“Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” – A Deep Dive into a Controversial Netflix Docuseries

Netflix’s recent docuseries, “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,” has brought significant attention to the intersection of social media fame, religious influence, and allegations of cult-like behavior. The series focuses on the 7M management company and its connections to the Shekinah Church, run by pastor Robert Shinn. Central to the three-part limited series is TikTok star Miranda Derrick, whose journey and personal experiences are prominently featured as her parents and younger sister Melanie, seek to “bring her back” from the cult-like group.

7M and Shekinah Church Background and Allegations

“Dancing for the Devil” dives into the lives of several TikTok dancers who became associated with 7M, a management company that promised to propel their careers while adhering to a strict and controversial religious doctrine. The docuseries explores how Robert Shinn, leveraging his position as a pastor and the head of invite-only Shekinah Church in Los Angeles, allegedly exerted control over the lives and decisions of these young influencers.

Former members of 7M and their families provide testimonials throughout the series, describing a gradual shift in behavior and communication as the dancers became more entrenched in the group’s activities. Miranda Derrick’s story is particularly highlighted, as her transformation and estrangement from her family raised alarms, and continues today. Unlike several former members of the group who all exited at the same time in 2022, Miranda remains loyal to Robert Shinn and 7M, though her family is adamant that she is a victim of human trafficking.

Miranda Derrick’s Perspective

Miranda Derrick joined 7M in 2021, a decision that quickly led to a strained relationship with her family. According to her family, this strain became evident when she missed her grandfather’s funeral, prompting them to confront her about her involvement with 7M and the Shekinah Church.

In response to the docuseries, Miranda has publicly addressed the allegations through social media, expressing disappointment with how the documentary portrayed her and her choices. She emphasized that her decision to distance herself initially was to focus on her newfound faith and personal growth. Miranda stated, “No one likes to be portrayed as their brainwashed/not in control of her own life/shell of herself/human trafficked daughter/sister when that just isn’t the truth”​ 

Miranda’s Life in Danger Following Netflix Series

In a recent video post on Instagram, Miranda Derrick claimed that her and her husband James’ “lives have been put in danger” since the release of the documentary. She described feeling safe before the documentary but now fears for their safety due to the backlash it generated. “We have both been followed in our cars, we have received hate mail, death threats, people have been sending us messages to commit suicide, and we’ve been stalked,” Miranda revealed.

She shared specific threats, including one that said, “if I see you on the street, I’m going to come and get you so you better get security,” and another that threatened to shove her into a car trunk if she was seen walking on the sidewalk. These revelations highlight the intense and dangerous scrutiny she and her husband are facing in the wake of the documentary’s release.

The Impact on Family Relationships

Miranda also addressed the impact of the documentary on her relationship with her family. She blamed her parents and sister, Melanie Wilking, for participating in the documentary, questioning how they thought it would help their relationship. Despite a partial reconciliation with her family before the documentary aired, Miranda now feels that maintaining these connections has become significantly more challenging.

“I have been getting together with my family for the past couple of years, privately, to work on our relationship, to make things right, to mend what has been broken,” Miranda said. “This documentary has made it very difficult to continue doing that.”

The Legal and Social Implications

The controversy surrounding 7M and Shekinah Church extends beyond personal grievances, reaching into legal territories. Former members have filed a civil lawsuit against Robert Shinn, accusing him of manipulating and controlling their lives under the guise of religious teachings. The plaintiffs allege that Shinn encouraged them to sever ties with their families, fostering an environment reminiscent of cult-like behavior.

Miranda Derrick, involved in a defamation lawsuit, has been cautious in her public statements due to legal constraints. She has reiterated her disapproval of any form of abuse and maintains that her personal journey has been one of genuine faith and self-discovery.

The Broader Impact on Social Media Influencers

The docuseries raises critical questions about the vulnerability of social media influencers to manipulative practices disguised as career management or spiritual guidance. The allure of fame and the promise of success can often lead young talents into environments where personal autonomy is compromised.

“Dancing for the Devil” serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the management of social media stars. It underscores the importance of distinguishing between genuine support and exploitative control, especially in industries where the lines can easily blur.

The truth is still unfolding, with ongoing legal proceedings and personal reconciliations shaping the future for those involved. As viewers and participants in the digital age, it remains crucial to support ethical practices and safeguard the well-being of individuals navigating the challenging terrains of social media fame and personal faith.