Canadian Beverage Company Faces Backlash After Simu Liu Highlights Cultural Appropriation Concerns
A Canadian beverage brand found itself embroiled in controversy after clashing with a Marvel superhero on a reality series akin to “Shark Tank.” During a recent episode of CBC’s “Dragons’ Den,” actor Simu Liu made a guest appearance as a potential investor. The spotlight was on Bobba, a Quebec-based bubble tea company, seeking capital to expand their venture.
Bubble tea, a Taiwanese concoction featuring tapioca pearls, has surged in popularity lately. However, tension between Liu and Bobba founders Sebastien Fiset and Jess Frenette was palpable from the start. As Frenette introduced their product, he referred to bubble tea as a “trendy, sugary drink,” suggesting that its contents are often a mystery to consumers.
Liu interjected, asserting, “Hang on, hang on. I am quite sure about its content, but continue.” Fiset proceeded to present Bobba as a novel twist on classic bubble tea, claiming they’ve transformed it into a convenient, healthier ready-to-drink option. He emphasized their market “disruption” through the use of “three simple ingredients”—premium tea, fruit juice, and Popping Bobba, which are fruit juice-filled pearls, as per the company’s website.
Liu, of Chinese-Canadian descent, challenged their claim of disrupting the market, labeling it “cultural appropriation.” He expressed concern over altering something distinctly Asian and suggesting improvements. Liu queried about Asian representation within their team, to which Frenette and Fiset replied that their “best partner” operates from Taiwan, crafting their recipes. The company’s website notes that flavors are “crafted” in Canada, with pearls sourced from an “exclusive producer in Taiwan.”
Ultimately, Liu declined to invest, stating, “I want to help bring boba to the masses but not like this.” He explained his venture aims to uplift minority entrepreneurs, and he felt this wasn’t happening in Bobba’s case. Following the episode, Liu, Bobba’s founders, and “Dragons’ Den” investor Manjit Minhas, who initially backed the product, released statements urging an end to the online threats and harassment directed at Frenette and Fiset.
Liu addressed the issue on TikTok, acknowledging Fiset and Frenette’s good intentions in pitching their business. Despite withdrawing as an investor, he condemned the harassment they faced, advocating for grace towards them. “Dragons’ Den” echoed Liu’s sentiment in a subsequent statement.
Bobba issued an apology for any harm caused by their words and actions on the show, acknowledging Liu’s valid points on cultural appropriation. They expressed intent to reassess branding and marketing strategies to honor the cultural heritage and Taiwanese origins of bubble tea. Despite securing a deal with Minhas for $1 million in exchange for an 18% stake, she later retracted her investment after further reflection.
“Dragons’ Den” continues to air, inspired by a Japanese show that debuted in 2001.
