Current:Home > reviewsWho are the Wilking sisters? Miranda, Melanie in 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult' -StockSource
Who are the Wilking sisters? Miranda, Melanie in 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult'
View
Date:2025-04-18 11:31:04
The relationship between two sisters is featured in a new Netflix docuseries that focuses on a group of dancers and their church-affiliated talent management company, which some people have alleged is a cult.
"Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult" premiered on Netflix this week. The documentary series, directed by Derek Doneen, tells the story of Miranda Wilking and other dancers who ended up associated with the Los Angeles-based 7M Films management company under owner Robert Shinn.
Shinn is also a pastor at Shekinah Church, and has previously been accused of controlling behavior.
Here's what to know about the Wilking family and the documentary series.
Looking for something to watch?From 'Atlas' to 'Dune 2,' here are 10 movies you need to stream right now
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
How to stream 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult'
The three-part documentary series began streaming on Netflix Wednesday May 29 at 3 a.m. EDT.
What is 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult' about?
Here's what the three-part documentary series is about, according to a synopsis from Netflix:
"A group of prominent TikTok dancers are trapped in a cult masquerading as a management company called 7M. Among them is Miranda Wilking, whose family is desperately trying to get their daughter out. As other dancers and former members escape and work to rebuild their lives, it isn’t until they come together to try and put a stop to the cycle of their abuser that the real healing begins."
"Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult" also includes testimonies from dancers and others who have left 7M Films.
This series is about exposing the wrongdoers and setting the story straight, all with the hope of helping those still under the control of the church,” executive producer Jessica Acevedo told Netflix's Tudum.
Who are Miranda and Melanie Wilking?
Part of the documentary series focused on the sisters Miranda and Melanie Wilking, and their parents, Kelly and Dean.
Melanie Wilking is creator with over 3.5 million followers on TikTok whose content primarily focuses around dancing and lifestyle videos. She married Austin Ekeler, a running back for the Washington Commanders in May in Las Vegas.
Melanie, Kelly and Dean Wilking posted a video on social media in February 2022 saying that they had not seen or heard from Miranda in over a year and she was involved in a religious group, in what they called a "cult." In the video, Melanie Wilking said she had been part of the group and church at first, but had left the organization.
"These people are not controlling their lives," Melanie Wilking said in the video. Someone else is controlling their lives and they are all victims of this. It would be so easy to forget...if she doesn't care about us anymore, but we know that's not her."
Who is Robert Shinn?
Shinn, the leader of the management company 7M Films and a pastor at Shekinah Church is at the center of allegations in the "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult" documentary series.
The church was founded in 1994, a post from 7M Films reads.
In March, Aubrey Fisher-Greene, Kylie Douglas, Kevin “Konkrete” Davis joined four other complainants, suing Shinn and accusing him of running a "cult" and taking advantage of his followers, Rolling Stone reported. The recent additions are part of an ongoing lawsuit that began in 2022 with Shinn filed a complaint alleging a former member had extorted and defamed him.
In a cross-complaint, Shinn was alleged to have exercised control over the lives of his church members in various ways, from financial to health-related and more, Rolling Stone reported.
What is 7M Films?
Shinn reportedly founded 7M Films in 2021.
According to the company's website, "7M Films, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based talent management company representing some of the top social media influencers in the world. Since 7M was founded in 2021, the collective social media following of our clients has grown from 1.78 million to 10.42 million. 7M’s client roster includes professional dancers, actors, models and music industry professionals."
A statement and the only post on 7M's Instagram reads that you "do not have to be a member of Shekinah Church to be represented by 7M, not do you have to be represented by 7M to be a member of Shekinah Church. Any claims to the contrary are simply wrong."
veryGood! (23813)
Related
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Dali crew still confined to ship − with no internet. They could be 'profoundly rattled.'
- Trendy & Affordable Dresses From Amazon You’ll Want To Wear All Spring/Summer Long
- On last day of Georgia legislative session, bills must pass or die
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Lawmakers seek to prop up Delaware medical marijuana industry after legalizing recreational use
- Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry in hospice care after medical emergency
- If you in the $935 million Powerball, just how much would you have to pay in taxes? A lot.
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- John Harrison: Reflections on a failed financial hunt
Ranking
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- How Lindsay Gottlieb brought Southern Cal, led by JuJu Watkins, out of March Madness funk
- CLFCOIN CEO David Williams: Bitcoin Expected to Top $80,000 Amid Continued ETF Inflows
- Law enforcement executed search warrants at Atlantic City mayor’s home, attorney says
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Terrence Shannon Jr. leads Illinois past Iowa State 72-69 for first Elite Eight trip since 2005
- Crypt near Marilyn Monroe, Hugh Hefner to be auctioned off, estimated to sell for $400,000
- Rise in taxable value of homes in Georgia would be capped if voters approve
Recommendation
Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
Hijab wearing players in women’s NCAA Tournament hope to inspire others
Orlando city commissioner charged with spending 96-year-old woman’s money on a home, personal items
Former gym teacher at Christian school charged with carjacking, robbery in Grindr crimes
Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
Georgia teachers and state employees will get pay raises as state budget passes
Funniest misheard Beyoncé lyrics, from 'Singing lettuce' to 'No bottom knee'
Tish Cyrus Shares She's Dealing With Issues in Dominic Purcell Marriage