A new three-part docuseries on Apple TV is shining a spotlight on the darker side of the yoga world — and it’s a wake-up call for practitioners everywhere. Twisted Yoga, which premiered on March 13, 2026, tells the harrowing story of young yoga students from around the globe who were drawn to the ancient practice in search of peace and purpose, only to find themselves caught in a web of manipulation and alleged abuse.
What Happened
Directed by Rowan Deacon and produced by two-time Academy Award-winning producer Simon Chinn, Twisted Yoga follows ex-members of an international network of tantric yoga studios led by reclusive Romanian figure Gregorian Bivolaru. The series documents how students seeking wellness and community gradually found themselves in an environment they describe as cult-like, with allegations of coercion, abuse, and exploitation.
The docuseries unfolds across three chapters. The first, titled “All About Love,” charts the movement’s initial appeal — the promise of spiritual awakening, the charismatic leadership, and the sense of belonging that drew students in. Chapter Two, “Initiation,” examines the shift toward darker practices and how members were allegedly pressured into increasingly uncomfortable situations. The final chapter, “The Guru,” follows the legal fallout, including an international manhunt, and the survivors’ ongoing efforts to hold Bivolaru accountable.
Why This Matters for the Yoga Community
The yoga world has long grappled with questions of power, authority, and the student-teacher relationship. From the Bikram Choudhury allegations to the Ashtanga controversies, the industry has faced repeated reckoning with the potential for abuse within spiritual hierarchies. Twisted Yoga adds another chapter to this ongoing conversation, and it’s one that every practitioner — from beginners to seasoned teachers — should pay attention to.
What makes this docuseries particularly relevant is how it illustrates the gradual nature of manipulation. The students featured didn’t walk into a cult knowingly. They walked into yoga studios seeking the same things many of us seek: relief from depression, a sense of community, physical wellbeing, and spiritual growth. The line between a devoted practice community and a harmful group can be blurry, and that ambiguity is precisely what makes awareness so important.
Red Flags Every Yoga Student Should Know
While the vast majority of yoga studios and teachers operate with integrity and genuine care for their students, the stories in Twisted Yoga highlight warning signs that every practitioner should be aware of. Here are key red flags to watch for in any yoga or spiritual community:
Unquestioning devotion to a single leader. Healthy yoga communities encourage critical thinking and personal discernment. If a teacher demands absolute loyalty, discourages questioning, or positions themselves as the sole path to enlightenment, that’s a significant concern. A good teacher, whether they’re guiding you through a yin yoga practice or an advanced pranayama session, will welcome your questions and encourage your autonomy.
Isolation from outside relationships. Be wary of any community that encourages you to distance yourself from friends, family, or other support systems. Yoga should expand your world, not shrink it.
Financial exploitation. While yoga instruction is a legitimate profession and teachers deserve fair compensation, be cautious of escalating fees, pressure to invest in expensive programs, or financial demands that feel disproportionate to what you’re receiving.
Boundary violations. Physical adjustments should always come with consent. Sexual contact between teachers and students is never appropriate. Any teacher who uses spiritual language to justify crossing physical or emotional boundaries is engaging in manipulation.
Secrecy and shame. If you’re told not to discuss what happens in class or within the community, or if you feel shame about questioning practices, these are serious warning signs.
How to Practice Safely
The good news is that yoga remains one of the most beneficial practices available for both physical and mental health. Research continues to demonstrate its effectiveness for everything from anxiety reduction to improved immune function. The key is approaching your practice with both openness and discernment.
Start by researching any studio or teacher before committing. Look for teachers with recognized certifications from established yoga organizations. Read reviews, talk to other students, and trust your instincts. A legitimate yoga teacher will have transparent credentials, clear pricing, and respect for your boundaries.Maintain connections outside your yoga community. Your practice should complement your life, not replace it. If you find yourself spending all your time within a single group or increasingly disconnected from people outside it, take a step back and evaluate.
Remember that yoga is for everyone and comes in many forms. No single teacher or lineage holds a monopoly on the practice. If something feels wrong, you have every right — and every reason — to walk away and find a community that genuinely supports your growth.
Key Takeaways
Twisted Yoga is now streaming on Apple TV and serves as both a compelling piece of documentary filmmaking and an important resource for the yoga community. While the stories it tells are disturbing, they carry a message of empowerment: awareness is the best protection. By understanding how manipulation works, recognizing red flags, and maintaining healthy boundaries, practitioners can continue to enjoy all the profound benefits yoga offers while staying safe.
If you or someone you know has been affected by similar experiences in a yoga or spiritual community, organizations like the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) offer resources and support for survivors.
