159: 7M TikTok Cult Exposed? Netflix: Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult
The SERIALously podcast takes a deep dive into the disturbing allegations surrounding the 7M TikTok group. A concerned family shares their daughter Miranda's radical transformation after joining the group, detailing her alarming isolation and the severing of all ties with them.
Chilling accusations emerge against 7M leader Robert Shin, including claims of coercive control, manipulation tactics, and financial exploitation of members. Former members describe Shin controlling their finances, personal lives, and even healthcare decisions, while pressuring them for large donations. As civil lawsuits loom, this episode scrutinizes the darker side behind the viral TikTok success of this contentious group.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the May 27, 2024 episode of the SERIALously
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Miranda's Transformation and Isolation
The Wilking family expressed grave concerns about Miranda's drastic behavioral changes and complete isolation after joining the 7M TikTok group. Her appearance, demeanor, and priorities radically shifted, as she severed all ties and communication with her family, according to her mother Kelly Wilking. Miranda's marriage to another 7M dancer was conducted privately without her family's knowledge, further distressing them. The family alleges potential coercion and is prepared to pursue legal action against the group.
Allegations Against 7M Leader Robert Shin
Former 7M members have come forward accusing the group's leader, Robert Shin, of manipulation tactics amounting to mind control. According to a former lawsuit by Lydia Chung, Shin exerted coercive control, manipulating followers' decisions. Reports detail allegations that Shin controlled members' finances, daily activities, and even healthcare choices while pressuring them for large donations. Disturbing claims also arose of Shin sexually assaulting women, with some publicly confronting him during church services.
Financial Exploitation Within 7M
The 7M church and creator house stand accused of financially exploiting members through dubious practices. Former dancers allege Shin took 20-30% cuts from their incomes and even applied for COVID relief in their names without consent. While members reportedly struggled, Shin is said to live lavishly in a $2.5 million mansion, his family operating key roles in the lucrative creator house. The impending civil suit aims to address these allegations of financial abuse set for trial in 2025.
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Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the signs of coercive control by researching reputable psychology and legal resources to better recognize and support those who might be affected in your community. Understanding the dynamics of manipulation and control can help you identify red flags in various organizations or relationships, enabling you to offer informed advice or support to those who might be experiencing similar situations.
- Develop a habit of critical thinking by regularly questioning the motives behind groups or individuals who seek financial or personal commitment. This could involve setting personal guidelines for what constitutes a reasonable request for money or personal information, and seeking second opinions from trusted friends or professionals when faced with high-pressure situations.
- Create a personal safety net by establishing a network of trusted individuals who can offer perspective on major life decisions. This network could include family members, close friends, or professionals like counselors or financial advisors. Regularly discussing life changes with this network can provide a safeguard against making decisions under undue influence.
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Miranda's transformation and distancing from her family
As Miranda became deeply involved with a TikTok group known as 7M, she drastically changed her behavior and appearance, leaving her family alarmed and isolated from her new life.
Miranda drastically changed her behavior and appearance after joining the 7M TikTok group, cutting off communication with her family
The Wilking family has voiced grave concerns over Miranda's behavior since joining 7M. They feel she and others in the group are not in control of their lives, hinting at external control exerted over them. They mention their long-standing bond and how Miranda’s recent behavior is uncharacteristic of who she once was. The family recalls that Miranda was always expressive of her love for her family and shared joy in the fact that she and Melanie were living their dream together.
The Wilking Sisters feel a deep sadness over the severance from Miranda, sorrowfully noting the absence of shared joys and successes. Kelly Wilking, Miranda's mother, reveals that she has been devoid of communication with her daughter since January 18th, 2021, and expresses uncertainty about her safety. Further emphasizing the drastic changes observed in Miranda's demeanor since her integration into the 7M group, allegations have surfaced suggesting arranged marriages within the group and a severed connection with the outside world, including familial ties.
One stark change was Miranda's decision to walk away from every obligation that she had, such as brand collaborations and commitments, leading her to terminate her management company relationship via email and disappear without speaking to anyone.
The family observed that Miranda stopped collaborating on videos with her sister Melanie and started spending all her time with the 7M dancers. Moreover, discussions about her lifestyle changes were met with defensiveness, and her whereabouts remained undisclosed to her family. This drastic distancing is described by the family as akin to a loss, as if Miranda has died within the family sphere.
Miranda got married to another 7M dancer in a private ceremony that her family was not invited to
The latest development in Miranda's transformation came in the form of a marriage to James, also known as B-Dash, a fellow 7M group member. Her family, including her sister Kelly, were kept in the dark about the engagement and wedding details, and the marriage was conducted without their presence. This fueled the family's suspi ...
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Miranda's transformation and distancing from her family
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Actionables
- You can create a personal safety net by establishing a "check-in" system with friends or family, where you regularly update each other on your well-being and any significant life changes. This could involve setting up a weekly call or message to ensure everyone is safe and maintaining their autonomy.
- Develop a family emergency plan that includes steps to take if someone becomes unresponsive or their behavior changes drastically. This plan might include contact information for relevant authorities, a list of signs that would trigger action, and a designated family member to lead the response.
- Encourage open conver ...
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Allegations of manipulation and control by 7M
Former members of the 7M church and creator house have brought forward allegations of manipulation and control against the group's leader, Robert Shin, including claims of mind control and coercive tactics to influence his followers.
Former members of the 7M church and creator house allege that the group's leader, Robert Shin, used mind control and coercive tactics to control his followers
Concerns arose around the possibility of 7M being a front for a Christian cult. Family and friends of 7M members reported instances where their loved ones suddenly cut contact or got married abruptly, leading them to believe the organization may be exerting undue control. Former members have described the organization's alleged attempts to separate individuals from their families. As an example, the Wilking Sisters joined the 7M church for its social environment but soon experienced control over their time and were made to feel guilty and brainwashed if they did not prioritize church services.
Shin allegedly controlled followers' finances, daily activities, and even healthcare decisions, and encouraged large donations to the church
A lawsuit filed by Lydia Chung in 2009 accused Robert Shin and the church of mind control, asserting that her decisions were manipulated and not in her best interest. Though she did not win, the judge noted Shin's behavior as coercive. A Rolling Stone report in 2022 provided details of a lawsuit that further claimed Shin controlled every aspect of followers' lives, including finances, daily activities, and healthcare decisions. Priscilla, a former member, alleged that Shin was taking money from followers through various fees, which all ultimately flowed to him.
Shin was accused of sexually assaulting women in the church, wi ...
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Allegations of manipulation and control by 7M
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the signs of coercive control by reading materials from reputable psychological and human rights organizations to recognize and avoid similar situations in your own life. Understanding the dynamics of coercive control can help you identify red flags in various relationships, whether they be personal, professional, or spiritual. For example, familiarize yourself with the power and control wheel, a tool used by advocates to explain the different ways an abusive partner can exert power and control over their partner.
- Develop a personal safety net by establishing a trusted circle of friends and family who can provide an external perspective on your relationships and commitments. This circle should be composed of individuals who know you well and can offer honest feedback if they notice changes in your behavior or if you seem to be under undue influence. For instance, set up regular check-ins with this group to discuss any new organizations or relationships you're involved in.
- Create a decision-making framework for yourself that includes a checklist of criteria to ...
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Financial exploitation and abuse within 7M
The management company 7M, known for operating a Creator House where influencers produce content, is accused of financially exploiting its members, with claims emerging from former dancers and members about the organization's dubious financial practices.
The 7M church and creator house are accused of financially exploiting their members, taking large percentages of their earnings
Allegations have surfaced that Robert Shin, running 7M Films and a church, took significant cuts from the earnings of associated dancers and content creators. Former members claim that they were pressured into donating large sums of money to the church and to Shin personally, and Priscilla, a former member, reported that from each dancer's salary, deductions were made to cover rent, a 20% management fee to 7M, and at least 30% that would go to the church. It's also alleged that Shin applied for COVID relief funds using the names of his members without their consent.
Dancers claim Shin took 20-30% cuts from their incomes and earnings, and even applied for COVID relief funds in their names
Former dancers at 7M Films have accused Shin of using his position to take substantial portions of their earnings. These claims include accusations that he took 20-30% of their incomes and inappropriately applied for COVID relief funds in their names. Despite these allegations, Robert and his wife Hannah, as well as other co-defendants in civil suits, have denied these claims. As of the last report, no criminal charges have been filed against Shin, who has also fully denied allegations of sexual abuse.
Shin and his family allegedly lived lavish lifestyles with the money from the church and creator house, while members struggled financially
The situation is further complicated by allegations that point to a stark contrast in living standards between Shin and the members from whom he is accused of siphoning funds. While some members allegedly faced financial difficulties, Shin is reported to live in a luxurious $2.5 million mansion and to drive high-end cars. His f ...
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Financial exploitation and abuse within 7M
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Clarifications
- A Creator House is a communal living space where content creators, such as influencers, artists, or YouTubers, reside and collaborate on creating content together. These spaces often provide resources like filming equipment, editing facilities, and networking opportunities to help creators grow their online presence. Members typically share living expenses and work on joint projects to enhance their individual and collective online presence. The concept aims to foster creativity, collaboration, and community among like-minded individuals in the digital content creation industry.
- 7M Films is a management company linked to a church run by Robert Shin. The organization operates a Creator House where influencers create content. Allegations suggest that the church and 7M Films were involved in financially exploiting their members. Robert Shin, associated with both entities, is accused of taking significant cuts from the earnings of dancers and content creators.
- Allegations of financial exploitation and abuse within 7M involve accusations that the management company, led by Robert Shin, took significant cuts from the earnings of its members, including dancers and content creators. Members claim they were pressured into donating money to the church and Shin personally, with deductions made from their salaries for various fees and contributions. Additionally, there are claims that Shin lived a lavish lifestyle funded by the funds allegedly taken from the members, creating a stark contrast in financial situations between him and the individuals generating income for the organization. These allegations have led to civil suits and pending legal actions against Shin and other involved parties.
- Robert Shin is the head of 7M Films and the associated church. His wife, Hannah, serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Other family members, such as his son Isaiah, daughter, and son-in-law, are involved in various aspects of the organization, including video production and legal matters.
- Allegatio ...
Counterarguments
- Management fees are a standard practice in the entertainment industry, and a 20% fee may be in line with industry norms.
- Deductions for rent and other expenses may be part of agreed-upon contractual terms between the members and the management company.
- Without clear evidence, the allegations of financial exploitation remain unproven, and the individuals accused are entitled to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
- The lifestyle of Robert Shin and his family is not necessarily indicative of wrongdoing; successful business practices could also account for wealth.
- The involvement of Shin's family in the business could be a reflection of a family-run enterprise, which is not uncommon in private businesses.
- Applying for COVID relief funds, if done legally and with the consent of the individuals involved, could have been an e ...
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