Police confirmed the original threat unfounded within the hour—but the venue proceeded to cancel five performances, a decision organizers say is unprecedented worldwide and a victory for CCP intimidation tactics.

The theatre said it cancelled due to increased threats, but those threats were not shared with the presenter, and Toronto police confirm no further threats reported since Sunday.

Toronto, ON—April 2—After a hoax bomb threat on Sunday and the cancellation of the Shen Yun show that day, Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (FSC) has decided to cancel all remaining five shows scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday (April 1–5), saying it has received additional threats.

The presenter attributes the fake threats to Beijing’s systematic global campaign to stop Shen Yun—a show that presents the beauty of “China before communism” and brings light to modern-day human rights abuses happening in China.

“We are all victims,” says Joel Chipkar, spokesperson for the presenter. “We condemn the CCP for its continued threats to Canadians and our institutions and urge the theatre to stand with artists and reverse its decision.”

Email Threats Deemed Non-Credible and Public Mischief

The RCMP has told the local presenter that these fake threats are “public mischief” after Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre received similar fake bomb threats two weeks prior. The Peel Police report deemed the Mississauga case a “non-credible threat.”

Over the past two years, more than a dozen false bomb and death threats have targeted Shen Yun across Canada, including in Mississauga, Kitchener, and Vancouver, all of which were deemed non-credible. In those cases, venues implemented safety measures, conducted sweeps, and proceeded with performances.

Key Timeline of Events

Sunday, March 29, at 12:55 p.m., an email in Swedish from a Chinese Gmail account was received by multiple people at FSC and the COHC. It stated:

“Many explosive devices have been placed at the Four Seasons Theater and Parliament Hill in Canada. If the Shen Yun performance is not canceled and continues to be shown, explosions are planned at Parliament Hill and the Four Seasons Theatre.”

The theatre then canceled the show before police arrived, despite Toronto police deeming the threat “unfounded” approximately 45 minutes later. The building was then reopened.

On Monday, March 30, FSC agreed with the presenter that all remaining shows would go forward with added security measures, including K-9 services on site for the entire run, additional screening, and security personnel.

On Tuesday, March 31, FSC told the presenter that it had received “escalating threats” over the past 48 hours and decided to cancel all remaining Shen Yun shows. However, those threats were never shared with the presenter, and police confirmed to the presenter that no other threats have been reported.

“Public safety is always our top priority. Police confirmed the threat was not credible. We fully cooperated to enhance security. Despite that, the show was cancelled. Thousands of audience members have been affected.”

The Threats Linked to the Chinese Regime

Reports indicate this fake email campaign is part of a coordinated effort by the Chinese Communist Party to silence the voice of Shen Yun, which was founded by victims of ongoing human rights abuses in China. Some of the threat emails are traced back to China. Similar emails in Chinese were previously sent targeting Parliament Hill and Prime Minister Carney.

Globally, more than 150 similar false bomb threats have been received, all aimed at shutting down Shen Yun. No threat has ever materialized, and all the shows have continued to perform—until now. The Four Seasons Centre’s decision is, regrettably, unprecedented.

“Cancelling the show under such circumstances sets a concerning precedent that foreign actors can disrupt Canadian business operations and society at will,” says Chipkar.

“We remain committed to finding a path forward with Four Seasons so Toronto audiences can experience Shen Yun as intended,” says Chipkar. “We will defend your right to see it, and we refuse to be silenced by the Chinese Communist Party.”

About Shen Yun

Shen Yun was created by people who practice the peaceful spiritual discipline of Falun Dafa, which has faced violent persecution by the Chinese Communist Party for 27 years because of its independence and spiritual values.

Visit shenyun.org for more information.

Contact Joel Chipkar
Spokesperson, Falun Dafa Association of Toronto (Shen Yun presenter)
416-399-9000