Article:
TikTok dance sensation, Miranda Derrick, has publicly addressed allegations of being trapped in a cult, as the latest Netflix series “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” makes the headlines. Derrick, who came to fame as part of the Wilking Sisters duo, is now refuting the claims made in the series, stating that her association with 7M management company and the Shekinah Church does not equate to abuse.
Stories Claiming Abuse
The three-part docuseries recently landed on Netflix’s platform, casting a controversial spotlight on the 27-year-old dancer’s professional and personal life. It suggests that Derrick might be under the controlling influence of a cult led by Robert Shinn, the pastor of Shekinah Church and the founder of 7M Films.
Derrick Expresses Her Side of the Story
Contrary to the series’ depiction, Derrick, in an Instagram Story, fervently denied these allegations. Her statement indicated that she doesn’t support the notion of abuse. She further expressed her displeasure about being misrepresented as a brainwashed individual lacking control over her life. Derrick insists that these claims are distanced from reality and are portraying her in an undeserved victimized light.
Family Concerns Surface
Moreover, Derrick’s family, including her former collaborator and sister, Melanie Ekeler, raised concerns about Derrick’s increasing isolation. They claim that despite her active social media presence and frequent participation in high-profile events, she has been deliberately kept away from them.
Derrick, addressing these concerns in her statement, mentioned that despite loving her family, they had conflicting perspectives. She opened up about her spiritual journey, which began in 2020 with her dedication to Jesus Christ. It required some space from her family for introspection and processing her new path towards a spiritual life.
Professional Dynamics with Sister Alters
She also shed light on her professional fracas with her sister, Ekeler. Derrick claims that she never intended to stop creating content with Ekeler, but was denied access to their joint account, marking the end of their professional collaboration. Despite these professional differences, Derrick reassures that she and her family have taken strides towards reconciliation.
Unwanted Publicity Adds Strain
However, Derrick articulates that the one-sided depiction of her life in the series has proved to be an obstacle in their mending process. The “public attack,” as she calls it, has intensified the ongoing issues between them.
Derrick’s Relationship in Question
In a twist to the story, the series also draws attention to Derrick’s relationship with fellow dancer, James “BDash” Derrick, whom she married after allegedly severing ties with her family. According to the documentary, James Derrick has accused the Wilking family of having issues accepting their relationship due to racial prejudices.
Instructors and audiences alike eagerly await the legal fallout concerning this scenario and the defamation lawsuit that Derrick, now a plaintiff, has mentioned in her statement on the controversy.
The release of the Netflix docuseries and the allegations surrounding it, continue to generate ripples in the industry, while Derrick maintains firm in her stance, denying any mistreatment or abuse. The viewers can only wait and watch whether the truth stands in favor of the TikTok star or unfolds a new, darker chapter in her life.