Simu Liu questions cultural appropriation in Canadian drink company controversy
- Simu Liu, a Chinese-Canadian actor, raised concerns about cultural appropriation during a pitch on CBC's 'Dragons' Den' involving a Quebec-based bubble tea brand called Bobba.
- The founders of Bobba, Sebastien Fiset and Jess Frenette, faced backlash after Liu criticized their marketing approach and lack of Asian representation in their company.
- Following the controversy, Liu and Bobba's founders issued statements addressing the issue, with Bobba acknowledging the need for a respectful representation of bubble tea's cultural roots.
In Canada, a recent episode of 'Dragons' Den' featured actor Simu Liu, who raised significant concerns regarding cultural appropriation during a pitch by the Quebec-based bubble tea brand Bobba. The founders, Sebastien Fiset and Jess Frenette, sought funding to expand their business but faced immediate scrutiny from Liu, who questioned their characterization of bubble tea as a 'trendy, sugary drink.' Liu's intervention highlighted the importance of cultural identity in food and beverage marketing, particularly for products with distinct Asian roots. The tension escalated when Liu pointed out that the founders' claim of 'disturbing' the bubble tea market implied a need to improve upon a traditional Asian beverage. Liu emphasized that such statements could undermine the cultural significance of bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan. He also inquired about Asian representation within their company, to which the founders responded that their best partner is based in Taiwan. The fallout from this exchange prompted Liu, the Bobba founders, and 'Dragons' Den' investor Manjit Minhas to address the public backlash. Liu clarified that while he disagreed with the pitch, he did not condone the harassment directed at the Bobba team. In response, Bobba issued an apology, acknowledging Liu's valid points and committing to a more respectful representation of bubble tea's heritage. Ultimately, Minhas, who initially invested in Bobba, retracted her offer after reflecting on the situation. This incident underscores the ongoing dialogue about cultural appropriation in the food industry and the responsibilities of entrepreneurs in representing cultural products authentically.