'Shark Tank' Season 11 Episode 18: Kevin O'Leary's reaction to Lola's pitch has fans calling him 'sexist'
While in lockdown, fans were thrilled to find a whole new bunch of innovative ideas making their way to the popular business show on primetime television. However, no pitch goes unanalyzed and critically reviewed. 'Shark Tank' Season 11 Episode 18 was no different. Among multiple business ideas, there was one that created quite a stir on social media — Lola Ogden's 'Beddley' Duvet Cover.
As described by her, the “revolutionary easy-open duvet cover” helps making bed a simpler task and reduces a whole lot of time. But it so appeared that the sharks were not very impressed by her product or the business idea itself. Seeing this, fans took to Twitter and expressed their disappointment.
Seeing Kevin O’Leary’s reaction to Lola’s pitch, one fan comments, “Mr. Wonderful is prejudice and sexist. He goes above and beyond to insult women, especially women of color when he doesn't like their products. It's SO annoying. There need to be more women and woc in the tank. #SharkTank.”
Supporting the previous comment, another fan wonders how the sharks could overlook the qualification of the female entrepreneur. “They praised the white dude for his credentials even though his product sucked but clowned the Black woman when her product was actually good she just needs marketing. She was highly educated too but Mark says he's 'not a fan of MBAs now'. What was up with that? #sharktank," one fan commented.
Some even found the instant reaction of the sharks “rude”. “I thought that was very rude for them to LAUGH right there in front if Lola O. WOW ! How rude. #SharkTank on n.v ABC," says one.
At the same time, there are some people who think that no matter what, Lola managed to make “history” with her pitch; not necessarily because of her product but because Kevin O’Leary was at a loss of words.
One fan comments, “Well, she did make history - she made @kevinolearytv speechless. That's a first. #SharkTank.”
“I'm surprised no one made her an offer simply because she made @kevinolearytv speechless that's quite the accomplishment!#SharkTank”, adds another in support. This is not the first time, that fans have criticized Kevin’s behavior on the show.
For those who missed the episode, Lola Ogden pitched for Beddley Duvet Covers, which she founded after graduating from Columbia Business School. She is also the owner of GapEnder, a women’s fitted shirt company. Lola aims at promoting entrepreneurship among first-generation American women.
‘Shark Tank’ Season 11 airs every Friday, 8pm/9c, only on ABC.