"Dragons’ Den" Controversy: Manjit Minhas Withdraws Investment Amid Cultural Appropriation Debate Involving Simu Liu

 

The fallout from a recent Dragons' Den episode continues to stir heated discussions, as investor Manjit Minhas officially withdraws her $1 million investment from the bubble tea company Bobba. What initially began as a conversation around cultural appropriation, led by actor Simu Liu, has evolved into a much larger debate about online hate, corporate accountability, and the role of cultural sensitivity in business.

Simu Liu’s Cultural Critique and Its Aftermath

The controversy kicked off when Simu Liu, known for his advocacy on Asian representation, criticized Bobba's founders Sebastien Fiset and Jess Frenette for misrepresenting bubble tea, a popular Taiwanese drink. Liu accused the entrepreneurs of positioning their product as a "healthier" and "better" version of the traditional beverage, an approach he found culturally insensitive. His critique sparked a viral conversation about cultural appropriation in business, a topic that resonates deeply in today's diverse, globalized markets.

However, what followed went beyond the expected public discourse. The online backlash against Bobba quickly escalated into harassment, including death threats, forcing Liu to step in once again—this time to defend the entrepreneurs he had previously criticized. In a TikTok video, Liu condemned the aggressive online behavior, urging his followers to "engage in constructive dialogue" and reminding them that "it's never okay to make threats."

Despite maintaining his stance on Bobba’s culturally insensitive branding, Liu made it clear that Fiset and Frenette "do not deserve any negative ill will." His plea for decency added a new layer of complexity to the situation, as the narrative shifted from cultural appropriation to a more nuanced discussion about online harassment and accountability.

Dragons' Den Faces Backlash

The Dragons' Den response to the controversy—primarily through social media reposts of Liu's statements—has drawn its own share of criticism. Many viewers feel that the show has failed to acknowledge its role in creating a hostile environment, particularly regarding the dismissive reactions of other Dragons to Liu's concerns during the episode. The general consensus is that the show’s response lacked genuine accountability, with some calling it "tone deaf."

One Instagram user summed up the frustration, saying, “The way Dragons' Den has reposted a defense by Simu Liu rather than posting an apology is absolutely tone deaf. DO NOT victimize yourself after actively participating in the erasure of Asian culture."

The lack of a formal apology from the show has fueled the perception that Dragons' Den overlooked Liu’s valid cultural critique in favor of protecting its brand and reputation.

Manjit Minhas Withdraws Bobba Investment

Investor Manjit Minhas, who initially offered Bobba a $1 million investment during the episode, has since announced her decision to withdraw from the deal. While Minhas framed this as a response to the growing controversy surrounding Bobba, her move has been met with skepticism. Critics argue that her withdrawal seems more like a calculated effort to distance herself from a now-contentious brand, rather than a reflection of a deeper understanding of the cultural appropriation issue at hand.

One commenter’s pointed remark on Minhas’s Instagram post encapsulated this sentiment: “Translation: ‘The business appears to no longer be lucrative so I will not be investing anymore. I don’t see the cultural appropriation everyone is mentioning — but here is a script. Please leave me alone.’”

Minhas’s decision has intensified the debate over the motivations of investors and public figures when faced with controversy, prompting questions about whether her withdrawal was more about protecting her own image than standing in solidarity with those affected by cultural misrepresentation.

Bobba’s Apology: Genuine or Performative?

Amid mounting pressure, Bobba released a public apology on their social media platforms, acknowledging the harm caused by their branding. The company cited language barriers as part of the issue and pledged to reevaluate their marketing strategy to better respect the cultural origins of bubble tea.

However, the apology has sparked mixed reactions. While some praised the founders for their willingness to reflect and learn from the experience, others dismissed the apology as a performative act designed more for damage control than a genuine effort at understanding the impact of their actions. As one critical commenter put it, “This apology statement seems more of worrying about the sale than a true learning experience.”

The Bobba saga underscores the complexities that businesses face when navigating cultural sensitivity in an increasingly globalized world. For entrepreneurs, especially those entering markets tied to specific cultural identities, the challenge lies in authentically representing the products they promote without appropriating or erasing the culture from which these products originate.

Conclusion

As the conversation surrounding Bobba’s branding continues to unfold, it serves as a potent reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity in business. For Simu Liu, his critique has brought attention to deeper issues of representation and accountability, while his call to avoid online hate has tempered what could have become an even more toxic debate. Investor Manjit Minhas’s withdrawal adds a further wrinkle to the controversy, highlighting the pressures that public figures face when controversy arises.

The Dragons' Den episode, and the debate it ignited, will likely influence how businesses and investors approach culturally significant products in the future, encouraging them to consider not just the profitability of an idea but also the cultural responsibility it carries.

Looking to ensure your branding respects cultural origins while still appealing to a global market? Partner with Vertical Bar Media’s digital marketing services to craft thoughtful, culturally sensitive strategies that help you succeed without sacrificing integrity. Let’s create impactful campaigns that resonate authentically with your audience.

Source: Resonate

Photo Credit: CBC

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