Canadian drink company tastes controversy after Simu Liu raises cultural appropriation questions

On a recent episode of CBC’s “Dragons’ Den,” actor Simu Liu appeared as a guest star and prospective investor. The owners of a Quebec-based bubble tea brand called Bobba were featured, seeking funding to grow their brand. Bubble tea is a Taiwanese tea-based drink with tapioca balls that has risen in popularity in recent years. The friction between Liu and Bobba owners Sebastien Fiset and Jess Frenette was visible early in their pitch.

“Not only do I feel like this is not happening here, but that I would be uplifting a business that is profiting off of something that feels so dear to my cultural heritage.” The exchange has since spurred some backlash, resulting Liu, the Bobba founders and “Dragons’ Den” investor Manjit Minhas, who initially invested in the product on the show, to release statements addressing the discourse and calling for an end to the threats and harassment Frenette and Fiset have since received online.

Canada Canada Latest News, Canada Canada Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Simu Liu criticizes Canadian boba tea company over concerns of cultural appropriationAngela Yang is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.
Source: NBCNews - 🏆 10. / 86 Read more »

Simu Liu Calls Out Business For Cultural Appropriation'What respect is being paid to this very Asian drink that has blown up around the world? And is it in your teas? Is it in your product development?'
Source: BuzzFeed - 🏆 730. / 51 Read more »