Latest news with #JeffDivine
CTV News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Police descend on Twin Flames Universe headquarters months after W5 exposé
Michigan authorities raid two properties linked to the controversial online group Twin Flames Universe after a W5 exposé. Michigan authorities have raided two properties linked to the controversial online group Twin Flames Universe, including the sprawling northern Michigan mansion that serves as its headquarters. The criminal investigation comes just months after a two-hour W5 documentary exposed the group's inner workings, revealing disturbing allegations of control, coercion and psychological pressure from former members. The group has also been the subject of docudramas on Netflix and Amazon Prime. In a video posted to social media on Tuesday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel confirmed the raids and announced a criminal probe targeting the group's founders, Jeff and Shaleia Divine. @miattygen Dana Nessel is announcing an ongoing investigation into Twin Flames Universe. TFU is an organization with a largely online following operated by Jeff and Shaleia Divine, which gained notoriety through a series of documentaries. Read more at — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (@MIAttyGen) July 1, 2025 'Twin Flames is a largely online organization that allegedly uses coercive control over its members,' Nessel said. 'We believe that many of their actions may have been illegal, and we are asking for the general public's help in this investigation.' The investigation also names Twin Flames Universe members Chrissy and Jason Emerick, as well as programs promoted by the group, including the Church of Union and the Mind Alignment Process. Shaleia Divine is Canadian, as are some of the group's members and former followers. The attorney general's office has launched a dedicated website for tip submissions, which can be made anonymously. For tips on this or any other story please email: Former members say justice may finally be catching up Keely Griffin, once the highest-ranking insider in Twin Flames Universe, described the raids as a breakthrough. 'Huge progress toward justice for those who have been harmed by Jeff and Shaleia and Twin Flames Universe,' Griffin told W5. 'I'm a bit overwhelmed with emotions.' Canadian Angie Moggy, who told W5 she was pressured to change her gender identity while inside the group, praised fellow survivors who helped bring attention to the group's practices. 'I commend my fellow ex-members on speaking out,' said Moggy. 'It finally feels like there's a light at the end of the tunnel.' Victoria Bonilla, another former member, said the attorney general's move is a signal to others still afraid to come forward. 'It's a reminder of how important it is to speak out and not let abusers or oppressors scare us into silence.' What W5 uncovered Twin Flames Universe promises to help followers find their one true love, but W5's two-hour documentary We're Not a Cult: Inside Twin Flames Universe revealed allegations of emotional manipulation, rigid control over relationships and even claims that members have been coerced into changing genders. Former members described being told to cut off their families, change their names, or medically transition in order to align with relationships assigned by the group's leadership. The Divines have denied all allegations and reject the label 'cult.' Investigation ongoing The search warrants were carried out with support from Michigan State Police, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and local sheriff's departments. Authorities have not disclosed what was seized. No charges have been laid to date. The case remains active. W5 will continue to follow developments.
The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
Michigan attorney general says she is investigating a company promoting 'twin flame' romance
State and federal authorities are investigating an online company that pledges to help people find their eternal love, Michigan 's attorney general said Tuesday. Search warrants were executed at two homes in northern Michigan's Leelanau County where Twin Flames Universe is based, Attorney General Dana Nessel said. Twin Flames, which is operated by Jeff and Shaleia Divine, has been the subject of unflattering documentaries on Netflix and Amazon Prime. It offers to help people find a lifelong romantic partner — a 'twin flame' — through a 'spiritual journey.' Nessel said there are allegations that Twin Flames exerts 'coercive control" over its members across the U.S. through illegal acts. She didn't disclose what investigators were seeking with search warrants. The Associated Press sent a message seeking comment through the Twin Flames website, but it was not immediately answered. Twin Flames has a variety of products, from a $9.99 Kindle book to the $8,888 'everything package,' with access to hundreds of hours of videos, guided meditation and other lessons. In March, Twin Flames posted a statement defending its mission. 'We take seriously recent allegations implying we wield inappropriate control over our community members. After a careful review of both media coverage and recent productions, we are saddened that so much effort has gone into taking swipes at an organization and community founded on love and mutual respect,' Twin Flames said. Nessel encouraged people to contact her office if they want to share information about Twin Flames.
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Washington Post
Michigan attorney general says she is investigating a company promoting 'twin flame' romance
DETROIT — State and federal authorities are investigating an online company that pledges to help people find their eternal love, Michigan's attorney general said Tuesday. Search warrants were executed at two homes in northern Michigan's Leelanau County where Twin Flames Universe is based, Attorney General Dana Nessel said. Twin Flames, which is operated by Jeff and Shaleia Divine, has been the subject of unflattering documentaries on Netflix and Amazon Prime . It offers to help people find a lifelong romantic partner — a 'twin flame' — through a 'spiritual journey.' Nessel said there are allegations that Twin Flames exerts 'coercive control' over its members across the U.S. through illegal acts. She didn't disclose what investigators were seeking with search warrants. The Associated Press sent a message seeking comment through the Twin Flames website, but it was not immediately answered. Twin Flames has a variety of products, from a $9.99 Kindle book to the $8,888 'everything package,' with access to hundreds of hours of videos, guided meditation and other lessons. In March, Twin Flames posted a statement defending its mission. 'We take seriously recent allegations implying we wield inappropriate control over our community members. After a careful review of both media coverage and recent productions, we are saddened that so much effort has gone into taking swipes at an organization and community founded on love and mutual respect,' Twin Flames said. Nessel encouraged people to contact her office if they want to share information about Twin Flames.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Associated Press
Michigan attorney general says she is investigating a company promoting 'twin flame' romance
DETROIT (AP) — State and federal authorities are investigating an online company that pledges to help people find their eternal love, Michigan's attorney general said Tuesday. Search warrants were executed at two homes in northern Michigan's Leelanau County where Twin Flames Universe is based, Attorney General Dana Nessel said. Twin Flames, which is operated by Jeff and Shaleia Divine, has been the subject of unflattering documentaries on Netflix and Amazon Prime. It offers to help people find a lifelong romantic partner — a 'twin flame' — through a 'spiritual journey.' Nessel said there are allegations that Twin Flames exerts 'coercive control' over its members across the U.S. through illegal acts. She didn't disclose what investigators were seeking with search warrants. The Associated Press sent a message seeking comment through the Twin Flames website, but it was not immediately answered. Twin Flames has a variety of products, from a $9.99 Kindle book to the $8,888 'everything package,' with access to hundreds of hours of videos, guided meditation and other lessons. In March, Twin Flames posted a statement defending its mission. 'We take seriously recent allegations implying we wield inappropriate control over our community members. After a careful review of both media coverage and recent productions, we are saddened that so much effort has gone into taking swipes at an organization and community founded on love and mutual respect,' Twin Flames said. Nessel encouraged people to contact her office if they want to share information about Twin Flames.
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Michigan AG launches investigation into Twin Flames Universe after docuseries
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Tuesday that her office has launched an investigation into the Twin Flames Universe organization after a docuseries on Netflix. Nessel said multiple search warrants were executed "upon individuals atop the Twin Flames Universe organization and its associated properties, under the authority of a judge finding probable cause that crimes have been committed by TFU and their leadership." The Michigan AG's office, as well as the U.S. Office of Inspector General, Michigan State Police, the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office executed the warrant. The organization in Leelanau County, which is operated by Jeff and Shaleia Divine, has a large following online, according to Nessel, and it gained recognition after its docuseries. "Desparately Seeking Soulamte: Escaping Twin Flames Universe" was released in 2023 and follows former members who claimed the organization was an online cult. This story is developing.
