on a day meant to honor mothers.
From an artistic concept unfairly maligned to a deliberate attempt at edgy humor that crossed the line, OPPO’s lesson is clear: youthfulness does not equal vulgarity, and shocking creativity is not a substitute for respect. Truly engaging content must be warm and respectful, not a risky shortcut to viral fame. Once a brand loses trust, every past campaign will be scrutinized. After all, social media is a double-edged sword—without a sense of responsibility, it will inevitably backfire.
