Simu Liu's bubble tea debate on 'Dragons' Den' sparks TikTok uproar over cultural appropriation

A recent episode of Canada’s Dragons’ Den has ignited controversy after actor Simu Liu accused the bubble tea company Bobba of cultural appropriation. Québec-based entrepreneurs Sébastien Fiset and Jess Frenette sought a $1 million investment for their ready-to-drink bubble tea brand, but Liu, the show’s first Chinese-Canadian Dragon, expressed concerns about their portrayal of bubble tea, a traditionally Asian drink. He disagreed with their claim of “disrupting” the market and stated, “There’s also the issue of cultural appropriation… taking something that’s distinctly Asian and ‘making it better.’”

Despite Liu’s concerns, fellow Dragon Manjit Minhas initially offered the requested $1 million investment for 18% equity in Bobba. However, after backlash erupted online, particularly from the Asian community accusing Bobba of cultural erasure, Minhas withdrew her offer. “After more reflection, due diligence, and listening to many of your opinions, I cannot be investing in Bobba,” Minhas said in a statement on Instagram.

Bobba’s founders also issued an apology, acknowledging Liu’s concerns and committing to reviewing their branding and marketing practices. Liu later urged the public to avoid harassment and use the incident as a “learning moment.”