Simu Liu sparked a conversation about cultural appropriation and bubble tea after an appearance on Dragons’ Den.
The 35-year-old star appeared on a recent episode of the show, which is a Canadian twist on Shark Tank where businesses present their ideas and seek backing from tycoons, known as Dragons.
On the show, a company called Bobba presented their business plan and explained how they were putting their own spin on bubble tea (also known as boba tea), a traditional Taiwanese drink.
However, Simu took issue with idea, pointing out that it could verge on cultural appropriation. After the episode aired, he took to social media to call out bullying that the business and other Dragons on the show received.
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On the show, Simu opined that “this idea of ‘disrupting’ or ‘disturbing’ bubble tea” was troubling, via NBC News.
He continued, explaining that he did not like the perspective of “taking something that’s very distinctly Asian in its identity and, quote unquote, making it better.”
Simu opted out of backing the business. However, Manjit Minhas was interested and did enter an agreement for investment. After Simu‘s comments went viral, she took to social media to reveal that she was no longer investing.
“I believe wholeheartedly, our cultures are meant to be shared, and this includes food, drink, clothing, dance, languages and weddings,” she wrote on Instagram. “Those of us like Simu and I who have platforms to do so always try to use these platforms to educate and enjoy and explore all cultures. It is Cha or Chai depending on where you’re from not Chai Tea, it is Naan notnaan bread. Sharing cultures increases understanding and brings peace on earth, something our planet could use.”
She also pointed out that the business was being harassed. In a video on TikTok, Simu also addressed the bullying that came out of the discussion.
“I think we’re starting to lose the plot,” he said. “Which is: Let’s educate people. Let’s make the world a
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