Simu Liu, renowned for his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is calling for calm among fans of Dragons’ Den after a controversial segment drew ire towards a boba tea company. In a recent episode of the Canadian equivalent of Shark Tank, Liu stirred the pot while addressing concerns related to cultural appropriation. Following his comments, the company faced a wave of backlash that escalated into death threats and harassment directed at its owners.
In a heartfelt TikTok video, Liu expressed his appreciation for the positive responses he received from various communities regarding the vital discussion on cultural appropriation. However, he was also deeply troubled by the negative fallout that led to the business owners facing threats and bullying online. Liu emphatically stated that making threats is unacceptable and urged his followers to refrain from such behavior.
The actor emphasized the importance of the conversation around cultural representation, asserting that the focus should not shift to fear and hostility. He conveyed a strong desire for the legacy of the show segment to be one of education and understanding, rather than intimidation.
In defending his fellow investors on Dragons’ Den, Liu remarked on their willingness to engage in meaningful conversations off-camera about diverse perspectives. He wished more of those interactions had been captured on film, highlighting the constructive dialogue that took place behind the scenes.
The boba tea company, known as Bobba, appeared in Season 19 of Dragons’ Den seeking investment. During the pitch, Liu voiced his concerns over the appropriation of a distinctly Asian beverage, which sparked the ongoing controversy. In response to the backlash, Bobba issued a public apology, acknowledging that their choice of words did not adequately convey their intentions, which were to celebrate the drink’s global appreciation, not to suggest it surpassed traditional bubble tea in any way.
As this conversation evolves, Liu continues to advocate for respect and kindness, hoping to guide discussions about cultural identity in a positive direction.