Netflix’s Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult sheds light on Robert Shinn, the pastor at the center of scandalous accusations from TikTok dancers. 
Allegations include sexual harassment, fraud, and forced labor tied to his management label, 7M Films Inc.
The Start of Shekinah Church
In 1994, Shinn founded the Shekinah Church in Los Angeles. According to the docuseries, when his son Isaiah began collaborating with TikTok creators in 2021, they launched 7M Films Inc. Several TikTok personalities became enmeshed in this web, including Miranda Derrick, a central figure.
Family Concerns Over Miranda
The series prominently features Miranda Derrick, whose family feared she had broken ties with them due to Shinn’s teachings. In a June 4 Instagram post
, Miranda denied any manipulation
. Her now-deleted Instagram account contained no identifiable images linked to the TikTok cult
. 
Other Voices and Public Allegations
In 2022, former Shekinah members strongly voiced their concerns. They alleged that Shinn was isolating and intimidating people to maintain control and even had access to their bank accounts. Beyond just financial control, Lydia Chung had warned: Especially young people who don’t have that much experience. I mean, you will totally ruin your life
.
Shinn’s Denial and Legal Battles
A spokesperson for 7M refuted these allegations stating unequivocally that Shinn did not seize anyone’s financial resources or isolate individuals
. The third episode of Netflix’s series captures the confrontation vividly—
showing ex-members serving Shinn with legal paperwork at a restaurant.
Legal Fallout
The docuseries also reveals Shinn filed defamation suits against five former Shekinah associates in 2022 alleging false claims about cult activities. These members counter-sued in 2023 accusing him of fraud and other criminal acts, with a trial scheduled for July 2025. Notably, Helen Shinn defended her husband asserting that these claims were part of an extortion attempt by Priscylla Leigh and Melanie Lee.
Despite ongoing litigation, it remains evident that tensions between all parties involved are high and public interest continues to soar, especially with documentarian Derek Doneen noting how they able to gain trust while producing the series: “The crew, most of the time was just me, Jessica and a town person. We were extremely nimble”.
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