In wake of Recent bomb threat at Kennedy Center, Lemish interviews on The Patriot XM125
On a compelling episode of The David Webb Show on SiriusXM Patriot 125, host David Webb sat down with Leeshai Lemish, longtime emcee and spokesperson for Shen Yun Performing Arts, to discuss the world-renowned dance company’s mission, the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) continued threats against its performers, and the mainstream media’s troubling silence on the issue.
Clip courtesy of The David Webb Show on SiriusXM Patriot channel 125
The Mission of Shen Yun: Reviving China’s Lost Heritage
The conversation began with Lemish providing an overview of Shen Yun’s purpose: to revive and showcase China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture, which was largely destroyed during the Communist takeover. Lemish explained that while many assume China’s traditional culture remains alive today, the reality is that the CCP systematically suppressed and replaced it with communist ideology. Shen Yun, founded by Chinese artists in New York, has taken on the mission of bringing these traditions back to life through classical Chinese dance, live orchestral music, and breathtaking storytelling.
David Webb, known for his direct and no-nonsense approach, was quick to point out that Shen Yun’s efforts seem to be in direct opposition to the CCP’s interests. He asked Lemish why the Chinese regime sees a performing arts company as such a threat.
Lemish responded by explaining that Shen Yun doesn’t just entertain—it tells the truth. Many of its performances depict the brutal persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, a peaceful spiritual discipline that has been ruthlessly targeted by the Chinese government for decades. By exposing these human rights abuses on stage in front of audiences worldwide, Shen Yun has drawn the CCP’s ire, making it the target of relentless propaganda attacks, cyber harassment, and even terrorism threats.
The Shocking Wave of CCP Death Threats
Webb shifted the conversation to a disturbing trend that has escalated in recent months: direct death threats against Shen Yun performers and audiences. Lemish detailed how, since March 2024, there have been twenty documented threats, including bomb threats and warnings of mass shootings, sent via email to theaters where Shen Yun was scheduled to perform.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where a bomb threat was called in just before a performance. Law enforcement was forced to take the threat seriously, sweeping the venue while hundreds of audience members and performers waited anxiously. Fortunately, no explosives were found, but the intent was clear—to intimidate and silence Shen Yun.
David Webb was visibly disturbed by the sheer scale of these threats, asking why more media outlets weren’t covering what is essentially an act of terrorism against performers on U.S. soil. Lemish agreed, noting that while some local media covered the disruptions, major outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post remained largely silent—or worse, they continued to publish smear pieces attacking Shen Yun while ignoring the threats against them.
Western Media’s Complicity in CCP Narratives
Webb, who has long warned about CCP influence operations in the U.S., pressed Lemish on why mainstream outlets seem unwilling to report on these threats. Lemish pointed out that many media organizations have financial ties to China, whether through advertising revenue, business deals, or direct CCP influence. He noted that Shen Yun has been falsely accused of everything from being a “cult” to “propaganda,” despite being a privately funded organization that receives no government support—unlike many Western arts groups.
He also highlighted the hypocrisy of media outlets that claim to champion free speech and human rights but refuse to stand up for a group being targeted by a totalitarian regime. “At the very least, they should be willing to denounce terrorism when it’s happening right here in the U.S.,” Lemish stated.
Webb agreed, adding that this is part of a much bigger problem—the infiltration of Western institutions by CCP influence. He pointed out that Hollywood, academia, and even some government officials have been hesitant to criticize China, fearing economic retaliation.
The Resilience of Shen Yun and What Comes Next
Despite the threats, Lemish emphasized that Shen Yun is not backing down. The company has added more performances, expanded its reach, and remains committed to telling the truth about traditional Chinese culture and the CCP’s human rights abuses.
Webb asked how audiences and supporters can help Shen Yun in this fight. Lemish encouraged people to:
- Stay informed – Follow Shen Yun’s updates and learn about the CCP’s tactics of suppression.
- Speak out – Share the truth about Shen Yun and challenge false media narratives.
- Support Shen Yun’s mission – Attend performances, spread awareness, and help defend the freedom of artistic expression.
A Final Message to the CCP
As the interview wrapped up, Webb asked Lemish what he would say to CCP officials if given the chance. Lemish didn’t hesitate:
“You will not silence us. You may try to intimidate, censor, and threaten, but truth and freedom always win. Shen Yun is stronger than ever, and the world is watching.”
Webb applauded Lemish’s courage and vowed to keep shedding light on this issue. He ended the interview with a call to action for his listeners: “If we don’t stand up now, who will?”
The conversation between David Webb and Leeshai Lemish was more than an interview—it was a powerful wake-up call about the dangers of CCP influence, the importance of free speech, and the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced.
