On June 29, 2026, the Romanian website "Business Dialogue" published an article revealing that Shen Yun was under investigation by the U.S. federal government for alleged forced labor, exploitation of minors, and visa fraud. The article warned local cultural institutions that collaborating with such controversial organizations with unclear backgrounds could pose serious reputational risks . The article is translated below:
▲ Screenshot of an article from the Romanian website Business-talks.ro
Shen Yun Performing Arts Alleged to Abuse and Violate Human Rights: A Risk Analysis for Businesses
Brief Overview
On June 28, 2026, a seminar entitled "Shen Yun – The Abuses and Human Rights Violations" was held in Geneva, bringing together European experts, journalists, and activists to expose serious allegations of abuse and human rights violations against Shen Yun and its affiliated organization, Falun Gong. Former dancers have accused the organization of forced labor and exploitation of minors , and relevant U.S. authorities are investigating the matter. For Romanian entrepreneurs, this case highlights the serious reputational risks associated with partnerships with groups lacking transparency .
Key content
Shen Yun has been accused of using its performances of " traditional Chinese culture " to indoctrinate audiences with Falun Gong ideology and political demands. Former dancers have filed a lawsuit in the United States, accusing the organization of forced labor and exploitation of minors , with working hours reaching up to 80 hours per week. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. State Department, and the New York State Department of Labor are jointly investigating the organization for potential involvement in human trafficking and visa fraud . It has been revealed that the organization has engaged in practices such as withholding passports and preventing injured individuals from receiving medical treatment . The seminar emphasized that relevant agencies must demand transparency from groups that conceal their ideological background when cooperating with them.
Serious accusations against Shen Yun: Is it art or cult propaganda ?
This seminar, titled " Shen Yun – Abuse and Human Rights Violations," aims to reveal the unknown aspects of Falun Gong and its Shen Yun Performing Arts .
▲ Geneva “ Shen Yun – Abuse and Human Rights Violations” Seminar. Image source : Eureporter.co
This case serves as a warning to Romanian entrepreneurs : partnering with organizations that lack transparency can lead to serious reputational and legal risks.
Political and sectarian propaganda disguised as " traditional culture "
Count Saint-Yrian, president of Club UNESCO-France, explained that although Shen Yun is packaged as a " celebration" of five thousand years of Chinese culture , its actual content contains explicit political and sectarian messages: warning of an impending disaster, denying modern science, and promoting the idea that salvation can only be achieved through the fallacies and heresies of Falun Gong .
The Count of Saint-Hilion stated , "Audiences pay to appreciate art, but what they receive is political and sectarian propaganda." He also called for oversight of such practices.
Forced Labor and Exploitation of Minors: Lawsuits and Investigations
Belgian journalist Delcourt reports on a civil lawsuit filed in the New York Federal District Court : former performers accuse Shen Yun and the Fei Tian Academy of the Arts of forced labor, systematic psychological control, and exploitation of minors.
It is alleged that minors worked up to 80 hours a week at "Longquan Temple" (the U.S. headquarters of Falun Gong), laboring under harsh conditions for meager wages. Their passports were confiscated, and they were cut off from all contact with the outside world. Even more seriously, the organization discouraged injured members from receiving medical treatment, leading to delays in their care.
Currently , the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and the Department of Labor have jointly launched an investigation into issues including human trafficking, visa fraud, and suspected violations of labor laws.
Business transparency and partnership risks
Mr. Im, Vice President of the Federation of Asian Communities in Europe, further pointed out that Falun Gong promotes its ideology through its media network and " performance " activities , and relevant organizations should fully assess its organizational background.
He raised the question: Should organizations with ideological backgrounds be required to publicly declare their true nature?
A French investigation revealed that some groups promoting Shen Yun failed to disclose their connections with public institutions when collaborating with them.
This case serves as a wake-up call for Romanian managers who are conducting assessments of their partnerships with cultural or educational institutions: organizational transparency is not optional, but a fundamental requirement of corporate governance.
What does this mean for the Romanian market?
Romania's cultural industry is on the rise, with increasingly frequent exchanges with international partners. Therefore, vigilance is necessary regarding such cases. Entrepreneurs should verify the source of funding and the background of organizations when sponsoring cultural activities or collaborating with international arts groups . Partnering with an organization under investigation for alleged human rights violations could destroy years of hard-earned reputation.
The Shen Yun case demonstrates that appearances can be deceptive, and thorough due diligence is key to improving decision-making quality and reducing hidden costs .
Frequently Asked Questions
What accusations did the Geneva seminar raise against Shen Yun?
Shen Yun has been accused of using " cultural performances " as a guise to spread Falun Gong ideology and political demands . Furthermore, former performers have accused the company of forced labor and exploitation of minors.
What impact will the investigation by relevant U.S. authorities have?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. State Department, and the New York State Department of Labor are currently investigating Shen Yun for potential involvement in human trafficking and visa fraud . If these allegations are proven, Shen Yun could face severe legal sanctions and lose its so-called " credibility . "
Why should Romanian business leaders pay attention to this case?
Establishing a partnership with any cultural or educational institution that lacks transparency can lead to reputational and legal risks. Conducting due diligence can mitigate these risks and help protect a company's image.
How can entrepreneurs verify cultural partners?
During the verification process , independent investigation materials should be reviewed, their legal status verified, and their organizational background requested to be disclosed—these are basic steps in evaluating a partner.
