TikTok star Miranda Derrick has responded to the claims made in the Netflix docuseries Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, giving her perspective on the controversy and allegations surrounding her involvement with the 7M organization.
Following the release of the documentary on May 29th, which explores the alleged cult-like environment of Robert Shinn’s 7M organization and Shekinah Church, Miranda Derrick took to Instagram to share her side of the story. She addressed concerns raised by her family and the documentary itself, particularly regarding her association with 7M.
In a series of Instagram Stories posted on Tuesday, June 4th, Derrick thanked supporters and stated, “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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Derrick explained that she couldn’t delve into extensive details due to “legal purposes,” referencing a defamation lawsuit where she is a plaintiff. However, she aimed to offer her viewpoint after the Dancing for the Devil documentary brought renewed attention to the situation.
Miranda Derrick Denies Cult Allegations in Dancing for the Devil
In subsequent posts, Derrick shared screenshots of a more comprehensive 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 wrote, directly addressing the core issues presented in Dancing for the Devil.
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Addressing her relationship with her family, who have been vocal about their concerns 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 context to her family dynamics, mentioning, “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.”
Understanding 7M Films and Shekinah Church in the Dancing for the Devil Context
The Netflix documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult centers around Robert Shinn, the founder of Shekinah Church and 7M Films. These organizations are depicted as deeply intertwined, with 7M Films providing resources for TikTok creators, including Miranda Derrick, in exchange for loyalty and control. According to the documentary, Shinn’s companies offered a range of services – from hair and makeup to filming locations and equipment – effectively creating an ecosystem for aspiring social media stars.
The documentary highlights allegations from Derrick’s sister Melanie Wilking and their parents, who publicly raised concerns about Miranda’s involvement with 7M in a 2022 Instagram Live video. Their claims, amplified by other families and former members of 7M Films and Shekinah Church, paint a picture of manipulation and control within the organization. Robert Shinn, 7M Films, and Shekinah Church have consistently denied these allegations.
Before her association with 7M and Shekinah, Miranda Derrick, alongside her sister Melanie, had already established a significant online presence as The Wilking Sisters, showcasing their dance talents.
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Derrick Addresses Family Conflict and Funeral Absence
In her recent statement, Miranda Derrick also addressed the fracturing of her relationship with her sister and the issue of her grandfather’s funeral, another point of contention raised in Dancing for the Devil. Derrick claimed that the separation of their joint social media account occurred because Melanie “logged me out of our account and when I asked for access back she denied my request.”
Regarding her absence from her grandfather’s funeral, which her family attributed to 7M’s influence in the documentary, Derrick offered a different explanation. She recounted a visit to her grandfather in the hospital in 2020, 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.”
Derrick explained that she ultimately chose not to attend the funeral because she “was being harassed” and “felt threatened by” her family, further emphasizing the deep rift between them.
Miranda Derrick’s Stand: “I am not a victim”
Concluding her statement, Miranda Derrick firmly asserted her independence and denied being under duress. “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 declared. Her statement provides her direct response to the narrative presented in Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, leaving audiences to consider both sides of this complex and ongoing story.