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.
The organization is accused of coercing children as young as 12 into their forced labor scheme, using their vulnerable age to manipulate and control them.
According to Mariyam Hussain, Senior Counsel at Berger Montague, the Shen Yun Defendants maintain absolute control over the dancers, exerting significant pressure on them to comply with their demands. “The Shen Yun Defendants target children for their forced labor scheme, as they are more easily coerced,” added Michaela Wallin, Shareholder at Berger Montague.
The lawsuit alleges violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (“TVPRA”), representing a proposed class of dancers who performed at the Dragon Springs Buddhist compound for Shen Yun productions.
Additionally, it claims violations of the New York Labor Law (“NYLL”) on behalf of dancers, musicians, emcees, and set designers who performed in New York.
Shen Yun is a global Chinese classical dance and music company founded in 2006. It aims to revive traditional Chinese culture through stunning performances that combine classical dance, music, and colorful costumes. With a focus on China’s 5,000-year history, Shen Yun showcases spiritual and cultural themes in its productions, performing worldwide to inspire and enlighten audiences.
Berger Montague is a prominent law firm founded in 1970, specializing in complex litigation, including class actions, antitrust, and consumer protection cases. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the firm has a nationwide presence and is known for securing significant legal victories. Berger Montague represents consumers, investors, and employees, recovering billions of dollars in high-profile cases. With a team of skilled attorneys, the firm is dedicated to achieving justice through strategic advocacy and extensive resources, earning recognition for its expertise and commitment to clients.
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