An alleged cult-like atmosphere at 7M Films, a management company working with TikTok dancers is explored in Netflix's new documentary series "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult."
The three-part series explores the ties of the management firm with the Shekinah Church and its founder Pastor Robert Shinn.
The documentary features interviews with dancer Kylie Douglas, parents like Kelly and Dean Wilking, and former church members accusing Shinn of running a high-control cult. It is part of a trend of documentary films and shows across streaming platforms that investigate the impact of social media, technology, and various societal issues.
Allegations of cult-like behavior, manipulation tactics, and sexual exploitation have been leveled against Pastor Shinn and the leadership of Shekinah Church by former members and acolytes, including social media influencers associated with 7M Films.
A civil lawsuit filed in March 2023 characterized the Church as a cult disguised as a religious institution
Former members claim they were isolated, and subjected to sexual abuse, financial misconduct, and grooming by Shinn and the church. Testimonies suggest Shinn would take up to 70% of the dancers' earnings.
The series focuses on Miranda Derrick's (née Wilking) involvement with the Shekinah Church and 7M Films. Despite her family's pleas for her return and concerns about Shinn's influence, Miranda denies being held against her will and defends her faith and career choices.
Miranda's sister Melanie posted a distressing TikTok video alleging that her sister was brainwashed by Shinn.
Shinn has denied all allegations, including the cult accusations and claims of fraud and human trafficking, and no criminal charges have been made against him regarding the reported abuse and assault. However, there are ongoing investigations and a civil lawsuit progressing towards trial in 2025.
Miranda Derrick continues to work with 7M Films, denying claims of being part of a cult, and recently appeared in the 2024 action movie "Road House" on Prime Video with her husband, James Derrick.
Shinn and other 7M members declined to comment for the docuseries, apart from a brief interaction with Shinn himself, while his son Isaiah Shinn initially considered speaking but ultimately decided against it. 7M and Shekinah Church claim to be separate entities.
Established church rules were later reversed to allow members to communicate with families, and Shinn attempted to break into Hollywood before finding success with 7M Films, while members of Shekinah Church were required to sign NDAs, fostering more doubt about Shinn's practices.
Sources: Independent, Yahoo News, Forbes, Time, The Guardian, The Indian Express, Access Online, Reality Blurred, Cosmopolitan, Koreaboo, Glamour, Indiatimes, Glamour Magazine UK, Vanity Fair, Variety, TV Guide, Tribune, Today, News-24, Screen Rant, Coming Soon
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
