Simu Liu sparked a conversation about cultural appropriation and bubble tea after an appearance on Dragons’ Den.
The 35-year-old star appeared on a recent episode of the show, which is a Canadian twist on Shark Tank where businesses present their ideas and seek backing from tycoons, known as Dragons.
On the show, a company called Bobba presented their business plan and explained how they were putting their own spin on bubble tea (also known as boba tea), a traditional Taiwanese drink.
However, Simu took issue with idea, pointing out that it could verge on cultural appropriation. After the episode aired, he took to social media to call out bullying that the business and other Dragons on the show received.
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On the show, Simu opined that “this idea of ‘disrupting’ or ‘disturbing’ bubble tea” was troubling, via NBC News.
He continued, explaining that he did not like the perspective of “taking something that’s very distinctly Asian in its identity and, quote unquote, making it better.”
Simu opted out of backing the business. However, Manjit Minhas was interested and did enter an agreement for investment. After Simu‘s comments went viral, she took to social media to reveal that she was no longer investing.
“I believe wholeheartedly, our cultures are meant to be shared, and this includes food, drink, clothing, dance, languages and weddings,” she wrote on Instagram. “Those of us like Simu and I who have platforms to do so always try to use these platforms to educate and enjoy and explore all cultures. It is Cha or Chai depending on where you’re from not Chai Tea, it is Naan notnaan bread. Sharing cultures increases understanding and brings peace on earth, something our planet could use.”
She also pointed out that the business was being harassed. In a video on TikTok, Simu also addressed the bullying that came out of the discussion.
“I think we’re starting to lose the plot,” he said. “Which is: Let’s educate people. Let’s make the world a better place. Let’s make people aware that certain things aren’t OK from a cultural perspective.”
He continued, saying, “Let’s critique each other. Let’s critique this idea of cultural appropriation. Let’s talk about it. But what we’re not going to do is threaten people’s physical safety and make people feel unsafe and cause them trauma that, quite honestly, they don’t deserve as entrepreneurs who, in good faith, attempted to pitch a business.”
The founders of Bobba also took to TikTok to respond.
In a statement, they wrote that they “deeply apologize for the harm we have caused by our words and actions on the show” and “welcomed” the opportunity to learn more.
They announced plans to “re-evaluate our branding, packaging, and marketing strategies to ensure that they reflect a respectful and accurate representation of our Taiwanese partnership and bubble tea’s cultural roots.”
@simuliu some thoughts on boba/bobba ????lets be kind to each other!
