A recent TikTok clip featuring actor Simu Liu has gone viral, showcasing his strong stance against a company attempting to “whitewash” bubble tea. Liu accused the business of cultural appropriation for trying to rebrand the beloved drink into a supposedly “better” version, effectively erasing its East Asian roots while profiting from its popularity.
As a bubble tea enthusiast myself—one who would gladly have it injected directly into my veins—this controversy has sparked intense discussions across social media platforms. For those not immersed in the online discourse, let me break down the situation.
In a recent episode of *Dragon’s Den*, Canada’s equivalent of *Shark Tank*, Simu Liu appeared as a guest investor. During the show, a duo from Montreal introduced their company, Bobba, which offers pre-packaged bubble tea products, including bottled drinks and even alcoholic versions. Their pitch began with co-founder Jess Frenette stating, “Dragons, you have probably heard of bubble tea.” Simu humorously responded that he had never heard of it—despite enjoying one earlier that day.
However, the tone shifted when Frenette and her partner, Sebastien Fiset, described bubble tea as merely a “trendy, sugary drink” with questionable ingredients. Liu quickly countered their claims, asserting that he was indeed aware of what bubble tea consists of: tea, sugar, milk, and tapioca pearls.
After sampling their products, Simu remarked that while he found the taste acceptable, he was more concerned about the implications of their business model. He expressed his unease about “disrupting or disturbing bubble tea,” emphasizing that cultural appropriation is a serious issue. When fellow investor Manjit Minhas suggested there could be new interpretations of traditional foods, Liu firmly disagreed.
“There’s also an issue of cultural appropriation,” he stated. “Taking something that’s distinctly Asian in its identity and trying to ‘make it better’ is problematic.”
Simu Liu’s comments have resonated deeply with TikTok users, who have rallied behind him in support. This incident highlights the ongoing conversation about cultural sensitivity in food and business practices. As consumers become more aware of these issues, it’s crucial for companies to approach cultural products with respect and authenticity rather than seeking to profit by diluting their heritage.
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