Is Dancing For The Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult On Netflix A True Story? Here's The Truth

Netflix's new series, Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, is a three-episode docuseries that explores the controversial world of 7M Films, a talent management agency linked to TikTok dancers. The show has sparked curiosity about its real-life inspiration, including details about Robert Shinn and the current status of Miranda Wilking.

The Story Behind Dancing for the Devil

A group of prominent TikTok dancers are trapped in a cult masquerading as a management company called 7M. As dancers and former members escape and rebuild their lives, they come together to try and put a stop to their abuser.

Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult premieres¡­ pic.twitter.com/deXCXzdMXV

¡ª Netflix (@netflix) May 9, 2024

The series focuses on Miranda Wilking, a dancer who gained fame on TikTok alongside her sister, Melanie. Together, they ran the popular channel "The Wilking Sisters," amassing millions of followers with their dance videos. However, Miranda's life took a turn after she married James (BDash) Derrick and signed with 7M Films, managed by Robert Shinn, a pastor at the Shekinah Church in Los Angeles.

Despite 7M Films claiming to operate independently from the church, allegations of cult-like behaviour emerged. Former members and employees accuse Shinn of exerting control over the dancers, causing them to cut ties with their families. The docuseries highlights the struggles of Miranda's family, especially her sister Melanie and their parents, Kelly and Dean, as they attempt to reconnect with her.

Who Is Robert Shinn?

Robert Shinn is a pastor at the Shekinah Church and the founder of 7M Films. Initially, Shekinah served as a community for Korean Americans. Shinn later expanded his influence by starting several businesses, employing church members who were reportedly underpaid.

In 2021, Shinn founded 7M Films, recruiting popular social media dancers, including Miranda and James Derrick. The dancers lived together, creating content under Shinn¡¯s guidance. This arrangement led to accusations of Shinn exerting undue influence and controlling behaviour.

Shinn has faced multiple lawsuits, including one in 2022 for defamation and trade libel against former church members who called his organisation a cult. In 2023, additional claims of fraud, forced labour, and human trafficking were brought against him. The case is set for trial in July 2025, with no criminal charges filed against Shinn to date.

Why Did 7M Members Cut Off Their Families?

Ex-members and recordings of Shinn's sermons suggest that 7M members were encouraged to sever ties with their families to ensure spiritual salvation. This doctrine, referred to as "dying to yourself," meant prioritising the group's goals over personal relationships, supposedly to secure a heavenly afterlife.

Where Is Miranda Wilking Now?

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Miranda Wilking, now known as Miranda Derrick, continues to work with 7M Films and frequently posts dance videos on social media. While she occasionally interacts with her family, these meetings are reportedly superficial and intended for her social media image.

Miranda has publicly denied being part of a cult, asserting her freedom and satisfaction with her career at 7M Films. She maintains that if she ever wishes to leave the agency or the church, she feels free to do so.

Picture From Miranda's Wedding/Instagram

As of late May 2024, Miranda and James Derrick still work with 7M Films. They thanked Robert Shinn's son, Isaiah, for filming several of their videos. Recently, they appeared as dancers in the 2024 action movie "Road House" on Prime Video, starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult is currently streaming on Netflix, offering a deep dive into the complexities and controversies surrounding 7M Films and its members.

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