CNN
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A Canadian beverage company has been embroiled in controversy after its founder incurred the wrath of Marvel superheroes in an episode of a “Shark Tank”-style reality series.
Actor Simu Liu appeared as a guest star and potential investor on a recent episode of CBC’s “Dragon’s Den.” The owners of a Quebec-based bubble tea brand called Bobba were featured, seeking funding to grow their brand.
Bubble tea is a drink made from Taiwanese tea and tapioca, which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
The friction between Liu and Boba’s owners Sebastien Fisset and Jess Frenette was visible early in their pitch. In describing the product, Frenette described bubble tea as a “trendy, sweet drink” and suggested that consumers “are not at all sure about what’s in it.”
Liu interrupted the pitch and said, I know what you’re talking about, but please continue. ”
Mr. Fisset pitched boba as a new twist on traditional bubble tea, saying he and Frenette had “transformed this beloved beverage into a convenient, healthy, ready-to-drink experience.” .
According to the company’s website, he aims to “shape the bubble tea market” by using “three simple ingredients,” including high-quality tea, fruit juice, and popping boba, which are edible pearls filled with fruit juice. It’s confusing,” he added.
Liu, a Chinese-Canadian, called “disrupting” the market with his products “cultural appropriation” and objected to how it would be recognized.
“There’s a problem with taking something so obviously Asian in your identity and making it ‘better,’ and I have a problem with that,” Liu said.
When Liu later asked if their company had Asian representation on its staff, Frenette and Fissette said the company’s “best partners” were based in Taiwan and created the recipes. said. According to the company’s website, the flavors are “made” in Canada and the pearls come “from exclusive producers in Taiwan.”
Mr. Liu ultimately chose not to invest in the product, stating, “I want to be part of bringing boba to the masses, but I don’t like this.”
“There are many reasons why I started this venture, but it’s actually mainly to uplift minority entrepreneurs,” Liu said. “Not only do I feel like that won’t happen here, but I also feel like it’s going to encourage businesses that are profiting from something that I feel is so important to my cultural heritage.”
The exchange has since caused some backlash, with Liu and Boba’s founders, as well as Dragon’s Den investor Manjit Minhas, who originally invested in the product on the show, calling the conversation out. issued a statement calling for an end to the intimidation and harassment. Since then, Frenette and Fiset have started accepting applications online.
Liu posted a video on his TikTok page on Saturday saying he believed Fisset and Frenette appeared on Dragon’s Den “in good faith” to promote their business. said.
“While there were many things in the pitch that I took issue with and did not agree with, and as a result I walked away as a potential investor, that does not mean I believe they deserved to be harassed or intimidated. “I think they should be given a lot of grace,” he said.
“Dragon’s Den,” echoed Liu in a statement on Saturday.
The company, Boba, apologized “for the harm caused by our words and actions on the show,” and said in a statement on Sunday that Liu “raised a very valid point regarding cultural appropriation, and we welcome this learning opportunity.” he admitted.
The company said Fisset and Frenette “used the wrong choice of words” when discussing bubble tea’s cultural significance and origins on the show.
“We are re-evaluating our branding, packaging and marketing strategies to ensure they respectfully and accurately reflect our partnership with Taiwan and the cultural roots of bubble tea,” the statement said. There is.
Boba’s owners eventually struck a deal with Minhas. Mr. Minhas said he thought there was a “new interpretation” to such products that didn’t necessarily have to be traditional, and he offered to buy an 18 percent stake in the company for $1 million.
Minhas announced on Sunday that after “further consideration, due diligence, and listening to many of you,” he would no longer invest in Boba.
“Dragon’s Den” has been airing for 19 seasons and is based on a Japanese show with the same concept that first aired in 2001.
