Current:Home > StocksWho are the Wilking sisters? Miranda, Melanie in 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult' -Wealth Evolution Experts
Who are the Wilking sisters? Miranda, Melanie in 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult'
View
Date:2025-04-13 18:35:33
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! (49)
Related
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- The Lux Way Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey Kicked Off Their Wedding Week
- Prosecutors drop nearly 80 arrests from a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Texas
- Georgia stuns Portugal in biggest upset in Euro history
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- North Carolina party recognition for groups seeking RFK Jr., West on ballot stopped for now
- US economic growth for last quarter is revised up slightly to a 1.4% annual rate
- Go for the Gold with the SKIMS for Team USA Collab Starring Suni Lee, Gabby Thomas & More Olympians
- A Georgia governor’s latest work after politics: a children’s book on his cats ‘Veto’ and ‘Bill’
- US economic growth for last quarter is revised up slightly to a 1.4% annual rate
Ranking
- USA women's basketball live updates at Olympics: Start time vs Nigeria, how to watch
- Volkswagen is recalling over 271,000 SUVs because front passenger air bag may not inflate in a crash
- IRS is creating unconscionable delays for a major issue, watchdog says. Here's what to know.
- New Jersey lawmakers advance $56.6 billion budget, hiking taxes on businesses aiming to help transit
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Oklahoma prepares to execute man convicted of kidnapping, raping and killing 7-year-old girl in 1984
- Lilly Pulitzer Surprise 60% Off Deals Just Launched: Shop Before You Miss Out on These Rare Discounts
- Here's how and when to watch Simone Biles at 2024 U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials
Recommendation
Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
No human remains are found as search crews comb rubble from New Mexico wildfires
Timberwolves acquire Rob Dillingham, eighth pick of 2024 NBA draft. What you need to know
Could Nebraska lawmakers seek winner-take-all elections in a special session to address taxes?
Illinois Gov. Pritzker calls for sheriff to resign after Sonya Massey shooting
Indiana seeks first execution since 2009 after acquiring lethal injection drug, governor says
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Rear Window
Supreme Court overturns ex-mayor’s bribery conviction, narrowing scope of public corruption law