TikTok sensation Miranda Derrick has publicly addressed the swirling allegations stemming from the Netflix docuseries, Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. In a recent statement, Derrick countered her family’s claims and offered her perspective on the controversies surrounding Robert Shinn’s 7M organization and Shekinah Church.
Derrick took to Instagram on Tuesday, June 4th, to share her side of the story, directly responding to the implications of the Netflix documentary which suggests her involvement with an alleged cult. Expressing gratitude to her supporters, she began, “Hey guys, I hope you’re having a wonderful day! I just wanted to hop on here really quick and first of all, say thank you so much to everybody who’s been so supportive during this time.”
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Speaking out amid legal constraints, Derrick explained she couldn’t delve into specifics due to ongoing litigation, where she is a plaintiff in a defamation lawsuit. However, she felt compelled to respond after the documentary’s release on May 29th. The series, Dancing for the Devil, has brought renewed attention to the allegations against 7M and Shekinah Church, intensifying scrutiny on figures like Miranda Derrick who are associated with these organizations.
In subsequent Instagram story posts, Derrick shared screenshots of a more detailed statement. “I want to start by saying that I appreciate the concern that has been expressed for my well-being. Due to pending litigation, in which I am a plaintiff in a defamation lawsuit, it’s not appropriate for me to comment on specific allegations. Though I will state that I do not condone abuse in any way,” she asserted, directly addressing concerns raised in Dancing for the Devil.
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Addressing her fractured family relationship, which is a central theme in Dancing for the Devil, Derrick stated, “I love my Mom, Dad and Melanie and they will forever be a part of my life. The truth is, we just don’t see eye to eye at this time. I believe that this documentary is a one-sided story,” she added, emphasizing her perspective on the Netflix portrayal. She further explained her spiritual journey, saying, “I gave my life to Jesus Christ in 2020 and asked my family for some space in the very beginning to collect my thoughts and process my new walk I wanted to take with God.”
Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult documentary casts a critical light on Robert Shinn, portraying him as the leader of Shekinah Church and 7M Films. These entities allegedly provide resources to TikTok creators, including studio facilities and production support. Miranda Derrick’s affiliation with 7M and Shekinah Church is highlighted in the documentary as part of the broader narrative of alleged cult-like control and manipulation.
The documentary revisits the initial concerns raised in 2022 when Derrick’s sister, Melanie Wilking, and their parents publicly claimed in an Instagram Live video that Miranda was entangled in a cult. Following this, other families and former members of 7M Films and Shekinah Church came forward with further allegations against Shinn and the organizations. Both Shinn, 7M Films, and Shekinah Church have consistently denied these accusations, maintaining their operations are legitimate and not abusive. Before her involvement with 7M and Shekinah, Miranda Derrick, alongside Melanie Wilking, gained prominence as The Wilking Sisters, a successful dance duo on social media.
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In her recent statement, Miranda Derrick offered a contrasting narrative regarding the Wilking Sisters’ social media accounts. She claimed her solo social media presence began because Melanie “logged me out of our account and when I asked for access back she denied my request,” suggesting a rift predating her involvement with 7M.
Derrick also addressed the deeply personal matter of missing her grandfather’s funeral, another point of contention raised by her family in Dancing for the Devil. Her family implied 7M prevented her attendance, but Derrick offered a different explanation. She recounted a visit to her grandfather in the hospital in 2020 with Melanie, stating, “Before we went into the hospital to [say our last goodbyes], I started to pray for our Papa in the car and Melanie got offended, angry with me and told me to stop and to never pray around her.” She asserted that her decision not to attend the funeral stemmed from feeling “harassed” and “threatened” by her family, not from external control by 7M.
Concluding her statement, Miranda Derrick firmly declared her autonomy and denied being a victim. “I am just a woman trying to live my life. I am not a victim, I am not in any harm, I am not being abused. I’ve never asked my family or anyone else to ‘help’ me in any way. Respectfully, what I choose to do with my life is up to me,” she stated, seeking to reclaim her narrative amidst the controversy surrounding Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. Her response provides a counterpoint to the documentary’s portrayal and highlights the complex family dynamics at play in this ongoing saga.