Twisted Yoga: Dark Side of Spiritual Group

0:00On March 10th, a new three-part documentary series on Apple TV Plus called Twisted Yoga uncovers the dark side of a tantric yoga group led by Guru, Gregorian by Volaru, was started as spiritual classes in cities like London and Paris allegedly turned into manipulation for hundreds of followers. Women describe being drawn into secret camps, forced to give up their IDs and phones, and pushed into sex work and rituals promising enlightenment. Volaru, one by Interpol since 2016 for exploitation in Romania, was arrested in France in 2023. French authorities charged him with organized kidnapping, human trafficking, rape, and abuse of vulnerability in a sect. He's awaiting trial while the series details his international network of yoga schools under the movement for spiritual integration into the absolute. Survivors like former yoga student Ashley Freckleton share how they sought healing after breakups or for self-improvement only to face gradual, indoctrination.

1:01Many from stable backgrounds didn't recognize the grooming at first, viewing encounters as divine rituals rather than abuse. The power of beliefs and group dynamics eroded their boundaries step by step. Directors focus on the psychological pool, showing how real yoga benefits were twisted to enable control and consent violations. Unlike typical abuse stories tied to money or trauma, this highlights ideology's grip on everyday people attending classes much like Pilates. Twisted yoga premieres on Apple TV Plus on March 13th, urging viewers to question spiritual promises that hide exploitation.