In a recent episode of Dragons’ Den, Shang-Chi star Simu Liu made headlines by calling out a Canadian bubble tea company for cultural appropriation during their pitch for a “ready-to-drink” boba brand, Bobba. The actor, known for his pride in his Asian heritage, expressed frustration over the company’s failure to acknowledge the cultural origins of bubble tea, a beverage with deep roots in Asian culture.
Liu, who served as a guest ‘dragon’ on the popular reality series, was visibly upset after listening to moguls Jessica and Sebastien’s presentation. The pair sought a $1 million investment for an 18% stake in their business, emphasizing their brand’s simplified ingredients and healthier take on the trendy drink. However, Simu interrupted the pitch when they made claims about bubble tea’s uncertain content, challenging their knowledge and the representation of the drink.
The tension escalated when Liu expressed his concerns about the company’s approach, saying they were “profiting off something so dear to his cultural heritage” without properly recognizing its Asian identity. He underscored the importance of cultural respect and the need for businesses to honor the origins of products they commercialize, especially when these products hold cultural significance.
While the other dragons, including Arlene Dickinson and Manjit Minhas, began to taste the drinks, Liu remained firm in his stance. He emphasized how previous attempts to commercialize bubble tea had struggled to capture its authentic flavor, a challenge the company claimed to have overcome.
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