A prominent Canadian boba tea enterprise found itself in hot water after Marvel star Simu Liu publicly called them out for cultural appropriation during a tense episode of the reality TV show, "Dragons' Den" – the Canadian counterpart to the renowned Shark Tank. On the show's airwaves, the proprietors of a Quebec-based bubble tea brand named Bobba eagerly showcased their product to a panel of investors, including Liu, touting their unique three-ingredient formula as revolutionary, transforming the beloved beverage into a "convenient and healthier" alternative.
However, Liu struck back, fiercely challenging the entrepreneurs' claims, accusing them of exploiting the cultural heritage of Taiwan's iconic boba or bubble tea, which has transcended borders to become a global sensation. "I'm deeply concerned about the notion of disrupting the authenticity of bubble tea," Liu asserted, his tone stern as a guest star on the prestigious program. "It's problematic to take an inherently Asian identity and claim to 'make it better'; that's where I draw the line."
Further probing the owners, Sebastien Fiset and Jess Frenette, Liu queried if they had staff members versed in the cultural nuances of this "quintessentially Asian drink," crafted with tapioca pearls. In response, Fiset mentioned their "esteemed partner" in Taiwan, who oversees the recipes and boba production, but the damage had already been done.
Social media erupted with backlash against Bobba, and the owners swiftly took to their platforms to apologize, acknowledging the hurt caused by their "words and actions on the show." "Simu Liu's insights on cultural appropriation are valid and eye-opening," they stated, vowing to revamp their branding, packaging, and marketing strategies to "honor and accurately reflect our Taiwanese partnership and the cultural roots of bubble tea."
Liu, determined to defuse tensions, also spoke out on social media, acknowledging the entrepreneurs' genuine intentions. He explained his decision to withhold his $1 million (£765,000) investment offer for an 18% stake in the company, citing his concerns about their approach. "While I stand by my position, I do not condone harassment," he clarified in a video message.
Initially supportive of the Bobba pitch, another judge on the show, Manjit Minhas, reversed her decision amidst the social media furor. "After careful consideration, additional research, and listening to your voices, I have decided against investing in Bobba Tea," she announced on Sunday. Sharing her ordeal on Instagram, she lamented having to disable comments due to the barrage of abusive messages. "Sending hate and threats to entrepreneurs is unacceptable," she stressed.
