Netflixthe documentary series Dancing for the devil: the 7M TikTok cult focuses on several dancers and TikTok artists who were attracted to 7M Films, a Los Angeles-based management company run by Pastor Robert Shinn, who was also a leader of the invitation-only Shekinah Church. .
However, some of the young dancers who signed with the talent management agency eventually walked away and now accuse Shinn of brainwashing his clients, manipulating them into isolating themselves from their families in a process he calls “dying to oneself”, in order to profit from them, while promising them religious salvation.
Much of the docuseries focuses on Melanie Wilking and her sister Miranda Derrick, a duo who used to perform together on social media as the Wilking Sisters, but fell out after Derrick moved to Los Angeles and signed with 7M and subsequently left. He distanced himself from his family. Miranda would marry James (BDash) Derrick, another 7M client and devotee.
While Wilking and her parents Kelly and Dean participated in the series, in which they claim that Shinn has brainwashed Miranda, Miranda herself does not appear in it, although she has publicly stated that she saw it and denies that she is part of it. a group. worship. Since the release of the documentary series, many of the subjects involved have spoken out about their current lives and their experiences with 7M, so where are the Wilking sisters now?
Where is Miranda Derrick now?
Just this week, Miranda issued a statement calling Dancing For The Devil “one-sided” and refuting claims that she had been brainwashed or abused in any way.
His statement it says, in part, “I am not harmed, I am not being abused. I never asked my family or anyone to “help” me in any way. Respectfully, what I choose to do with my life is up to me.”
Miranda adds that while she is currently at odds with the rest of her family, she has “been meeting with them for the past few years to make peace.” Miranda still resides in Los Angeles with her husband, BDash.
Where is Melanie Wilking now?
Melanie Wilking, who now uses her married name, Melanie Ekeler, and her mother Kelly stated in the docuseries that they have indeed reconnected with Miranda on the condition that they do not talk about 7M, but the Wilkings also describe their relationship with Miranda as superficial and that Miranda maintains a relationship with them to appease the critics of 7M. But this week, Melanie launched her own public statement about Miranda, with a more recent update. In it, she writes: “Thankfully, since it became public in 2022, we have been reunited with my sister, who even attended my wedding. We believe that one day my sister and the other victims will realize that her love for her families and her faith were exploited. When that happens, we will be here for them without judging them.”
Where is Robert Shinn now?
As for Robert Shinn, he declined to participate in the docuseries, and the only statement 7M made on the matter was a 2022 Instagram post in which 7M representatives claim that Shekinah Church and 7M are managed and operated separately. and separated from each other. other. Even though a civil lawsuit 2023 was brought against him by several former dancers, citing “brainwashing, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, manipulation and exploitation,” the litigation continues and Shinn remains the pastor of the Shekinah Church and the leader of 7M.
Dancing with the devil: the 7M TikTok cult now streaming on Netflix.
