Netflix’s latest docuseries, Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, dives deep into the controversial world surrounding 7M Films, a talent management agency representing popular TikTok dancers, and the associated allegations of it being a cult. The series shines a light on Miranda Wilking, formerly known as one half of the Wilking Sisters, and her entanglement with 7M Films and its founder, Robert Shinn, a pastor of the Shekinah Church. This docuseries has sparked widespread discussion about the dark side of online fame and the potential dangers lurking beneath perfectly choreographed social media content.
The documentary primarily follows Miranda Wilking’s journey. She and her sister Melanie rose to TikTok stardom as the Wilking Sisters, captivating audiences with their dance routines. Their success translated into millions of followers and lucrative brand partnerships. However, Miranda’s life took a turn when she met her now-husband James Derrick (BDash) and subsequently signed with 7M Films. This Los Angeles-based agency, owned by Robert Shinn, also the head of Shekinah Church, became the center of controversy. While 7M Films issued a statement in 2022 claiming operational independence from Shekinah Church, the documentary casts doubt on this separation, highlighting the intertwined nature of the two entities.
Beneath the surface of viral TikTok dances and glamorous lifestyles, Dancing for the Devil reveals disturbing accusations. Former 7M dancers and church members allege a cult-like environment orchestrated by Robert Shinn. These allegations include claims of manipulative behavior, brainwashing, and the systematic isolation of dancers from their families. Netflix’s Tudum, the streaming platform’s companion website, reported accusations from former 7M employees and church members pointing to Shinn’s controlling conduct. The documentary paints a picture far removed from the glitz and glamour projected on social media, exposing a darker reality for those within the 7m Dance Cult sphere.
Dancing for the Devil gives voice to Miranda’s family – her sister Melanie, and parents Kelly and Dean – as they recount their agonizing experience of losing contact with Miranda. In February 2022, fueled by concern, they released an Instagram video expressing their belief that 7M was a cult and that Miranda was under manipulation. Adding weight to these claims, the Netflix documentary features testimonies from other dancers who have since left 7M Films, including Konkrete, Kailea Gray, and Kylie Douglas. These individuals are now seeking justice against Robert Shinn, further solidifying the accusations against the agency and its leader.
Executive producer Jessica Acevedo, in an interview with Glamour, articulated the documentary’s aim: to encourage deeper investigation into the story and to prompt critical questions. She hopes this scrutiny will contribute to family reunification and justice for those affected, while also advocating for a more nuanced understanding of such complex situations, moving beyond simplistic labels and judgments.
Robert Shinn: Pastor and Talent Manager at the Heart of the 7M Dance Cult Controversy
Robert Shinn, the central figure in the 7M dance cult allegations, is a pastor based in Los Angeles, leading the Shekinah Church. He is also the founder of 7M Films. Shekinah Church originated as a religious community catering to Korean Americans. Melanie Lee and her sister Priscylla, Korean immigrants, joined Shekinah in 1999, initially drawn to the community. They lived communally with other church members until Melanie’s departure led to a decade-long estrangement from her sister.
Melanie Lee recounts in the documentary that Shekinah started with about 15 people, including Robert Shinn’s family and his sister Catherine’s family. She states that Robert and Catherine promised her and Priscylla the familial love they felt they lacked. According to Time.com, Shinn expanded his ventures beyond the church, establishing businesses such as a café, mortgage and real estate companies, and flower shops. These businesses reportedly employed church members who received minimal compensation, blurring the lines between religious community and economic exploitation.
7M Films, launched by Shinn in 2021, quickly attracted successful social media dancers, including Miranda Wilking and James Derrick. These dancers were housed together, focusing on creating content characterized by modern choreography set to nostalgic music, with some song choices allegedly dictated by Shinn himself. Shinn’s son, Isaiah Shinn, was involved in filming content for the Derricks, further highlighting the family-run nature of the operation.
In 2022, Shinn initiated a lawsuit, reported by CNN, alleging defamation and trade libel against former church members, including the Lee sisters. He claimed they made false statements by labeling his organizations a cult and launched a campaign to damage his reputation. Subsequently, in 2023, former 7M dancers Davis, Fisher, and Douglas, among others, joined a cross-complaint against Shinn, his wife, affiliated entities, and individuals. These claims include accusations of fraud, forced labor, human trafficking, and sexual battery against Robert Shinn. The case is set for trial in July 2025 in Los Angeles, with no criminal charges filed against Shinn to date.
“Die to Yourself”: The Doctrine of Family Isolation within the 7M Dance Cult
A core tenet contributing to the 7M dance cult allegations is the reported doctrine of “dying to yourself and your family.” Interviews with former 7M members and recordings of Shinn’s sermons reveal that members were instructed to sever ties with their families. This extreme measure was purportedly justified as necessary for the spiritual salvation of both the members and their loved ones, ensuring their place in heaven.
As explained by a former member in Dancing for the Devil, “dying to yourself” necessitates relinquishing personal desires and needs, with the promise of resurrection or spiritual reward. This philosophy was twisted to justify cutting off family contact. Another former 7M dancer stated they were taught to “die to your family in order to save them,” increasing their chances of entering heaven. This doctrine of family separation is a central point of concern and a key element in the cult accusations leveled against 7M Films and Shekinah Church.
Miranda Wilking (Derrick) Today: Navigating the Aftermath of the 7M Dance Cult Allegations
Miranda Wilking, now known as Miranda Derrick, remains affiliated with 7M Films and continues to post dance videos on social media. Despite the ongoing controversy and documentary revelations, she maintains a public presence, frequently sharing content on Instagram. Her interactions with her family are now conditional, reportedly occurring only if 7M Films and Shekinah Church are not discussed.
Miranda has posted images with her family on Instagram, including photos from Melanie’s wedding, a Mother’s Day video with her mother in 2024, and a dance video featuring her mother and sister in April. Dancing for the Devil suggests these posts are performative, designed to project a false image, and that Miranda’s primary loyalty remains with Shinn and 7M. Melanie describes her interactions with Miranda as “superficial” and orchestrated for social media consumption, further highlighting the strained family dynamic.
In response to the cult allegations, Miranda issued a public statement asserting her autonomy and denying coercion. “I am not held against my will and I’ve never been a hostage,” she stated. “I go to church and I have faith in God. If one day I wish to pursue my faith elsewhere, I will and feel completely free to do that. As far as my career, my time at 7M Films has been one of the most exciting years ever and if one day I wish to partner with a different management company or start my own company, I will.”
Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult is currently available for streaming on Netflix, inviting viewers to delve deeper into this complex and unfolding story and draw their own conclusions about the 7m dance cult controversy.
