Miranda Derrick Faces Death Threats After Dancing for the Devil Release
One of the subjects of the series, Derrick, had previously expressed her thoughts on the show soon after its release, calling it one-sided and refuting her family’s claims that she is part of a cult. Let’s delve into Derrick’s statements about the alleged threats and her relationship with her family.
What is the Netflix documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult about?
Premiered on May 29, the three-episode docuseries follows a group of dancers who gained fame on TikTok associated with a talent management company called 7M. Among these dancers were the “inseparable” Wilking sisters, Miranda and Melanie, who amassed millions of followers on TikTok and secured brand partnerships.
However, in 2019, Miranda began drifting away from her close-knit family to spend more time with individuals from the church-affiliated talent management firm. Directed by Derek Doneen, Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult delves into Derrick’s story, alongside several other dancers who, like her, got involved with the Los Angeles-based 7M Films management firm under owner Robert Shinn. In 2022, Melanie and the sisters’ parents, Kelly and Dean, caused a stir by openly stating that 7M was a cult and that Derrick was being exploited.
The docuseries includes interviews with the Wilking family and testimonies from other dancers and members who fled the agency. It is set to be submitted for nomination at the forthcoming News & Documentary Emmy Awards, as confirmed by the streaming giant to Variety.
Miranda Derrick wanted to be “transparent and vulnerable” with her fans
Derrick, with 1.7 million followers on Instagram and 2.7 million followers on TikTok, took to social media on June 10 to address her concerns regarding her and her husband’s safety. It was through James that Derrick, claiming to be a renowned Krump dancer, was introduced to Shinn’s 7M in 2019. They collaborated with Melanie as a trio and eventually began a romantic relationship.
She started the video by stating, “I know I don’t usually create this type of content. I just wanted to be transparent and a little vulnerable with you. Before this documentary, my husband and I felt safe.” However, she expressed that after the release of Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, they feel like their lives are “in danger.”
In the video, Derrick disclosed that they have been followed and stalked in their cars and have been subjected to hate mail, death threats, and messages urging them to commit suicide. She read out examples, seemingly from text message screenshots she had received, portraying the threats they were facing.
Miranda Derrick blamed her family for participating in the documentary
While the documentary ends with some progress towards reconciliation between Derrick and her family, the family on the show believes that this reconciliation is orchestrated by the accused cult leader to give the impression that he is not separating his young followers from their families.
In her Instagram video, the TikToker accused her family further, stating that she cannot comprehend why her sister Melanie and parents believed that the documentary would in any way repair their relationship or benefit her. She hinted that the current open communication between them may cease in the future. Derrick shared that she had spent private time with her family over the past few years to mend their relationships, but the documentary has made it challenging to continue doing so.
ALSO READ: ‘The Documentary Is A One-Sided Story’: TikToker Miranda Reacts To Allegations About Being Involved In Alleged Cult On Dancing For the Devil