Current:Home > InvestWho are the Wilking sisters? Miranda, Melanie in 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult' -Edge Finance Strategies
Who are the Wilking sisters? Miranda, Melanie in 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult'
View
Date:2025-04-18 13:36:26
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! (5)
Related
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Josh Duggar's Appeal in Child Pornography Case Rejected by Supreme Court
- A real photo took two honors in an AI competition. Here's the inside story.
- Former NYPD officer pleads guilty in 2021 shooting that injured girlfriend, killed second woman
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- Chicago woman missing in Bahamas after going for yoga certification retreat, police say
- Legendary waterman Tamayo Perry killed in shark attack while surfing off Oahu in Hawaii
- Katy Perry wears barely-there cutout dress for Vogue World: Paris
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Josh Duggar's Appeal in Child Pornography Case Rejected by Supreme Court
Ranking
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Family of 6 found dead by rescuers after landslide in eastern China
- Better late than never: teach your kids good financial lessons
- Panthers vs. Oilers Game 7 highlights: Florida wins first Stanley Cup title
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Maui ponders its future as leaders consider restricting vacation rentals loved by tourists
- Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise’s Daughter Suri Drops Last Name for High School Graduation
- Travis Kelce Weighs in on Jason and Kylie Kelce’s Confrontation With “Entitled” Fan
Recommendation
Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
'Slytherin suspect': Snake discovered in Goodwill donation box in Virginia
'Slytherin suspect': Snake discovered in Goodwill donation box in Virginia
Conservancy that oversees SS United States seeks $500K to help relocate historic ship
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
More Americans are ending up in Russian jails. Prospects for their release are unclear
A romance turned deadly or police frame job? Closing arguments loom in Karen Read trial
Sofía Vergara Shares How Being in Her 50s Has Shaped Her Confidence