A Canadian drink company is facing backlash after actor Simu Liu raised questions about cultural appropriation during a recent episode of CBC’s “Dragons’ Den.”
Liu, a guest star and prospective investor, interacted with the founders of Bobba, a Quebec-based bubble tea brand seeking funding to expand. Bubble tea, a Taiwanese tea-based drink featuring tapioca pearls, has gained popularity in North America.
Tensions arose early in the pitch when co-founder Jess Frenette described bubble tea as a “trendy, sugary drink” and suggested consumers often “aren’t quite sure about its contents.” Liu interrupted, asserting he was “quite sure about its content” before allowing Frenette to continue.
Frenette and co-founder Sebastien Fiset pitched their product as a “new spin” on traditional bubble tea, claiming they were “disturbing” the market with “three simple ingredients,” including high-quality tea and fruit juice.
Liu, who is Chinese-Canadian, took issue with the term “disturbing,” labeling it as “cultural appropriation.” He expressed concern over the notion of “making it better” when referring to a distinctly Asian beverage.
Later, Liu inquired about Asian representation in their company. Fiset and Frenette noted their “best partner” is based in Taiwan and creates their recipes, while their pearls are sourced from an exclusive producer there.
Liu ultimately declined to invest, stating, “I want to be a part of bringing boba to the masses but not like this.” He emphasized his commitment to uplifting minority entrepreneurs and expressed discomfort with supporting a business that profits from something deeply tied to his cultural heritage.
The exchange sparked backlash, prompting Liu, the Bobba founders, and “Dragons’ Den” investor Manjit Minhas—who initially invested in the product—to release statements condemning the harassment Frenette and Fiset have received online.
On Saturday, Liu posted a video on TikTok, clarifying that he believed Fiset and Frenette pitched their business “in good faith.” He emphasized that while he disagreed with their approach, they should not face harassment.
“Dragons’ Den” issued a statement supporting Liu’s sentiments.
In a Sunday statement, Bobba apologized for any harm caused by their words and acknowledged Liu’s valid concerns regarding cultural appropriation. The company expressed a commitment to reevaluating its branding and marketing strategies to better reflect the cultural roots of bubble tea.
Despite the controversy, Fiset and Frenette secured a deal with Minhas, who initially offered $1 million for an 18% stake in Bobba. However, Minhas later announced she would withdraw her investment, citing the need for further reflection and consideration of public opinion.
“Dragons’ Den” has aired for 19 seasons and is based on a Japanese format that premiered in 2001.
