I was captivated by the recent exchange between actor Simu Liu and the entrepreneurs behind a bubble tea business on the Canadian reality show Dragon’s Den.
In the episode, a duo from Montreal pitched their company “Bobba” – a line of pre-packaged, bottled bubble tea products that they claimed offered a “healthier” and more “convenient” alternative to traditional boba drinks. However, their pitch quickly became controversial when Liu, who was serving as a guest investor on the show, called them out for cultural appropriation.
“There’s an issue of cultural appropriation,” Liu stated firmly. “There’s an issue of taking something that’s very distinctly Asian in its identity and quote-unquote ‘making it better,’ which I have an issue with.”
The entrepreneurs Jess Frenette and Sebastien Fiset tried to defend their product by insisting that their version of bubble tea was “not an ethical product anymore” because they had introduced innovations like “popping boba” and fruit-based flavors. But Liu wasn’t having it.
“What respect is being paid to this very Asian drink that has blown up worldwide?” he pressed. “And is it in your teas? Is it in your product development? Who is on your staff? Who is on your cap table providing that for you?”
Fiset revealed that their recipes and boba ingredients were sourced from Taiwan, but Liu pointed out that this was not mentioned on the product packaging. “I am studying your can and looking for anything that tells me where boba came from. And where boba came from is Taiwan,” he said.
Ultimately, Liu decided not to invest in the Bobba business, stating that while he wanted to be part of “bringing boba to the masses,” he couldn’t support a company “profiting off of something that feels so dear to my cultural heritage.”
Liu’s stance has since sparked a passionate discussion on social media, with many people praising the actor for taking a firm stand against the whitewashing and commercialization of a beloved Asian cultural icon. As a news reporter, I can’t help but admire Liu’s willingness to use his platform to call out instances of cultural appropriation, even in the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship.
It’s a significant moment as the bubble tea craze continues to sweep the globe, often with little acknowledgment of its East Asian origins. Time and time again, we’ve seen examples of non-Asian businesses and individuals trying to “improve” or “rebrand” bubble tea in a way that erases its cultural roots. Bobba’s pitch, emphasizing making the drink “healthier” and more “convenient,” is a prime example of this troubling trend.
Liu’s response highlights the deeper issue at play—the tendency for dominant cultures to swoop in and co-opt or “elevate” elements of minority cultures for their commercial gain. This pattern is repeated across industries, from food and fashion to art and music.
As a news reporter, I’m heartened to see a prominent Asian voice like Liu using his platform to challenge this dynamic. His willingness to speak up and call out the Bobba entrepreneurs, even amid a high-pressure business pitch, demonstrates a level of conviction and cultural pride that is both inspiring and necessary.
Of course, the reaction to Liu’s comments has not been entirely positive. Some have accused him of being too harsh or of stifling innovation. However, as Liu pointed out in a recent TikTok video, the issue is not about preventing non-Asian people from engaging with or enjoying Asian cultures – it’s about ensuring that the origins and significance of those cultures are adequately respected and represented.
“It’s never okay to make threats,” Liu said, condemning the harassment and bullying that the Bobba founders have faced. “It’s never okay to bully and harass online, and what I mean by that I don’t mean the business owners don’t deserve valid criticism, and I don’t believe that you should not be vocal about your disagreement, but you know I think we can all agree on common sense there’s a line there’s a line that you don’t and shouldn’t cross.”
Liu’s measured response, combined with his unwavering stance, is a powerful example of how to challenge cultural appropriation without toxicity effectively. As a news reporter, I’m hopeful that his actions will inspire others to follow suit and that the bubble tea industry – and the broader cultural landscape – will become more inclusive, respectful, and representative of the diverse communities it serves.