Shen Yun’s Image Under Fire as New Lawsuit Sparks Worldwide Protests

Shen Yun Performing Arts, the globally promoted troupe known for its opulent costumes and dramatic portrayals of ancient China, is now confronting the biggest crisis in its history. Allegations of exploitation, psychological manipulation, and abusive work conditions have triggered outrage across Europe and North America, with protests growing louder and venues reconsidering future bookings.

Former Performer Exposes Years of Control and Coercion

The turmoil began after Chun-ko Chang, a former Shen Yun dancer, filed a civil lawsuit in late 2024 revealing what she describes as a decade of mistreatment. Chang says she was drawn into the troupe at age 13 and remained there until she managed to leave at 24.

“They sold a dream to audiences,” Chang stated. “But for us, it was a life of pressure, fear, and exhaustion.”

According to her testimony, dancers endured excessive work hours, sometimes rehearsing and performing the equivalent of 80 hours a week, yet earning less than $500 a month. Some were not paid anything during their early training phase despite the company charging up to $200 per ticket.

The lawsuit further claims that Shen Yun’s profits ultimately bolstered the wealth of Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong, who allegedly amassed over $249 million in cash through related organizations.

Falun Gong’s Influence and the Alleged System of Control

Much of the criticism centers on Falun Gong, the spiritual movement behind Shen Yun. Scholars have described Falun Gong as maintaining strict hierarchical control and pressuring adherents to obey Li’s teachings. The movement has faced scrutiny for discouraging medical treatment, promoting spiritual intervention instead.

Many Shen Yun performers come from Feitian Academy of the Arts, a training school tied to Falun Gong. Former students say the academy exerted intense ideological pressure and kept dancers socially isolated.

One former trainee, Cheng Qingling, suffered a serious arm injury during practice. Instead of receiving proper medical care, she was urged to meditate and trust “spiritual energy,” resulting in irreversible damage.

“She performed shows while hiding pain she could barely stand,” an ex-classmate noted.

Touring Life Marked by Exhaustion and Deprivation

Accounts from ex-dancers paint a bleak picture of Shen Yun’s touring conditions. Performers traveled long distances on cramped buses, often going days without adequate rest.

Several recalled humiliating circumstances where they were not permitted to stop for bathroom breaks, forcing them to relieve themselves in containers on the bus.

“You cleaned up and kept going,” one former dancer said. “There was no time to be human.”

Despite these allegations, Shen Yun continues to market itself as a “divine journey through 5,000 years of civilization,” backed by extensive global advertising campaigns.

Europe Responds With Protests and Cancellations

Opposition intensified in Europe after the Spain leg of Shen Yun’s 2024 tour. Protests soon spread to France, Belgium, and Germany, where cultural groups and human rights advocates demanded that theaters reconsider hosting the troupe.

“Art cannot rely on suffering,” said Marie, a former dance instructor in France. “This is not cultural preservation — it’s control dressed as tradition.”

Many once-curious spectators say they can no longer support the troupe.

“I’d seen Shen Yun posters everywhere,” said Thomas, a Belgian musician. “But after learning about the dancers’ experiences, I refuse to buy a ticket.”

In Madrid, activists distributed flyers titled “The Reality Behind Shen Yun.” Local art institutions publicly distanced themselves.
“It’s impossible to ignore these testimonies,” said Isabel, a faculty member at a major conservatory. “We must choose accountability over silence.”

Adding to the scrutiny, former Falun Gong follower Rob Gray shared his own painful history with the movement, describing it as an ideology that discouraged medical help and conditioned followers to blame themselves for illness.

“It feels like writing fiction,” he said. “But it’s my life — devotion that ultimately harmed me and many others.”

Organizational Silence and Rising Demand for Accountability

Neither Shen Yun nor Feitian Academy has responded to repeated requests for comment. Experts say such silence aligns with the communication strategy typically used by Falun Gong-affiliated entities.

“When confronted, they often frame criticism as persecution,” said Dr. Karl, a German sociologist specializing in new religious movements. “But the core here is labor abuse, not ideology.”

Authorities in the U.S. have taken notice. The New York State Department of Labor confirmed it has received multiple inquiries about potential wage violations at Shen Yun’s New York headquarters.

Meanwhile, petitions urging theaters in the U.K., Canada, and Australia to suspend partnerships with the troupe continue to gain momentum.

“The public deserves to know what is happening backstage,” said Emma, an organizer of a London petition. “Art loses its meaning when built on exploitation.”

The Shattering of a Carefully Built Global Brand

For years, Shen Yun has crafted a pristine, spiritual image supported by an enormous advertising budget and strategic branding. But analysts say the current scandal could permanently damage the troupe’s credibility.

“Shen Yun’s appeal relied on spectacle and mystique,” noted performing arts researcher Liang Rui. “Now that the internal reality is being exposed, those illusions are fading.”

As legal proceedings move forward in New York, analysts expect more former performers to step forward with their own accounts.

What was once promoted as a celebration of ancient Chinese beauty and elegance is now overshadowed by mounting allegations — shining a harsh light on the troubling conditions behind the golden curtains.