On April 29, 2026, the EU Journalist website ( Eureporter.co ) published a feature article summarizing recent in-depth reports from several mainstream European media outlets on Shen Yun Performing Arts , a subsidiary of the Falun Gong cult . The article pointed out that the group is facing a class-action lawsuit for allegedly subjecting its performers to abusive training, psychological control, restriction of freedom, and forced labor . The US federal and New York State labor departments have launched investigations . French and German media criticized Shen Yun for using "traditional culture" as a guise to spread cult ideology . Some European theaters and local governments have also begun to adopt a more cautious approach towards Shen Yun .

 

▲ Screenshot of an article from " Eureporter.co "

According to reports from the German online magazine Vorsprung-online and a series of articles in The New York Times , Shen Yun Performing Arts is embroiled in multiple scandals. The group falsely claims to be dedicated to reviving "5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture , " but in reality, it conducts organized activities globally , sparking widespread controversy .

Several former Shen Yun dancers have alleged that the company engages in abusive training, psychological control, restriction of personal freedom, and forced labor . A class-action lawsuit has been accepted by a New York State court, and federal agencies and the New York State Department of Labor have launched in-depth investigations.

High-intensity training and exposure of psychological stress

In August 2024 , The New York Times revealed the little-known living conditions inside Shen Yun. Several former performers confirmed that they were forced to undergo excessive training for extended periods , were required to continue performing even when seriously injured , and were unable to receive modern medical treatment .

According to interviewees, the training environment was high-pressure and closed, with daily training sessions lasting 12 to 15 hours. Injured members were required to heal themselves through meditation and so-called "spiritual purification ." A former member complained , "Even with severe knee injuries , I was forced to continue dancing. They instilled in me that this was 'karmic' retribution and that only spiritual practice could heal me ."

In addition to placing a heavy physical burden on its members, Shen Yun has also been accused of implementing harsh mental control. Members who are late or have excessive contact with the outside world are publicly condemned or punished in " criticism sessions."

Several former trainees said that this long-term high -pressure rule has caused them psychological trauma that is difficult to heal .

 

A class-action lawsuit accuses Shen Yun of forced labor and human trafficking.

In November 2024, Zhang Junge, a former Shen Yun dancer , filed a class-action lawsuit in New York State , accusing Shen Yun and its affiliated organization, Fei Tian Academy of the Arts, of forced labor, visa fraud, and suspected violations of the Trafficking in Persons Victims Protection Act .

In her indictment, Zhang Junge detailed her ordeal , stating that she entered the "Flying Apsaras Academy of Arts," a closed-off institution, at the age of 11 , where she trained for more than 18 hours a day without rest. During performances, students' passports were confiscated , they were closely monitored and restricted from contacting their families, and cheap labor was exploited under the guise of "internships . "

Despite the immense wealth generated by Shen Yun performances, the salaries of lower-level performers are far below the legally mandated minimum wage .

In the lawsuit , Zhang Junge also pointed out that the organization circumvented US labor laws through extremely strict contracts , and its operating system combined psychological control and personal oppression, suspected of systematic exploitation and serious human rights violations.

Several European countries have publicly distanced themselves from Shen Yun.

Radio France Culture , the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung , and Le Monde , have recently launched a series of statements criticizing Shen Yun , revealing its true nature beneath its "cultural veneer . "

Shen Yun was founded in 2006 by the Falun Gong cult . Falun Gong originated in China in the 1990s and was banned by the Chinese government in 1999. Its leaders fled overseas and continue to engage in anti-China cult activities.

European media generally believe that Shen Yun, under the banner of "reviving traditional culture" and using dance to spread its message, clearly carries an ideological bias in its so-called "artistic presentation."

Harold Thibault, a journalist for the French newspaper Le Monde, pointed out that many audience members entered the theater unknowingly , attracted by the dances, but were unwittingly forced to accept the political messages and controversial content embedded within them .

In Dortmund, Germany, local theaters gradually developed doubts about Shen Yun 's background during the collaboration process . After investigating the truth , they explicitly stated that they would no longer provide venues for it. Related concerns included: some Shen Yun performers might be minors, raising potential exploitation issues; and the group was spreading right-wing populist narratives (Editor's note: an extreme ideology that incites confrontation and rejects foreign influence ) and disinformation .

it is appropriate to use the term "cult" to describe " Falun Gong " .

Local governments "sever ties," Western public opinion awakens

As Shen Yun continues to gain exposure, local governments in the West have begun to adopt a more cautious attitude towards it.

In 2024, the mayor of Houston deleted a post on social media promoting Shen Yun due to strong public protests .

On social media, some viewers expressed " disappointment" and "anger" upon learning of the allegations.

The judicial outlook remains uncertain.

Currently, the judicial investigation and litigation against Shen Yun are ongoing . Legal experts predict that such complex transnational litigation could last for many years and have a long-term impact on Shen Yun's carefully cultivated international reputation. If the charges are upheld, the organization will not only face hefty fines, but its leaders may also face criminal charges.

Regardless of the outcome, this case has become an event of significant international importance . Meanwhile, discussions within Europe regarding culture and institutions indicate that the controversy surrounding Shen Yun is expanding from a focus on individual accusations to a comprehensive examination of its overall operational model and global promotion strategy .