Netflix’s new documentary Dancing For The Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult has almost everyone talking about a TikTok dancer named Miranda Derrick (Nee Wilking) and the alleged cult she, and other famous TikTok dancers, are part of.
Below, we answer all of the questions you might have about Miranda, where she is now, her relationship with her sister Melanie, and the alleged cult.
Who Is Miranda Wilking?
Born in Michigan in 1997, Miranda Wilking rose to fame after posting dancing videos on TikTok with her younger sister Melanie.
However, Miranda suddenly stopped posting on the Wilking Sisters TikTok in 2021—around the same time she joined 7M Film Management.
The talent agency, which looks after many professional TikTok dancers, is run by a man named Robert Shinn, who also happens to be the pastor at the exclusive Los Angeles Shekinah Church.
Miranda’s husband, another TikTok dancer called James “BDash” Derrick, also began working for the talent agency around this time.
Fans didn’t hear anything about Miranda or her whereabouts until February 2022, when her parents, Kelly and Dean, made a live video sharing their concerns about their daughter.
In the video, Miranda’s parents alleged their daughter had been brainwashed by Shinn and stated that they believed the talent agency was actually a cult.
“She never told us where she moved to. She ended up blocking us and changed her phone number,” Kelly said in the livestream. “Whatever she’s involved in, [it’s] got some kind of control over her that’s making her afraid of something.”
Not long afterwards, 7PM released a statement to the Daily Mail, which denied the claims.
“Despite her family’s claims, Miranda is a successful businesswoman and a loving wife and daughter who cares very much about her family,” the statement read.
“It is pathetic and contemptible to try to turn her private family matters into a tawdry public scandal for clicks and clout. While the recent portrayals of Dr. Robert Shinn and 7M Films have been wildly offensive and riddled with inaccuracies, those false claims will not deter 7M from supporting Miranda in whichever endeavors she chooses to pursue next.”
In the Netflix documentary, the family recall researching the 7M group and connecting with other family’s who were also worried about the influence the agency had over dancers.
Around this time, Miranda allegedly refused to come home for her grandfather’s funeral, telling her family “she needed permission from “someone closer to God” to attend the funeral.
A number of former members of the Shekinah Church have also said they were encouraged to distance themselves from their loved ones to get a place in heaven while multiple other TikTok dancers have accused Robert of financial coercion and sexual assault—but he has strongly denied these accusations.
What Has Miranda Wilking Said About Being In A Cult?
Miranda has always maintained that she is not being held against her will by Robert Shinn, Shekinah Church or 7M Films.
In a previous statement released to media, Miranda said, “I am not held against my will and I’ve never been a hostage,” Miranda said. “I go to church and I have faith in God. If one day I wish to pursue my faith elsewhere, I will and feel completely free to do that. As far as my career, my time at 7M Films has been one of the most exciting years ever and if one day I wish to partner with a different management company or start my own company, I will.”
She added, “No one is forcing me to do anything. I am excited to move forward in this incredible walk with God, an amazing marriage and exciting career. I’m also looking forward to moving past all of this and mend my relationship with my family privately.”
Most recently, on June 4 Miranda spoke out for the first time since the doco’s May 29 release.
“Hey guys, I hope your’e having a wonderful day,” the influencer said in an Instagram Story. “I just wanted to hop on here really quick and first of all say thank you to everybody who’s been so supportive during this time. In the next couple slides I’ve included my statement of this documentary that’s just been released. I can’t go into too much detail because of legal purposes, but I wanted to add my side of the story a little bit.”
In writing on following slides, she confirmed that she has, in fact, seen the series, but “due to pending litigation, in which I am a plaintiff in a defamation lawsuit, it’s not appropriate for me to comment on specific allegations. Though I will state that I do not condone abuse in any way.”
She added that she loves her sister and parents, who are featured in the Netflix series, but “the truth is, we just don’t see eye to eye at this time.”
Concerning her involvement will 7M, Shinn and the Shekinah Church, she clarified that while she cannot speak for anyone but herself, “I believe that this documentary is a one-sided story.”
Where Is Miranda Wilking Now?
According to her social media Miranda and James live together in California with their dog Carver.
Judging by her posts, Miranda still works with 7M.
Recently, she posted a video that saw Robert Shinn’s son, Isaiah, being tagged as the videographer.
Are Miranda and Melanie Wilking In Contact?
Following the release of the docuseries, Melanie provided an update as to the status of her relationship with Miranda.
In her first statement since the series went live, the dancer thanked her followers for “all the love and support.”
She added that since going public with their story in 2022, she and her parents have reunited with Miranda. While this reunion is noted in the documentary, the Wilking family explain that they are not able to discuss 7M, Shekinah or Shinn with her.
In her statement, Melanie added, “We believe that one day my sister and the other victims will realise their love for their families and faith was exploited. When that happens, we will be there for them without judgement.”
Melanie also confirmed that her sister did, in fact, attend her wedding earlier this year. She did not disclose whether or not Miranda served as her maid of honour, as she was seen deliberating on in the doco.
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