On October 18th, Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com sparked controversy by inviting comedian Yang Li to participate in an event, leading to the trending topic “#JD.com financial run” on Weibo.
In the early hours of the 18th, a screenshot claiming that large withdrawals of JD.com financial products could not be redeemed began circulating on various social media platforms. Subsequently, rumors escalated, with “#JD.com financial run” trending on Weibo, garnering widespread attention.
In light of the recent backlash against JD.com for inviting comedian Yang Li to its Double Eleven event, netizens had previously called for JD Plus members to request refunds and to request VAT invoices for past purchases. After the dissemination of the aforementioned screenshot and the mounting resistance, there was a push to transfer funds out of JD.com’s “Little Treasury,” leading to the spread of rumors about a “run” on the platform.
JD.com Finance App reposted an explanation from a JD.com marketing team’s Weibo post.
The JD.com marketing team stated, “Recently, the participation of certain comedians in our Double Eleven marketing event has drawn attention. If this has caused any negative experiences for you, we sincerely apologize! We have no future collaboration plans with the mentioned individuals. We will increase the subsidies for Double Eleven to show our appreciation for consumers’ support.”
In response, JD.com Finance told Interface News that there is no “run” on the JD.com Financial platform, emphasizing that the related comments are entirely untrue.
Public information indicates that JD.com Finance is a personal finance brand under JD.com Technology Group, offering financial services such as personal finance, consumer installment plans, and insurance through the JD.com Finance App. Their products include JD Gold Bars, Bai Tiao, Little Treasury, funds, and insurance, as listed on their official website.
Recently, JD.com’s Double Eleven pre-sales event invited several comedians, including the controversial Yang Li. Yang Li had previously sparked debate with a remark about confidence and appearance, leading to mixed reviews.
Some male fans of JD.com started urging for refunds for JD Plus memberships and calling for the issuance of VAT invoices for past purchases to signal their dissatisfaction. It was mentioned that issuing VAT invoices incurs a 13% tax, as opposed to the standard 3%, with the hope of making JD.com uncomfortable through this action.
According to Tencent News, JD.com only deleted Weibo posts related to Yang Li and closed the comment section upon noticing the severity of the situation, but this did not address the fundamental problem. The situation continues to escalate, putting JD.com in an awkward position.
Previously, companies such as Intel, Great Wall Motors, XiLaiMeng mattresses, Xiaopeng Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Hailan Home, and Shede Winery had invited Yang Li for promotional activities, leading to controversy and backlash from some netizens.
JD.com’s apology and removal of related Weibo posts involving Yang Li have sparked discussions among netizens.
Many Weibo users expressed their opinions, questioning why JD.com took down the posts. They noted that since when did men become the primary consumers for Double Eleven? Some users stated, “It seems like Yang Li has restrained herself. Now, no one understands men better than she does. The value of the assessment is continuously increasing.” They joked, “I used to think Yang Li was a comedian, now I realize she’s a true prophet.”
On an overseas social media platform X, Old Barbarian Channel commented that many male compatriots have complained about JD.com and closed their JD.com Finance accounts, leading to a run effect. JD.com was shocked and postponed taking action for a day but ultimately decided to terminate the contract. However, the problem lies in the fact that female compatriots are no longer willing to accept it. If JD.com is afraid to offend men, will they dare to offend women? The impact of actions taken by female consumers is stronger and more forceful. JD.com has now offended both men and women, making adversaries worldwide. Let’s see how this ends.