Dahn Youg Sued by Former Employees

June 23, 2009

Two dozen former employees of the popular Dahn Yoga and Health Centers have filed a federal lawsuit against their former employers claiming financial and emotional distress caused by the leader’s psychological and manipulation and indoctrination.

In their lawsuit that was filed last May 20, the former employees cited a list of allegations that ranges from fraud and labor code violations to sexual assault and “thought reform” against the yoga studio and its founder, Ilchi Lee.

According to the lawsuit that was filed in the U.S. District of Arizona, the plaintiffs were coerced into taking out student and personal loans and incurring credit card debt to pay for Dahn Yoga programs, workshops and retreats and “to donate all the money they can borrow”.

The plaintiffs also claim that they were required to go through strenuous physical exercises like performing bows 3,000 times and drink toilet water.

Their indoctrination also required them to repeat that they would “die for Ilchi Lee and his vision” which is to disseminate Dahn Yoga practices worldwide.

A spokesman from Dahn Yoga and Health Centers denied the allegations and described the lawsuit as “lies from the pit of hell” adding that the suit is intended to denigrate Dahn for their own monetary gain.

They also claim that the employees were adults who make their own choices and saying they were coerced was ridiculous.

Atty. Ryan Kent, who represents the plaintiffs, claims that Dahn derailed the lives of his clients, some of whom have debts up to $50,000.

Dahn Yoga has become a controversial practice through the years with some critics equating it to a cult.