Exploring the Alleged Cult Involvement of 7M Dancers Miranda Wilking and James Derrick
Miranda Wilking and James Derrick, known for their dance talents, face scrutiny as accusations of cult involvement surface in 'Dancing for the Devil'. Dive into their relationship timeline and the controversy surrounding their lives.
Miranda Wilking and James Derrick LL
James Derrick and Miranda Derrick. Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Miranda Wilking's life with her husband James Derrick may seem perfect on social media, but according to her family, there is more to the story. Her parents and sister, Melanie Wilking, went on Instagram Live in February 2022 to share their concerns. They claimed that Miranda had been influenced by a cult that specifically targets dancers. The worried family revealed that they had not been in contact with Miranda for over a year. They also made allegations against the entertainment management company 7M Films, where Miranda had joined in 2021, suggesting that it was operating like a cult.
7M management, founded by Robert Shinn of Shekinah Church, is the focus of the new Netflix series Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. Premiering on May 29, the show follows Melanie, her parents, and former church member Lydia Chung, who accuses the church of isolating her from her family and brainwashing her. Shinn has refuted these claims.
Miranda and Derrick, who are active members of 7M, reject the label of being in a cult. They often post videos of themselves dancing together on their Instagram accounts.
Keep scrolling for a look at Miranda and Derrick’s relationship timeline:
April 2021
Miranda Wilking and James Derrick LL
James Derrick and Miranda Derrick. Courtesy of Miranda Derrick/Instagram
August 2021
Derrick made his debut on Miranda's Instagram three months after she reportedly distanced herself from her family. The pair showcased their dance skills to the tune of SZA's "Kiss Me More."
The couple shared their engagement news on Instagram.
Derrick expressed his excitement, saying "She said YES!!! @itsmirandaderrick I love you so much and I’m so honored to be on this journey with you. I remember the first time you hugged me. The best way to describe it is magical (it sounds cliché) but truly in that moment I knew you were the love of my life and you would be my wife one day."
He continued, "You bring such joy to my life and you inspire me to grow and be better every day. I am so thankful God brought us together and I can’t wait for what’s next for us. Miranda, I love you so much and will cherish you for the rest of my life."
Miranda took to social media to announce her engagement with James. She expressed her overwhelming joy and excitement, stating that James is everything she has ever dreamed of. She shared photos from the proposal and described how she fell in love with him from the first day they met. Miranda expressed her love and gratitude towards James, calling him her best friend, confidant, teammate, and partner. She emphasized her anticipation for their future together and declared her love for him, looking forward to their journey unfolding.
September 2021
Miranda posted a video of her dancing with Derrick in Las Vegas wearing a white dress, a month after announcing their engagement. She captioned the video with "What happens in Vegas...". At that time, Miranda and Derrick had not officially confirmed their wedding.
Miranda’s family claimed during their February 2022 Instagram Live that they weren’t aware of her wedding until after the fact.
November 2021
Miranda Wilking and James Derrick LL
James Derrick and Miranda Derrick. Courtesy of Miranda Derrick/Instagram
The couple posed together on the American Music Awards red carpet.
March 2022
One month after Miranda's family accused her of being in a cult, Miranda and Derrick decided to address the situation.
Miranda clarified in a statement to The Cut that she is not being held against her will and has never been a hostage. She expressed her belief in God and her freedom to explore different faiths if she chooses to do so. She also mentioned her positive experience working at 7M Films and her openness to collaborating with a different management company or even starting her own in the future.
She added, "I'm not being pressured to do anything. I am thrilled to progress in my journey with God, a wonderful marriage, and a promising career. I'm also eager to work on repairing my relationship with my family in private."
Miranda Wilking and James Derrick LL
James Derrick was spotted at a Young Hollywood Screening of ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ on June 26, 2023. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Meanwhile, Derrick shared on his Instagram Story that Miranda’s family issues were due to racism, a claim that the Wilking family refutes in the Netflix docuseries.
He claimed that it all began when a white woman, who was beautiful, moved in with a Black man from Compton that her parents did not approve of.
At the time, Shinn, the founder of 7M, responded to the claims made by the Wilking family through a spokesperson.
Despite the negative claims made by her family, Miranda is described as a successful businesswoman and a caring wife and daughter by her representative.
Miranda's Reputation
“Unconditional Love️,” Derrick wrote via Instagram alongside several snaps of her and Derrick dressed in black leather outfits.
February 2023
Miranda Wilking and James Derrick LL
Miranda Derrick and James Derrick attend the 65th GRAMMY Awards on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Miranda and Derrick walked the Grammys red carpet together.
October 2023
The dancers enjoyed an outing at L.A. Fashion Week.
November 2023
Miranda Wilking and James Derrick LL
James Derrick and Miranda Derrick attend the Los Angeles premiere of “The Shift” on November 27, 2023. Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
“️Happy Birthday to my incredible husband @bdash_2. Here’s to another year of pure joy & beautiful memories! I love you baby️,” Derrick wrote via Instagram.
May 2024
Miranda and Derrick both went to Melanie's wedding with NFL player Austin Ekeler, even though they had some issues with the Wilking family in the past. The wedding happened just a week before the Dancing for the Devil docuseries premiered.
Miranda shared some Instagram photos from the wedding, captioning them with "Had such a great time at my sister's wedding." However, she didn't post any pictures with her sister in the photos.
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