October 16th 2024.
In the most recent episode of Dragons' Den, Canadian actor Simu Liu spoke out against the owners of boba tea company Bobba, accusing them of cultural appropriation. Liu defended the entrepreneurs after they received backlash and even death threats following their appearance on the show. The couple, Sébastien Fiset and Jessica Frenette, were seeking a $1 million investment for their unique ready-to-drink bubble tea with "popping boba."
For those unfamiliar, bubble tea is a popular beverage that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since spread throughout East Asia. In their pitch, Fiset and Frenette described bubble tea as a trendy, sugary drink that often leaves consumers unsure of its contents. However, Liu was unimpressed and challenged their pitch, stating that he was well aware of what was in bubble tea.
The couple argued that their product was disrupting and transforming the market by providing a healthier and more convenient version of the traditional drink. But Liu expressed concerns about the idea of "making it better," as this could be seen as taking something distinctly Asian and claiming to improve upon it. His fellow dragon, Manjit Minhas, disagreed, stating that not everything has to be traditional.
Liu, who was born in China, continued to express his discomfort with the idea of profiting off a product that holds cultural significance to him and his heritage. While some of his fellow dragons made investment offers, Liu ultimately did not feel comfortable with the business and its pitch. Following the episode, Minhas revealed that she had pulled her investment after considering feedback and doing more research.
Liu also took to social media to address the situation and remind people that it is never okay to harass or threaten others, even if you disagree with them. He emphasized the importance of engaging in thoughtful and compassionate dialogue, rather than resorting to hate and violence. The Bobba creators also issued an apology on their social media, acknowledging that their pitch may not have effectively communicated their intentions and stressing their commitment to addressing the issue.
In the end, Bobba received a lot of attention and criticism, but also some support from investors. However, the important discussion about cultural appropriation that Liu sparked should not be overshadowed by the backlash. It is a reminder to have empathy and understanding towards others, and to always approach sensitive topics with thoughtfulness and respect.
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