Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Tuesday that her office has launched an investigation into Twin Flames Universe, a spiritual organization that’s been dubbed a cult by former members and was the subject of a scathing Netflix documentary.
Jeff and Shaleia Divine are the leaders of the organization, which has gained a large online following in the past decade. The married couple promises to help people find their “twin flame,” or other half, but have instead been accused of manipulating members into dangerous or abusive situations all in the name of eternal love.
According to Nessel, officers from both state and federal law enforcement agencies executed search warrants Tuesday at two homes in Michigan’s Leelanau County, where TFU is based.
“Today, my office executed multiple search warrants 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,” Nessel said in a statement.
The AG didn’t specify what investigators were seeking with the search warrants, but said that TFU is accused of using “coercive control over its members” across the U.S. through illegal acts.
In “Escaping Twin Flames,” a three-part documentary that debuted on Netflix in 2023, former members describe the Divines’ teachings, recruitment and indoctrination practices as all-consuming and cult-like.
They accuse the couple of manipulating people into paying thousands of dollars for online courses, using mind games to convince members into stalking the “twin flame” chosen for them, forcing them to be in relationships they didn’t want to be in and brainwashing them into severing ties with their families. Some even say they were coerced into changing their genders and altering their outward appearance as such.
“We believe many of their actions may have been illegal, and we’re asking for the general public’s help in this investigation,” Nessel said, adding that “anyone with information about potential criminal conduct regarding Twin Flames Universe” is encouraged to contact her office and can do so anonymously.
The Divines have previously denied any wrongdoing and slammed the accusations that TFU is a cult.
