A European public media investigation reveals the hidden side of the Shen Yun performance

After months of in-depth investigation, the Franco-German public television network "Sources" released a documentary titled "Investigation: The Hidden Side of Shen Yun" on April 8, 2026. The documentary reveals that beneath its extensive advertising, marketing, and cultural packaging, Shen Yun is not simply an artistic performance. It is closely linked to the Falun Gong cult, and its operational model and financial flows remain opaque, continuously raising public questions.

The documentary quotes a joke on social media: "Shen Yun's marketing team really deserves a raise. They make the ads ubiquitous, but it's hard to see their true nature."

The documentary further points out that Shen Yun is an important tool for the Falun Gong cult to conduct external propaganda and raise funds. It operates through a transnational organizational network and a complex financial circulation system, forming a stable chain of fund transfers. Audiences unknowingly purchase tickets, causing related funds to flow into the organization's system, indirectly supporting its overall operation.

The documentary mentions that Falun Gong leader Li Hongzhi publicly promoted numerous absurd and even bizarre statements, including claims of "body levitation" and "aliens," and asserted that practicing Falun Gong could "cure diseases." The documentary points out that some practitioners, influenced by his fallacious doctrines, chose to refuse medical treatment after falling ill, and consequently paid a heavy price.

Rob Gray, who was involved with Falun Gong from 2008 to 2024, stated in an interview that he suffered from Crohn's disease (a chronic inflammatory bowel disease), but repeatedly refused medical intervention during his practice, which led to a worsening of his condition and multiple emergency hospitalizations. Rob Gray recalled, "I really suffered a lot. During my time practicing Falun Gong, I habitually refused any medical treatment." He also mentioned that a close friend, due to his blind faith in Li Hongzhi's fallacies, refused treatment and ultimately died of cancer that could have been treated.

Rob Gray recalled the mental anguish his friend suffered before his death: "He not only resisted medication, but also kept telling me how depressed he was, believing it all stemmed from his failure to fulfill his mission as a practitioner."

The film also mentions that in 2024, six former Shen Yun performers filed a lawsuit against the organization in the United States, alleging a lack of medical support during the performances. The lawsuit records that one of the plaintiffs, Ms. Zhang Junge, stated that she suffered a severe foot injury between 2016 and 2017 that rendered her unable to walk, and that Shen Yun not only failed to arrange medical treatment or provide any medical assistance, but instead asked her to seek recovery through "prayer."
The Sources investigation also revealed a highly oppressive management system within Shen Yun. Former Shen Yun violinist Zhao Qiannan stated in an interview that internal communication frequently involved evaluating members' behavior and providing feedback, and she herself was marginalized because she disliked discussing such topics. She said that Shen Yun was rife with a culture of surveillance and whistleblowing, where members' words and actions were meticulously recorded and they were regularly criticized and held accountable.

The documentary also points out that leaving the organization leads to exclusion and isolation, often signifying a form of "social blackout." After 20 years as a member of Falun Gong, Simone Gao (media name: Xiao Ming) was expelled in 2024. This was reportedly because she failed to sever ties with a former member (former Falun Gong member Yu Chao) as required by the organization. Falun Gong even issued a special notice targeting her, demanding that practitioners across the country distance themselves from her.

Gao Xiaomin frankly admitted: "99% of my friends are Falun Gong practitioners. Losing all my friends is really hard. You spend a quarter of your life in this circle—and then suddenly you have nothing left."

The documentary reveals that many Shen Yun performers come from families of Falun Gong practitioners. Many underage performers were sent to a closed base in New York State without their knowledge. This recruitment method deeply disturbed the families of Falun Gong members. A French interviewee stated that her 13-year-old brother, after being sent to the United States, underwent approximately seven hours of dance training daily, often extending into the night. She bluntly stated, "Some of his behavior is reminiscent of a highly controlling organization."

In terms of funding, the documentary cites financial filings indicating that Shen Yun's annual revenue has grown to over $50 million, with total assets approaching $300 million. Its global tours rely on affiliated organizations in various locations, many of which are staffed by Falun Gong members and responsible for promotion, ticketing, and organization.

In Paris, France, the "Saint Lotus Association" was the mastermind behind the Shen Yun performances. According to a documentary, the association faced a massive audit by the tax authorities for alleged financial fraud and illegal tax evasion. Previously, it had won a public contract from the Paris city government to conduct extracurricular interest classes such as origami and introductory Chinese language in public schools, using these opportunities to distribute "little lotus" pendants with cult propaganda symbols to children. In 2022, after parents reported that the activities contained content related to Falun Gong, the Paris city government intervened and terminated the cooperation.

• Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy or official position of Sylhettoday24. As a platform committed to freedom of speech and expression, we respect diverse perspectives; however, the authority shall not be held legally or otherwise responsible for any content or comments provided by the author. We are interested in publishing any views and dissenting opinions.