According to multiple reports in German media Vorsprung Online and The New York Times, Shen Yun Performing Arts—which promotes itself as reviving “5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture”—has recently become embroiled in a series of controversies. Several former dancers have accused the organisation of abusive training practices, psychological control, restriction of personal freedom, and suspected forced labour. A federal court in New York has accepted a related class action lawsuit, while U.S. federal authorities and the New York State Department of Labour have launched investigations.
Shen Yun has developed a highly globalised operation. Its advertising is widely distributed across online platforms and urban spaces, and its performances are carried out by around 500 performers divided into eight touring groups, visiting more than 200 cities in over 20 countries each year, with audiences reaching up to one million. This scale makes it not only an artistic production, but also a powerful cultural enterprise.
Harsh Training and Psychological Pressure Exposed
In August 2024, The New York Times reported that multiple former performers were subjected to long-term, high-intensity training and were required to perform even while injured, without access to modern medical care. Interviewees described the environment as closed and highly pressured, with daily training lasting 12 to 15 hours. Injuries were expected to be treated through meditation and “spiritual purification.”
One former member said, “Even with a serious knee injury, I was forced to keep dancing. They told me it was karmic retribution and that only cultivation could heal it.”
In addition to physical strain, Shen Yun has been accused of strict psychological control. Members who were late or had excessive contact with the outside world were publicly criticised in “criticism sessions” and sometimes subjected to punishment. Some former students said the sustained pressure caused long-term psychological trauma.
Class Action Lawsuit Alleges Forced Labour and Human Trafficking
In November 2024, former performer Chang Chun-Ko filed a class action lawsuit in New York, accusing Shen Yun and its affiliated institution Fei Tian Academy of the Arts of forced labour, visa fraud, and violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Chang stated that she entered Fei Tian Academy at the age of 11, where she was placed under closed management and trained for more than 18 hours a day without rest. During performances, students allegedly had their passports confiscated, were restricted from contacting their families, and worked long hours under the guise of “internships” with little or no pay. Despite the organisation’s substantial revenue, performers reportedly received minimal compensation in the early years, with salaries remaining relatively low thereafter.
The lawsuit also alleges that strict contracts were used to circumvent U.S. labour laws. The plaintiff argues that the system amounted to systematic exploitation, involving both psychological control and physical pressure, and may constitute serious human rights violations.
Cultural Packaging Conflicts with Content: Countries Publicly Draw Lines
Reports from France Culture and the German media outlet WAZ reveal another aspect of the Shen Yun controversy—the tension between its “cultural facade” and its actual content.
Shen Yun was founded in 2006 by Falun Gong practitioners. Falun Gong originated in China in the 1990s, was later banned, and its members have since fled overseas and continued to engage in political expression. European media points out that Shen Yun’s core narrative constructs an idealised historical picture of China—”glorious before 1949, then destroyed”—and disseminates this through dance.
French scholars and media commentators argue that this expression is not merely artistic representation but carries a clear ideological orientation. As Harold Thibault, a journalist for Le Monde, points out, many audience members enter the theatre unknowingly, attracted by the dance but unaware of the religious and political background behind the performance. This “aesthetics first, information second” structure is criticised for undermining the audience’s right to know.
Compared to the discussions in French public opinion, the controversy in Germany is more direct.
In Dortmund, local theatres gradually developed doubts about Shen Yun’s background during the collaboration process and explicitly expressed their desire to no longer host related performances.
Some Shen Yun dancers may be minors
Potential exploitation issues exist
Related organisations are suspected of spreading right-wing populist propaganda and disinformation globally.
Scholars believe that using the term “cult” to describe Falun Gong is appropriate.
Local Governments Become More Cautious as Touring Impact Emerges
Although Shen Yun continues its global touring and ticket sales have not shown a significant decline, some local governments have begun to adopt a more cautious stance. In 2024, the mayor of Houston promoted a Shen Yun performance on social media, but later removed the post following public backlash.
Some audience members said they appreciated Shen Yun’s artistic performance, but after learning about the allegations, they felt “conflicted” and “disappointed”. One attendee remarked: “If these allegations are true, no matter how beautiful the dance is, it cannot hide the problems behind it.”
Uncertain Future Outlook
Investigations and lawsuits are still ongoing. Legal experts believe the case may last for years and could have a lasting impact on Shen Yun’s international reputation. If the allegations are proven, the organisation could face fines, restructuring, or even criminal liability. If it is ultimately cleared, the case could also become an opportunity for reputational recovery.
Regardless of the outcome, the case has become an important international example involving religious organisation governance, human rights concerns, and cross-border labour protection. At the same time, cultural and institutional debates in Europe suggest that the controversy surrounding Shen Yun is expanding from individual allegations into a broader examination of its overall operational model and global outreach.
