The Twisted Tale of the 7M TikTok® Cult
The Netflix® docuseries "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult" pulls back the curtain on a world where viral TikTok® fame collides with claims of manipulation and control. At the center of the story lies 7M Films, a talent agency with connections to a controversial church, estranged families, and allegations that read like a thriller. This docuseries exposes the darkness behind the polished dance videos that captured millions of followers — and the twisted dynamics that tore relationships apart. Let's dive into this bizarre story.
Who is Robert Shinn, and how did he create this empire?
Robert Shinn began as a pastor, founding the Shekinah Church in 1994. What started as a religious community for Korean Americans soon expanded into a network of businesses, including a talent agency called 7M Films. Shinn, along with his son Isaiah, tapped into the world of social media influencers, signing dancers desperate for work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their glossy dance videos, often set in luxurious mansions, exploded online.
But former members and families of 7M dancers claim Shinn used his influence to control every aspect of their lives. Allegations range from cutting members off from their families to taking control of their finances and enforcing strict physical appearance standards. While Shinn insists the accusations are baseless, the stories of former members paint a much darker picture.
How did Miranda Derrick's family get pulled into the chaos?
Miranda Derrick (formerly Wilking) became the face of this unfolding drama when she joined 7M Films and began pulling away from her family. Once part of a popular TikTok duo with her sister Melanie, Miranda's relationship with her family deteriorated after she signed with Shinn's agency and married fellow dancer James Derrick.
In February 2022, the Wilking family posted a tearful Instagram® video, accusing 7M Films of brainwashing Miranda and keeping her away from them. The Netflix series "Dancing for the Devil" captures the family's heartbreak as they try to reconnect with Miranda, only to face what they describe as superficial interactions. Miranda denies being part of a cult, insisting her choices are her own. Still, her family sees a different story — a daughter trapped under Shinn's thumb.
What do former 7M Films members say?
The docuseries dives deep into the claims of coercion, control, and abuse. Former 7M Films members allege that Shinn demanded unwavering loyalty, asking them to cut off their families and hand over control of their finances. Some describe strict appearance rules, with women allegedly pressured to adopt blonde bobs and maintain a thin physique.
Then there are the accusations of sexual misconduct. Kylie Douglas, a former 7M dancer, claims Shinn made inappropriate advances under the guise of spiritual healing. Melanie and Priscylla Lee, once members of the Shekinah Church, share harrowing stories of manipulation, grooming, and abuse. Melanie recounts fleeing the church in the dead of night, while Priscylla endured years of alleged abuse before finally escaping.
Shinn denies all these accusations, calling them defamatory. However, the accounts from former members paint a chilling picture of life under his control.
Why does this story just keep getting messier?
Legal battles now dominate the 7M saga. Former members and dancers have filed lawsuits against Shinn, accusing him of fraud, forced labor, and human trafficking. In response, Shinn has launched defamation suits, claiming these allegations are part of a smear campaign to destroy his reputation.
The conflict shows no signs of slowing. A trial is set for July 2025, with both sides preparing for a high-stakes courtroom showdown. Meanwhile, Miranda Derrick continues to defend Shinn and her decision to remain with 7M Films, even as public scrutiny grows.
Where does this leave Miranda Derrick?
Miranda still works with 7M Films, sharing dance videos that rack up millions of views. Occasionally, she posts pictures with her family, but Melanie describes these moments as carefully staged. Miranda insists she's free to leave at any time, calling her time at 7M "one of the most exciting years" of her life in a public statement, as reported by Forbes.
Since the release of "Dancing for the Devil," Miranda says she has received death threats and harassment, adding another layer of tension to an already explosive story. She claims the documentary only made her relationship with her family more complicated.
What can we take away from this?
"Dancing for the Devil" offers more than a glimpse into the dark side of TikTok fame — it's a sobering reminder of how power and control can thrive behind the scenes of viral success. As the lawsuits unfold, one question lingers: How much influence is too much, and at what cost does success come? Netflix's series asks viewers to reflect on these questions, leaving them unsettled and questioning the true cost of social media stardom.
References: The Insane True Story Behind Netflix's 'Dancing For The Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult' | The Shocking True Story Behind Netflix's 'Dancing for the Devil'
