Simu Liu Asks ‘Dragons’ Den’ Fans to Stop ‘Death Threats and Harassment’ Against Boba Company Amid Backlash

Simu Liu was a guest dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Lairthe Canadian version of Shark tank.

After a clip of Liu criticizing a boba company for cultural appropriation went viral, some fans have taken it upon themselves to send death threats, something the Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star condemns.

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“I want to say that I think we’ve had a very important discussion about cultural appropriation, what it is, how is something exploitative rather a kind of tribute and respect, when is that line crossed, and in that conversation by the way I have a experiencing a huge wave of positivity and support from people from every community and I think that’s really incredible and I really appreciate that,” Liu said in a video he shared on TikTok. “On the other hand, I have been made aware that the business owners have received a lot of death threats and intimidation and in other ways just bullying and dogpiling, and I just want to say that it is never okay to make threats. It is never okay to bully and harass online.”

The Barbie actor noted that he does not “want the legacy of this segment to be pitchforks and people fearing for their safety. I think we’re starting to lose the plot of what is ultimately the positive energy of what this is: let’s educate people, let’s make the world a better place, let’s make people aware that certain things are not okay from a cultural perspective.”

The Marvel star also came to the defense of his fellow Dragons, saying, “No matter what they said or what they did or didn’t do while the camera was rolling, in the break room everyone was all ears. Everyone said, “I want to hear more about what your perspective is.” Let’s have a conversation.’ I really wish that had been filmed.”

The Bobba company appeared Dragon’s Lair Season 19 looking for investors. As the Canadian owners were pitching their company, Liu said, “There’s a problem with taking something that is very clearly Asian in its identity and quote-unquote ‘making it better,’ which I have a problem with .”

Bobba sells bottled boba tea, which originated in Taiwan and has since grown in popularity in the US. Following the response, the company apologized on social media.

“We know our choice of words was misleading and understand people’s reactions,” the statement said. “What we were trying to do is celebrate the fact that many other cultures now enjoy this wonderful drink. Our choice of words was wrong when we tried to explain our point, and we are deeply sorry for that.”

The statement later said: “At no time was it our intention to insinuate that our Bobba bubble tea is in any way better than traditional bubble tea.”

View the Dragon’s Lair video below.

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