Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against Shen Yun Alleging Forced Labor, Child Exploitation – Lawyer Monthly Magazine

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.

Background

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.

Concerns and Allegations

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.

Personal Testimony

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.”

Control and Coercion

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.

Exploitation of Children

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.

Legal Allegations

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.

About Shen Yun

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.

About Berger Montague

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.

About Farra & Wang PLLC

Farra & Wang PLLC, founded by Times Wang, is a law firm specializing in high-stakes, plaintiff-side litigation with a strong commitment to serving the public interest. The firm’s practice areas include antitrust, China and Taiwan-related matters, commercial disputes, fraud and fiduciary issues, and human rights. Farra & Wang is known for its focus on holding powerful entities accountable and advocating for justice in complex legal cases.

Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against Shen Yun Alleging Forced Labor, Child Exploitation.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article, such as forced labor, child exploitation, and labor law violations, are connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. These issues also relate to SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

The article highlights allegations of forced labor, including child labor, which aligns with SDG 8.7’s target of eradicating forced labor and eliminating the worst forms of child labor. The lawsuit also raises concerns about labor law violations, which relate to SDG 8’s target of promoting decent work for all. Additionally, the article mentions the violation of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) and the New York Labor Law (NYLL), which are legal frameworks aimed at protecting workers’ rights and align with SDG 16.3’s target of promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of cases filed against organizations for forced labor and labor law violations
• Number of successful prosecutions and convictions related to forced labor and child exploitation
• Number of organizations implementing policies and practices to prevent forced labor and child exploitation
• Percentage of workers in compliance with labor laws and regulations

The article mentions a class-action lawsuit filed against Shen Yun, indicating that legal action is being taken to address the alleged forced labor and labor law violations. The progress towards the targets can be measured by tracking the number of such cases filed and the outcomes of prosecutions and convictions. Additionally, the implementation of policies and practices by organizations to prevent forced labor and child exploitation can serve as an indicator. Monitoring the compliance of workers with labor laws and regulations can also provide insights into progress towards the targets.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: lawyer-monthly.com