Bubble Tea Company Faces Backlash Over Cultural Appropriation

The Canadian bubble tea company Bobba has faced significant backlash after its appearance on Dragons' Den, where co-founders Sebastien Fiset and Jess Frenette pitched a bottled version of bubble tea, claiming it would 'disturb' the market. Actor Simu Liu criticized the pitch for cultural appropriation, stating that it undermined the drink's Asian heritage. Initially, investor Manjit Minhas offered $1 million but later withdrew her offer in light of public outrage and threats directed at the entrepreneurs. Both Liu and Minhas have urged the public to refrain from harassment and focus on constructive discussions about cultural respect. Bobba's founders issued an apology, clarifying that they never intended to harm the community associated with bubble tea. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about cultural appropriation in the food industry.