Melanie Wilking and her sister Miranda Derrick have had a tumultuous relationship that was highlighted in the Netflix documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. The documentary exposes allegations against Shekinah Church pastor Robert Shinn, who is accused of running a cult that Derrick’s family claims she is stuck in. Wilking, however, remains hopeful that her sister and other victims will realize how their love for their families and faith was exploited and that justice will be served. She expressed gratitude for the love and support they have received and believes that their family will overcome this ordeal.
In response to the allegations made in the documentary, Miranda Derrick released a statement denying that she is a victim, in harm, or being abused. She expressed appreciation for the concern for her well-being, but due to pending litigation, she could not comment on specific allegations. Derrick stated that she does not condone abuse and believes that the documentary only captured one side of the story, which belongs to her family. Despite the differences with her family, she emphasized that they will always be a part of her life and that the documentary presented a one-sided perspective.
Miranda Derrick revealed that she gave her life to Jesus Christ in 2020 and asked her family for space to process her new faith walk. However, she felt that her family did not respect her request for space and became overbearing, leading to frustrations and conflicts. Before the documentary aired, Derrick distanced herself from her family and married fellow 7M dancer James Derrick. However, they seemed to reconcile their differences when they attended Wilking’s wedding to football player Austin Ekeler. The relationship between the sisters has seen its share of ups and downs, but they appear to be working towards healing and forgiveness.
The allegations against Robert Shinn and the accusations of running a cult have not resulted in criminal charges, and Shinn has denied the claims made against him. The civil lawsuit against Shinn and his codefendants is ongoing, with the trial set to take place in 2025. Despite the denial of the allegations, the documentary sheds light on the influence and control that high-control groups can have on individuals and the importance of being aware and educated about such groups. Wilking and Derrick’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise within families and faith communities, highlighting the need for understanding, compassion, and support for all parties involved.
