Credit: Marvel StudiosShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) star Simu Liu has found himself in a bit of a pickle involving boba and heated discussions about cultural appropriation. Now, he’s reaching out to fans with a plea: let’s take a breath and stop the death threats.
If you’ve been following the drama, you know the story. During an episode of Dragons’ Den, Simu Liu and Bobba, a Canadian beverage company, had a lively discussion centered on cultural appropriation, a topic that can spark strong opinions.
In response to their product, the actor said, “There’s an issue of taking something that’s very distinctly Asian in its identity and quote-unquote ‘making it better,’ which I have an issue with.”
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Simu, known for his thoughtful and respectful approach, wanted to ensure the conversation was handled with care. But what happened next was a bit unexpected. Some fans took things too far. Instead of engaging in a civil discourse, a few decided to unleash their frustrations in a less-than-friendly manner. Yep, you guessed it—death threats.
Simu Liu took to social media to address the situation. In a heartfelt message, he urged fans to reconsider their approach. On Tiktok, the Marvel star said:
“I want to say that I think we hit on a really important discussion about cultural appropriation, what it is, how is something exploitative rather kind of paying homage and paying respect, when is that line crossed, and in that conversation, by the way, I’ve experienced a massive wave of positivity and support from people from every community and I just think that’s really incredible and I really appreciate that. On the flip side, I’ve been made aware that the business owners have received a lot of death threats and harassment and otherwise just kind of bullying and dogpiling, and I just want to say that, full stop, it’s never okay to make threats. It’s never okay to bully and harass online.”
@simuliu some thoughts on boba/bobba 🧋lets be kind to each other!
This incident highlights a trend we’ve seen across social media. Emotions can run high, especially when discussing cultural issues. People get passionate, and that’s okay! But there’s a fine line between passion and aggression. Lius’ call for calm is a reminder that we can express our feelings without resorting to hostility.
So, what can we learn from this boba brouhaha? First off, let’s remember that conversations about culture are essential. They help us grow and understand each other better. But how we have those conversations matters. It’s all about respect and kindness.
Instead of jumping to conclusions, let’s engage with curiosity. Ask questions! Understand different perspectives. Simu Liu is an advocate for dialogue. He wants to ensure that discussions about cultural appropriation are meaningful, not damaging.
Bobba has since put out its own statement on social media, saying:
“We are very sorry for our delayed response and needed some time to reflect on the entire situation. This is our official statement regarding the recent episode of Dragons’ Den. We hope this message reflects our sincerity and our commitment to addressing the matter thoughtfully and responsibly. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to make things right.”
Related: Simu Liu Slammed for Publicly Shaming TikToker Who Said He ”Cannot Handle Criticism”
If you’re a fan of Simu Liu, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or just love a good bubble tea, why not support local boba shops? Celebrate the diversity of flavors and the stories behind them! It’s a much better way to show your enthusiasm than sending threats to business owners. Plus, who doesn’t love trying out new boba drinks with friends?
Simu Liu’s plea reminds us all to reflect on our reactions. It’s easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment. But taking a step back can lead to more productive conversations. As we discuss sensitive topics, let’s keep the focus on understanding and empathy.