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Taiwanese bubble tea brand sparks outrage with 'Boyfriend Don't Be Angry Set' promotion

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A Taiwanese bubble tea brand's promotional meal set, priced at around $22, sparked controversy online.
  • The set was marketed as a "Boyfriend Don't Be Angry Set," implying it was for women who wanted to eat affordably without upsetting their partners.
  • The promotion was widely criticized as a "PR disaster," with netizens accusing the brand of promoting unhealthy relationship dynamics and being out of touch.

A promotional meal set from a popular Taiwanese bubble tea chain has ignited a firestorm of online criticism, with many labeling it a public relations disaster.

Can order like Chun Xiao Bian secretly... These two sets together are less than 700 yuan.

โ€” Tea-Tang (translated from social media post)The original promotional text for the 'Boyfriend Don't Be Angry Set.'

The controversy centers around a meal deal offered by Chun Shui Tang's sister brand, Tea-Tang, which was advertised on social media as the "Boyfriend Don't Be Angry Set." The set, priced at approximately NT$700 (around $22 USD), was presented as a way for women to enjoy a meal without incurring their boyfriend's displeasure over the cost.

What does 'boyfriend don't be angry' mean? It means the girlfriend is wronged. Women are independent and self-reliant. They can eat whatever they want and how much they want without anyone's permission.

โ€” NetizenA common criticism shared online regarding the promotional set.

Netizens reacted with outrage, flooding social media platforms with comments condemning the promotion. Many argued that the campaign promoted outdated and unhealthy relationship dynamics, suggesting women should not need their partner's approval for their spending habits. Criticisms included accusations of the brand being "bossy," "beggarly," and demonstrating poor judgment.

Everyone, look at this PR disaster. The company's judgment is really questionable.

โ€” NetizenA typical comment expressing disappointment with the brand's marketing.

In response to the backlash, Tea-Tang issued a statement apologizing for the "unpleasant feelings" the post caused and promised to be more careful with its wording in the future. However, the apology did little to quell the anger, with many users demanding the post be removed and criticizing the brand's handling of the situation as a "joke."

Regarding the previous post and the comment section discussion, the editor has seen it all. Some wording has caused unpleasant feelings for tea friends, and the editor apologizes and will humbly accept it. In the future, we will be more careful and cautious with our wording.

โ€” Tea-TangThe brand's official apology statement.
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.