UOL apologises following 'blackface' backlash

Real estate developer UOL Group (UOL) has apologised following backlash received for a recent blackface incident. According to media intelligence firm CARMA, UOL's brand sentiments after the incident is 8.3% positive and 58.3% negative. 

In a TikTok video posted by user @summer88959, a group of attendees is seen posing in front of a UOL standee. The standee revealed that it was a themed event titled "The Rhythm of the Night" by UOL and Pan Pacific Hotels Group. It was held on14 November at the Sands Grand Ballroom at Marina Bay Sands.

In the TikTok post, the attendees painted their face black and donned neon coloured jackets and pants. They are also seen wearing afro wigs and sunglasses. 

Don't miss: Car dealership says blackface video "solely a marketing initiative", spurs appeal for fines 

The caption on the video read "Emmm like that will kena (be punished) or not?" 

The video has since garnered 59.9K views on TikTok as of 9:30am on Tuesday with users crticising the attendees. One user commented "I was waiting for someone to post this. Funny how they were nominated for best dress even," while another said, "8 people and not even 1 person thinks it's not ok to do this." 

Following the incident, a UOL spokesperson told media that it was aware of the incident, adding that it sincerely apologises for any offence caused. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to UOL for more. 

In September this year, car dealership JDM Automobile Carros Centre found itself in a similar situation. In a now-deleted video, a JDM Automobile salesman known as Kenny was seen with his face painted in black and attempting to sell a car and its features. In certain parts of the video, pictures of Native American people and a video of an African man was included. 

Following the incident, JDM Automobile Carros Centre put out a statement saying that its video featuring a salesman with blackface is "solely a marketing initiative". In its statement on Facebook, JDM Automobile Carros Centre said it appreciates the feedback provided regarding its marketing campaign.

Similarly in 2019, NETS released an E-Pay advertisement featuring Mediacorp actor Dennis Chew dressed up as four characters, including a Malay woman and an Indian man. To portray these characters, Mr Chew’s skin was made up to look darker.

Days after the ad, NETS and its agency at the time, Havas, released an apology for any hurt that the campaign caused. It added that the intention behind the ad was to communicate that e-payment is for everyone.

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