The controversy started at China9s annual Human Resource Management Conference on November 21. Wang Mei, Xiaomi9s executive and vice president of Qinghe University, said in her speech: “Xiaomi believes that in the future, whoever controls the Diaosi will rule the world. Stay young and reach out globally.”
The term “Diaosi” is Chinese slang often used humorously to describe young people seen as “losers” with average looks and low social status. It9s commonly used online to mock others but is often viewed as disrespectful and discriminatory.
Of course, Wang Mei did not intend to insult anyone. She meant that young people would be the core consumer base, and Xiaomi aims to create products that meet their needs.
But Chinese netizens saw it differently. Right after the speech went public, it sparked a wave of anger, even among Xiaomi fans:
“So you9re saying Xiaomi users are losers?”
“Holding a Redmi after hearing that just makes me want to throw it away.”
Some also pointed out that Wang Mei9s remarks showed disrespect to users and fans, and clashed with Xiaomi9s current efforts to shift from being a budget brand to producing premium smartphones.
“Xiaomi has successfully dragged itself back to being a low-end phone brand,” one user commented.
This isn9t the first time Xiaomi executives have made controversial statements in public or on social media.
The situation escalated so much that on November 25, Xiaomi issued a press release announcing that Wang Mei deeply regretted the harm her careless and mistaken comments caused to fans and users. She voluntarily resigned, and the company accepted her resignation.
Wang Mei also publicly apologized, saying the remarks were her personal mistake and did not represent the company9s views or stance.
“I hope everyone does not misunderstand Xiaomi,” she said.
Source: QQ
