Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against Shen Yun Alleging Forced Labor, Child Exploitation.
Berger Montague and Farra & Wang have filed a class-action lawsuit against Shen Yun, the renowned Chinese classical dance and music organization, and its affiliated parties, accusing them of exploiting forced labor, including child labor, and violating labor laws.
The lawsuit, filed by primary plaintiff Chun-Ko Chang, who performed with Shen Yun from the ages of 13 to 24, alleges that the organization has built a system of control and coercion over its dancers, forcing them to work under threats of serious harm.
Farra & Wang’s founder, Times Wang, expressed deep concerns, stating, “The Shen Yun Defendants have established a system of control, coercion, and abuse that forces the Shen Yun dancers to labor under threat of serious harm.” He further emphasized the tragic irony, noting that Shen Yun’s tactics mirror those of the Chinese Communist Party, from which many dancers, including Ms. Chang, have previously suffered.
Ms. Chang herself spoke out about her experience, recalling how she was introduced to the cruelty of Shen Yun’s methods from a young age: “I started dancing for Shen Yun when I was only 13. From the outset, they showed me how cruel they could be towards those who disobeyed their authority. Thus, I knew I couldn’t leave without suffering dire consequences. I am bringing this lawsuit to make sure no other children go through what I went through.”
The lawsuit claims that the Shen Yun Defendants control every aspect of their dancers’ lives, from their daily schedules to their personal relationships, including eating habits, internet access, and even restrictions on romantic relationships and family communication.
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