Simu Liu Criticizes Cultural Appropriation in Boba Tea

Canadian actor Simu Liu recently criticized the founders of the boba tea brand Bobba for what he termed 'cultural appropriation' during an episode of Dragons' Den. Liu expressed concern over their attempt to 'disrupt' a beverage deeply rooted in Asian culture, highlighting the importance of respecting its origins. The founders, Sébastien Fiset and Jess Frenette, pitched a simplified version of boba tea, claiming it was a healthier option, but Liu pointed out the lack of cultural understanding in their approach. While Liu ultimately declined to invest, he encouraged support for brands like Twrl Milk Tea, founded by Olivia Chen, which authentically represent Asian culture. The incident sparked a broader debate online about the commercialization of traditional foods. Liu later defended the Bobba founders against backlash, emphasizing the need for respectful discourse rather than hate.