Current:Home > reviewsWho are the Wilking sisters? Miranda, Melanie in 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult' -Ascend Finance Compass
Who are the Wilking sisters? Miranda, Melanie in 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult'
Indexbit Exchange View
Date:2025-04-10 18:03:35
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! (94462)
Related
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Howard University rescinds Sean 'Diddy' Combs' degree after video of assault surfaces
- Taylor Swift performs Eras Tour in Edinburgh, Scotland: 'What a way to welcome a lass.'
- Washington man fatally shoots 17-year-old who had BB gun, says he 'had a duty to act'
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Mets owner Steve Cohen 'focused on winning games,' not trade deadline
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says she is saddened and shaken after assault, thanks supporters
- Missing mother found dead inside 16-foot-long python after it swallowed her whole in Indonesia
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Mavericks’ plan to stop Celtics in NBA Finals: Get them to fight among themselves
Ranking
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Nyima Ward, son of '90s supermodel Trish Goff, dies at 27: 'Lived fiercely'
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says she is saddened and shaken after assault, thanks supporters
- Nyima Ward, son of '90s supermodel Trish Goff, dies at 27: 'Lived fiercely'
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Shooting leaves 3 dead and 2 injured in South Dakota
- Floor It and Catch the Speed Cast Then and Now
- Body of missing British TV presenter Michael Mosley found on Greek island
Recommendation
Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
Weeklong heat wave loosens grip slightly on US Southwest but forecasters still urge caution
Martha’s Vineyard is about to run out of pot. That’s led to a lawsuit and a scramble by regulators
Coroner: Human remains found in former home of man convicted in slaying of wife
Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
Lewiston survivors consider looming election as gun control comes to forefront after mass shooting
Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel Tower ahead of Summer Games
Rodeo bull hops fence at Oregon arena, injures 3 before being captured