Shen Yun, the celebrated Chinese cultural arts ensemble, finds itself at the center of a storm as it faces serious allegations of child trafficking and labor exploitation.
At a Glance
- Former Shen Yun dancer files lawsuit alleging child trafficking and forced labor
- Shen Yun claims the lawsuit is part of a Chinese Communist Party disinformation campaign
- New York State Department of Labor investigating Shen Yun’s labor practices
- Shen Yun accuses media of biased reporting, relying on testimonies from disgruntled performers
- The case raises questions about the intersection of art, politics, and human rights
Allegations of Exploitation and Trafficking
A former dancer for Shen Yun Performing Arts has filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in White Plains, N.Y., accusing the group of trafficking vulnerable children for labor with little to no pay. The lawsuit, filed by Chang Chun-Ko, describes Shen Yun as a “forced labor enterprise” that exploits underage dancers through threats and public shaming.
According to the lawsuit, Shen Yun allegedly employs tactics such as confiscating passports, cutting off access to outside media, and conducting public critique sessions. Chang Chun-Ko claims she was recruited from Taiwan at age 13 and performed with Shen Yun until 2020.
The lawsuit has been filed under a federal law that allows victims of forced labor to sue their alleged traffickers. It follows a New York Times article that revealed allegedly abusive conditions for Shen Yun performers. The New York State Department of Labor has also launched an investigation into Shen Yun’s labor practices, including the use of child performers.
Class-Action Lawsuit and Serious Allegations
Law firms Berger Montague and Farra & Wang have filed a class-action lawsuit against Shen Yun for alleged forced labor and labor law violations. The lawsuit targets Shen Yun’s Dragon Springs Buddhist Inc. compound and involves dancers, musicians, emcees, and set designers.
The lawsuit alleges violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and New York Labor Law. It claims that Shen Yun controls every aspect of the dancers’ lives, including their schedules, eating habits, internet access, and personal relationships.
Shen Yun’s Counter-Claims
Shen Yun Performing Arts vehemently denies these allegations, claiming that the civil complaint is part of a coordinated attack orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The company, founded in 2006 by Falun Gong practitioners, has faced persecution from the CCP and alleges over 130 incidents of CCP interference.
Shen Yun accuses the CCP of spreading false narratives in mainstream media and criticizes outlets, including The New York Times, for relying on testimonies from disgruntled former performers with alleged CCP connections. The company asserts that the woman who filed the lawsuit is linked to a Chinese government entity and has contributed to anti-Shen Yun narratives.
Implications and Broader Context
This case raises significant questions about the intersection of art, politics, and human rights. It highlights the ongoing tensions between China and organizations associated with Falun Gong, a spiritual practice persecuted in China. The allegations against Shen Yun, if proven true, would represent a severe violation of labor laws and human rights.
