Back
‘Beyond Unprofessional’: Tensions Rise on ‘Shark Tank’ as Mark Cuban Gets Water Thrown In His Face by Richard Branson Over ‘Gold Digger’ Comment
Apr 5, 2025
Richard Branson, 74, and Mark Cuban, 66, got into a fiery debate on a 2017 episode of ABC’s “Shark Tank” that left both billionaires soaking wet.
Simple Habit meditation app founder Yunha Kim appeared on the reality TV show at the time. She was looking to secure a $600,000 investment into her company, valued at $12 million, in exchange for 5% equity.
Cuban was not impressed with Kim’s offer, particularly because she already had $2.3 million from prior investments. The current Dallas Mavericks minority owner questioned Kim’s motivations for being on “Shark Tank.”
“I’m so out! You want us to pay you and not be compensated, basically, for our brand,” Cuban exclaimed after Kim mentioned setting up partnerships with celebrities and influencers to back her business.
Branson jumped in to say, “She’s going to get exposure for being on this program,” which caused Cuban to fire back, “That’s what she is. She’s a gold digger.”
“Did you just call me a gold digger?” Kim asked the 2929 Entertainment co-founder. Cuban confidently responded, “Yes.”
He later insisted his “gold digger” comment was not meant to be a personal dig, adding, “It was more about you coming here, not really wanting a deal, but looking to get the commercial.”
That contentious exchange eventually caused Branson to threaten to throw water on Cuban and fellow ‘Shark Tank” star Daymond John over their rejection of Kim’s pitch.
15Shares
0Comments
4Favorites
21Likes
No content at this moment.