Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@twinflameuniverse / Netflix
Topics: Documentaries, Netflix, TV And Film, True Crime
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Documentaries, Netflix, TV And Film, True Crime
If there's one thing that Netflix always provide the goods on, it's their true crime documentaries.
We became encapsulated by the mystery of the Murdaugh Murders, and Tiger King instantly became a meme.
Remember The Tinder Swindler? That had me sworn off dating apps for at least a year! And don't even get me started on the bonkers 'who dunnit' that was Don't F**k with Cats.
But now, there's a brand new true crime bombshell that has set tongues wagging all over the world - Escaping Twin Flames.
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Netflix describes the three-part documentary series as an investigation into the Twin Flames University, a controversial community notorious for praying on people looking for love.
By interviewing former members of what is being described by some viewers as a 'cult', producers explored allegations of coercive behaviour, indoctrination and abuse at the hands of the group leaders, Shaleia and Jeff Divine.
Whilst some viewers are delighted to have a brand new true crime series to sink their teeth into, other inquisitive Netflix users claim to have been left scarred by the series.
Taking to social media, viewers haven't held back when it comes to their verdict on the show.
"Just finished it," one wrote on Facebook this weekend. "I found the cult so disturbing but so fascinating. I don't mean I would ever join one, I mean study them and try to understand how they managed to appraise and recruit people so easily."
A second wrote on Instagram this week: "The escaping twin flames doc gives me mixed emotions. Twin flames are real. The cult is just evil."
They went on: "They abused the term & continue to run with spin offs. I’d hate for anyone who watches it to write off spirituality due to the way it’s portrayed by the cult."
A third added: "Every few minutes I think the Escaping Twin Flames documentary can’t get any worse and then it does, this can’t be real??"
The allegations prompted shock from viewers, but the organisation later hit back at viewers in a statement given to LADbible Group this week.
The Twin Flames Universe claimed its "primary objective continues to be the development of a community that is both diverse and inclusive, joined together by common values, principles, and goals."
"Those who enter our community and become students are treated with love, acceptance, and support," they said.
"This will never change, and we continue to love those who have moved on and wish only the best for those who ultimately decide to follow their journey elsewhere."
Jeff and Shaleia met online through a mutual friend in 2012 and started dating, going on to launch a collection of unaccredited video courses, church, and associated businesses.
They emphasise that twin flames are two people with a permanent divine connection required for both to reach enlightenment or salvation.
"We recognise our methods may not align with everyone’s unique beliefs or needs," they added in their statement.
"And we honour the freedom of individuals to explore other options they feel best elevate their spiritual well-being. We are devoted to ongoing refinement and welcome meaningful conversations with all interested parties."
As for the allegations about control, Twin Flames Universe said: "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 organisation and community founded on love and mutual respect."