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Chinese Tea Chain Faces Racial Discrimination Accusations in Australia

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Mixue Ice Cream & & Tea faced accusations of racial discrimination in Sydney, Australia.
  • A man was reportedly denied a free milk tea because he was told the promotion was "only for Chinese people."
  • Mixue apologized, stating the promoter was a third-party contractor and has suspended cooperation with the platform.

A promotional event for the Chinese beverage chain Mixue Ice Cream & & Tea in Sydney, Australia, has sparked controversy after a man claimed he was denied a free milk tea based on his ethnicity. The incident, captured on video and shared on social media, alleges that a promoter told the man the giveaway was "only for Chinese people."

The activity is only for Chinese people.

โ€” PromoterAllegedly stated reason for denying a man a free milk tea during a Mixue promotion.

The video shows the man approaching a promotional booth offering free drinks. When he inquired about receiving one, the female promoter reportedly stated the offer was exclusive to Chinese nationals and asked him to prove his identity by speaking Chinese. The man, who stated he was thirsty after buying bread, claimed this was his first experience with racial discrimination.

Because you are not Chinese.

โ€” PromoterFurther explanation given to the man when he questioned the exclusion.

Mixue's Australian branch issued a swift apology, clarifying that the promoter was not a direct employee but an individual hired by a third-party delivery platform called "Fantuan." The company emphasized that the promoter's remarks do not represent Mixue's stance and that the brand does not tolerate any form of discrimination. Consequently, Mixue announced an immediate suspension of all promotional activities with Fantuan.

For this incident that caused doubts and disappointment, we sincerely apologize.

โ€” Mixue AustraliaOfficial apology issued by the company following the controversy.

Fantuan subsequently released its own statement, asserting that the promotion required only downloading and registering on their app and never restricted participation based on ethnicity or nationality. They acknowledged that the promoter, identified as a student, used inappropriate language and expressed regret for the miscommunication. Fantuan stated they are conducting internal reviews and training, urging for rational discussion and protection against personal attacks on the student involved.

The person in the video is not our company's employee, but participated in a promotional activity organized by the Asian delivery platform 'Fantuan'.

โ€” Mixue AustraliaClarification regarding the employment status of the promoter involved in the incident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.