Simu Liu Calls Out Bobba Tea for Cultural Appropriation on Dragons’ Den | TikTok Uproar Explained

Clips from Canada’s Dragons’ Den have gone viral, sparking intense debate on TikTok after actor Simu Liu called out the bubble tea brand Bobba for cultural appropriation. Now, the backlash has led Manjit Minhas, one of the show’s investors, to withdraw her $1 million investment offer. As the situation unfolds, Liu has urged calm amid the heavy online criticism.

What Happened on ‘Dragons’ Den’?

On the latest episode of Dragons’ Den, Quebec entrepreneurs Sébastien Fiset and Jess Frenette pitched their pre-packaged bubble tea business Bobba, seeking $1 million for 18% equity. They described their product as a healthier and more convenient take on traditional bubble tea. However, Simu Liu, a guest Dragon and the first Chinese-Canadian on the show, quickly raised concerns about the cultural implications of their business.

Liu questioned the founders’ claim of “transforming” bubble tea, which is traditionally made from tea, milk, brown sugar, and tapioca pearls. He expressed discomfort with their attempt to disrupt a drink deeply connected to Asian culture. Liu’s concerns were met with mixed reactions from his fellow Dragons, with some dismissing his points as too “heavy.”

Liu went on to highlight the issue of cultural appropriation, suggesting that the founders were attempting to profit from a beverage that holds cultural significance. Despite his reservations, the other Dragons, including Arlene Dickinson and Manjit Minhas, showed interest in investing. The Bobba founders accepted Minhas’ offer for $1 million.

However, Liu remained firm, stating that he couldn’t invest in a business that he felt was profiting off his cultural heritage. Following the episode, the conversation exploded online, with many TikTok users criticizing Bobba for appropriating a Taiwanese-origin drink.

Manjit Minhas Withdraws Her Investment

After facing significant backlash online, Manjit Minhas announced via her Instagram that she would no longer invest in Bobba. She explained that after reflecting and listening to public feedback, she decided not to move forward with the deal. Minhas acknowledged the importance of cultural sensitivity, stating that sharing cultures should increase understanding, not create division.

Meanwhile, Bobba’s founders released a lengthy statement apologizing for the harm caused and committing to re-evaluate their branding and marketing to better reflect bubble tea’s cultural roots. Despite this, critics remain skeptical of the sincerity of their apology.

Simu Liu Urges a Balanced Dialogue, Condemns Harassment

Liu clarified his position in a TikTok video, emphasizing that while it’s important to discuss cultural appropriation, harassment and threats towards the entrepreneurs are unacceptable. He urged people to focus on education rather than hate, reinforcing the need for a balanced dialogue on sensitive issues.

This controversy continues to spark discussions about the fine line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation, especially when traditional foods are commercialized by those outside the culture.

References:

• https://www.tiktok.com/@cbcgem/video/7424242804861324549
• https://mashable.com/article/simu-liu-dragons-den-boba-bubble-tea-controversy
• https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/simu-liu-criticizes-bobba-cultural-appropriation-rcna175209
• https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/13/entertainment/simu-liu-dragons-den-bubble-tea/index.html