On May 29, 2024, Netflix premiered the highly anticipated documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, shedding light on the controversial figure behind the 7M organization, Robert Shinn.
Robert Shinn is not only the pastor of Shekinah Church based in Los Angeles but also the co-founder of 7M, a talent management company that has represented some of TikTok’s most notable dancers, including BDash and Miranda Derrick. The church, which was founded in 1994, operates on an invite-only basis, adding to its mysterious allure.
However, as 7M gained popularity, concerns were raised by the families of the company’s clients who felt that their loved ones were becoming increasingly detached. In a shocking revelation during a 2022 Instagram Live, Derrick’s family accused Shinn and 7M of controlling their lives, with Derrick even missing her grandfather’s funeral and secretly marrying BDash. Shinn and 7M denied these claims, stating that Derrick’s family was sensationalizing private matters for attention.
Despite the controversy surrounding him, Robert Shinn continues to serve as the pastor of Shekinah Church and remains involved with 7M. In 2023, a civil lawsuit was filed against him, accusing him of running a cult.
Former members, including Aubrey Fisher-Greene, Kevin Davis, and Kylie Douglas, alongside four others, made similar accusations against Shinn, claiming that he exercised total control over their lives under the guise of religion.
Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult delves into the formation of 7M and the individuals involved, offering an inside look into the allegations against Robert Shinn. Directed by Serek Donnen, the documentary features interviews with former 7M members and their families, uncovering the dark realities behind the organization. The series concludes with the revelation that the civil case against Shinn is ongoing, with a trial set for 2025.
