Behind the glamorous facade of dance videos shared by Miranda Derrick, formerly known as Miranda Wilking, lies a sinister narrative entwined with the Shekinah Church-affiliated talent management company 7M. Founded by Pastor Robert Shinn, 7M stands accused of heinous crimes including sexual assault, abuse, financial fraud, and manipulation. Directed by Derek Doneen, the docuseries "Dancing for the Devil" sheds light on the disturbing extent of the allegations against Shinn.
In 2022, Miranda's sister Melanie Wilking, along with their parents Kelly and Dean, stirred controversy by labeling 7M as a cult. Despite the public outcry, Miranda refuted these claims, dismissing the tension as a personal family matter. This rift within the Wilking family serves as a pivotal point in the unfolding narrative of the 7M TikTok Cult.
The Wilking family's entanglement with 7M unveils a tale of intertwined destinies, particularly the bond between Miranda and Melanie. Shinn's strategic maneuvers, from intimate dinner gatherings to exclusive church services, highlight his ulterior motive of venturing into the entertainment industry. By exploiting aspiring TikTok dancers, Shinn orchestrated a scheme to propel them to stardom while reaping the benefits of their success through lucrative brand deals.
Central to Shinn's teachings was the concept of severing ties with one's family and friends, a coercive tactic aimed at ensuring compliance and loyalty to the cult. Former members of 7M and the Shekinah Church recount the harrowing experiences of isolation and indoctrination, where individuals were compelled to relinquish all connections outside the cult's confines. This manipulation extended to controlling every aspect of their lives, instilling a sense of dependency on the cult's leadership.
The narrative takes a chilling turn with the story of sisters Melanie Lee and Priscylla Lee, who were embroiled in the Shekinah Church long before the inception of 7M. Priscylla assumed a parental role for her sister in the absence of their father, enduring a tumultuous upbringing marked by neglect and instability. Their gradual immersion into the Shekinah Church's fold, orchestrated by Shinn's sister, underscores the insidious nature of cult recruitment tactics.
As the docuseries unravels, revelations of financial malpractice within 7M come to light, exposing the exploitation of members' labor and earnings. Former members disclose instances of receiving meager allowances, with Priscylla Lee revealing a paltry $80 every two weeks. The coercive environment cultivated by Shinn facilitated unchecked abuse and manipulation, leading to the eventual departure of disillusioned members like the Lee sisters.
Despite mounting allegations and testimonies against Shinn, the path to justice remains fraught with obstacles. While no criminal charges have been filed against Shinn for the alleged abuses, a civil lawsuit is reportedly in progress, set to go to trial in the coming year. Miranda Derrick's continued association with 7M and the Shekinah Church, despite familial discord, underscores the complexities of extricating oneself from the clutches of a manipulative organization.
