After Liu Simu, a prominent Asian actor, questioned the cultural representation of a new Bobba tea brand launched by a Quebec-based company, the discussion surrounding cultural appropriation ignited significant debate. In response, the company issued an apology and announced plans to reevaluate its “branding, packaging, and marketing strategies” to ensure they respect and accurately represent its relationship with Taiwanese partners and the cultural roots of bubble tea.
In the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s reality show “Dragons’ Den,” Indian-Canadian investor Manjit Minhas had pledged an investment of CAD 1 million (approximately USD 720,000) in exchange for an 18% equity stake in the Bobba tea venture. However, faced with a mounting wave of criticism online, she released a statement clarifying that after further reflection, investigation, and feedback, she decided not to proceed with the investment.
Liu Simu, renowned for his role as a Marvel superhero in “Shang-Chi,” has never hidden his love for bubble tea and appeared as a guest on the latest season of “Dragons’ Den.” Upon noticing that the Quebec-based Bobba brand’s packaging showed no Asian or Taiwanese representation, Liu took issue with the business approach. The entrepreneurs, while trying to attract investments, jokingly remarked about consumers waiting in long lines uncertain of what goes into their bubble tea, prompting Liu to defend bubble tea’s Taiwanese origins and seriously question the company’s methods, labeling them as “cultural appropriation.”
This episode has stirred considerable discussion across major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with many users praising Liu for his stand and aligning with his viewpoint. In contrast, the social media accounts of the Bobba brand and Manjit Minhas have been inundated with criticism, including harsh insults and harassment. As a result, Minhas has disabled comments on her accounts, while the brand’s founders, Sebastien Fiset and Jess Frenette, reported receiving hate messages and even death threats.
In light of the backlash, Liu Simu issued a statement reaffirming his position, expressing gratitude for the support he received, and urging the public to approach entrepreneurs with empathy rather than threats or harassment.
The Bobba tea company, in a lengthy six-page apology statement, expressed deep regret for the harm caused by their language and actions during the show, stating, “We never intended to disrespect or harm the community that created and popularized bubble tea, but we take full responsibility for the repercussions of our actions.”
