A new Apple TV+ docuseries, “Twisted Yoga,” set to premiere March 13, 2026, delves into disturbing allegations of sexual exploitation within a global network of tantric yoga centers. The three-part investigative series focuses on the experiences of several young women who claim they were indoctrinated by Gregorian Bivolaru, the 73-year-old founder of the Movement for the Spiritual Integration into the Absolute, later known as the Atman Yoga Federation.
The series, directed by Rowan Deacon (“Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story”), promises a psychological exploration of how these women were drawn into Bivolaru’s influence and the alleged abuses they endured. Producers emphasize a focus on understanding the mechanisms of manipulation rather than sensationalizing the story, a deliberate choice given the sensitive nature of the accusations. The docuseries follows the women as they work with French authorities to build a case against Bivolaru, who currently faces charges in France.
The core of “Twisted Yoga” centers on the stories of women who initially sought community and spiritual growth through yoga, only to find themselves allegedly subjected to a system of control and exploitation. Executive producer Suzanne Lavery explained that the project began when two individuals reached out with their experiences, sparking a desire to bring the story to a wider audience. “We wanted to go with them on that journey to see what sort of resolution they could find,” Lavery said.
Bivolaru was arrested in Paris in 2023 and is facing charges including human trafficking, kidnapping, and rape, allegations he denies. According to reports, producers attempted to contact Bivolaru through his legal representatives, but he did not respond. The Atman Yoga Federation, in a statement provided within the documentary, asserted This proves not responsible for the private lives of its staff, students, and teachers, and that all allegations remain unproven and are under investigation.
Uncovering the Psychological Dynamics
Director Rowan Deacon emphasized the importance of understanding the psychological factors that led these women to become involved with Bivolaru and his organization. “The key thing that drew me to the project is: what were the mechanics? What was the system?” Deacon stated. “What was the kind of boiling frog syndrome that meant that these worldly, educated, interesting people had got themselves involved in a set of ideologies and beliefs that perhaps, didn’t serve them?” Deacon explained that this approach meant moving away from a traditional true-crime format to focus on the internal journeys of the women involved.
The production team undertook extensive outreach to find women willing to share their experiences, seeking those who had been deeply involved in the teachings and practices of the Atman Yoga Federation. Deacon described a process of traveling and speaking with individuals who then connected them with others, building a network of sources willing to come forward.
A Unique Form of Exploitation?
The docuseries similarly explores a particularly disturbing aspect of the alleged exploitation: the involvement of some female followers in the creation of digital pornography. Deacon described this as “astonishing” and a key element the filmmakers were determined to highlight. While it remains unclear whether this practice is ongoing, the series aims to shed light on this previously unreported dimension of the case. “I can’t say for sure that it’s not,” Deacon said, noting that Bivolaru’s arrest may have halted activities in Paris, but the status of the webcam operations remains unknown.
The narrative approach, according to Deacon, is designed to capture viewers on a similar journey to the one experienced by the women, emphasizing the initial hope and gradual process of indoctrination. “I wanted to take audiences on a similar journey that the women had gone on and that at the beginning there’s hope,” Deacon explained. “It isn’t framed as pure true crime evil because I wanted them to understand this slow process of enormous indoctrination.”
Production Details and Apple TV+ Expansion
“Twisted Yoga” is produced for Apple TV+ by Lightbox Entertainment, in association with Ladywell Films. Simon Chinn, Jonathan Chinn, Suzanne Lavery, and Bernadette Higgins serve as executive producers. The series adds to Apple TV+’s growing slate of original documentaries, which have garnered significant critical acclaim and numerous awards, including 741 wins and 3,284 nominations for its series, films, and documentaries, according to Apple’s official press release.
As the premiere date approaches, “Twisted Yoga” is poised to spark further discussion about the dangers of cult-like environments and the complexities of spiritual exploitation. The series’ focus on the psychological manipulation involved sets it apart, offering a nuanced perspective on a disturbing case that continues to unfold in the French legal system.
What comes next will depend on the outcome of the legal proceedings against Gregorian Bivolaru. The docuseries aims to provide a platform for the voices of the women who have come forward, and their continued pursuit of justice will undoubtedly be a key element to watch. Share your thoughts on this story and the issues it raises in the comments below.
