Netflix’s fresh docuseries, “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,” debuted on May 29, quickly amassing millions of views in its inaugural week.
TikTok luminary and dancer Miranda Derrick has been at the center of attention since the release of the Netflix docuseries. She recently disclosed that she and her husband, James “BDash” Derrick, have been facing death threats and receiving hate emails since the series aired.
As one of the focal points of the show, Derrick had previously criticized its portrayal, labeling it as one-sided and refuting her family’s assertions that she is involved in a cult. Let’s delve into Derrick’s response to the alleged threats and her familial ties.
What is the Netflix documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult about?
The three-episode docuseries, premiering on May 29, delves into the lives of a group of dancers who rose to fame on TikTok while associated with the talent management company 7M. Among these dancers were the “inseparable” Wilking sisters, Miranda and Melanie, who amassed millions of followers on the platform and secured brand partnerships.
However, in 2019, Miranda began to distance herself from her tight-knit family and spent more time with representatives of the church-affiliated talent management firm. Directed by Derek Doneen, “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” centers around Derrick’s journey, alongside several other dancers who, like her, became 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 publicly labeling 7M as a cult and alleging that Derrick was being exploited.
The docuseries includes interviews with the Wilking family and testimonies from other dancers and members who departed from the agency. Confirming to Variety, the streaming giant stated that the series will be submitted for consideration in the upcoming News & Documentary Emmy Awards.
Miranda Derrick wanted to be “transparent and vulnerable” with her fans
On June 10, Derrick, boasting 1.7 million followers on Instagram and 2.7 million on TikTok, addressed her concerns about her and her husband’s safety in a video shared on social media. She recounted how James, whom Derrick identifies as a prominent Krump dancer, introduced her to Shinn’s 7M in 2019. Subsequently, they collaborated as a trio with Melanie before entering into a romantic relationship.
Starting the video, she expressed, “I typically don’t share this type of content. I just want to be open and a bit vulnerable with you all. Prior to this documentary, my husband and I felt secure.” However, she continued, stating that since the release of “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,” they feel as if their lives “have been put in danger.”
In the video, Derrick asserted that they have experienced being followed and stalked while driving, as well as receiving hate mail and death threats, including messages urging them to commit suicide. Derrick proceeded to cite examples, apparently from screenshots of texts she had received. One such message came from a woman advising Derrick to obtain security, warning, “I’m going to come and get you” if she spotted Derrick in public. Another threat was read aloud on the video: “If I see you walking on the sidewalk, I’m going to come and shove you in the trunk of my car.”
Miranda Derrick blamed her family for participating in the documentary
Towards the conclusion of the documentary, there appears to be some progress towards reconciliation between Derrick and her family. However, the family depicted in the show perceives these efforts as orchestrated by the accused cult leader to create the illusion that he is not isolating young members from their families.
In her Instagram video, Derrick went on to accuse her family further, expressing bewilderment at her sister Melanie and parents’ belief that the documentary would improve their relationship or benefit her in any way. She hinted at the possibility that their current open communication might cease in the future. Over the past few years, Derrick explained that she had been dedicating private time to mend her relationship with her sister and parents, seeking to reconcile and repair the damage. “I’ve cherished our time together, sharing laughter and enjoying each other’s company. However, this documentary has significantly hindered our ability to continue doing so,” she lamented.