NY State Labor Department Finds No Shen Yun Wage Violations or Mistreatment of Performers
May 2026
In November 2024, The New York Times reported that the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) had opened an inquiry into Shen Yun. This was an inquiry the Times itself acknowledged was opened “following questions from The New York Times.”
In December 2024, the Times asserted that “Shen Yun appears to have violated a state law that regulates working hours, rest time and education for child performers.”
The Times reporters did not explain how they came to this conclusion, which appears to contradict the Times’ own November 2024 reporting that said the NYSDOL “declined to specify what it was examining.”
Nevertheless, other media outlets echoed these accusations, and, for nearly two years, Shen Yun and its artists stood accused of serious misconduct.
On April 8, 2026, the NYSDOL issued its findings. After a thorough investigation spanning nearly two years, one that included subpoenas and examination of extensive records, the NYSDOL found no violation of any law governing the treatment of child performers, working conditions, or compensation. The NYSDOL assessed zero dollars in back wages, and zero dollars in wage underpayments.
As has always been clear to us, the Times accusations were baseless.
The results of the NYSDOL investigation did identify a lapse in some record-keeping and administrative notice requirements, which have been addressed. Maintaining rigorous standards in these areas is important to Shen Yun, and the company appreciates the opportunity to ensure its practices continue to reflect the high standards it strives to uphold in all respects.
For almost two years, Shen Yun stood accused in the media of abusing or underpaying its performers, offenses that would have purportedly been revealed by the NYSDOL investigation. Now, the results are in. The rumors and innuendo were baseless.
We will continue to monitor this matter closely. In the meantime, we are grateful to all who have stood by Shen Yun through this period, and we applaud the courage and tenacity of our performers who remain focused on sharing Shen Yun’s message of hope and divine inspiration with audiences around the world.
Additional Resources:
9 Things Some Media Reports Get Wrong About Shen Yun
The New York Times’ Falun Gong Distortion
12 Things to Know About The New York Times’ “Investigation” of Shen Yun, Falun Gong
Petition from performers, former performers, and family members for fair and accurate media coverage
Newsweek: I Was a Former Shen Yun Dancer. I Was Proud to Be a Part of It
Documentary: Unbroken - The Untold Story of Shen Yun
