It's been just over a week since Netflix's latest true crime documentary Dancing for The Devil landed on the streaming service, and still, first-time viewers are being sent wild.
For those unfamiliar with the chilling three-part series, allow us to fill you in...
The documentary tells the story of a group of high-profile TikTok dancers who became trapped in what many have accused of being a cult masquerading as a management company called 7M Films.
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In particular, the series hones in on social media sensation sisters Melanie and Miranda Wilking, who shot to fame back in 2019 for creating catchy dance clips on the video-sharing app.
Despite their online success, the sisters signed with Los Angeles-based 7M Films management, which was being run by controversial owner Robert Shinn.
As well as Robert himself being a pastor at the Shekinah Church, the firm as a whole was linked closely to a community of individuals in the church.
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While Melanie thought it wise to keep herself distanced from the group, Miranda started spending more time with the group's mysterious members which, in turn, saw her cut off contact with her own family.
This formed part of the group's bizarre concept of 'dying'. Another ex-dancer tells viewers of the show: "Dying to yourself means that whatever you want or whatever you need, you have to ‘die to it,’ because whenever you die to something, it’ll come back to life and resurrect."
Another adds that they were taught to 'die to your family in order to save them'.
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Soon enough, however, cracks in this idyllic life began to show, exposing those who allegedly exploited the lives of countless youngsters.
Former members of the group have since accused Robert of sexual, emotional and financial abuse - which he denies.
Since the show hit our screens last week, fans has been left in shock, with many claiming they had no idea that some of their favourite social media stars have previously been trapped in the group.
"Man I did NOT realize who this dancing with the devil Netflix doc was about?? - not the Miranda dancer girl????" one penned.
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"Bloody ell, dancing for the devil on the netflix is dead good! And also bonkers.", another went on.
Others, however, have been left wondering where Miranda - as well as the other members of 7M - are now.
The series ends by explaining that Shinn - who declined to appear in the documentary - had denied all allegations made against him and has not faced any formal criminal charges.
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Instead, he has filed defamation and libel lawsuits against ex-members, three of whom joined a cross-complaint accusing 'Shinn, his wife, their entities and other affiliated individuals' of 'fraud, forced labor and human trafficking, as well as Robert of sexual battery'.
According to documentary director Derek Doneen, Miranda is still working with 7M, though she now has a relationship with her family and is aware of the documentary.
"It’s not the place that I think either of them want it to be," he told press this week.
"My hope is that Miranda watches this and that she sees the love and desperation that is genuine that her family has."
A spokesperson for Miranda, her husband James, 7M and Robert denied the allegations featured in the Netflix doc, putting the Wilkings’ claims down to a family disagreement.
“Miranda Derrick is a successful businesswoman and a loving wife and daughter who cares very much about her family,” a statement said.
“While the recent portrayals of Dr. Robert Shinn and 7M Films have been wildly offensive and riddled with inaccuracies, those false claims will not deter 7M from supporting Miranda in whichever endeavors she chooses to pursue next.”
Hannah Shinn, Robert's wife, has also since shared a statement with Tyla.
It reads: "The Netflix docuseries is a slanderous work of fiction, born from a failed extortion attempt, and invented for the sole purpose of gaining fame and fortune.
"Two years ago, Melanie Lee Goldman, Priscylla Leigh aka Elisha Priscylla Leigh and their co-conspirators launched a concerted smear campaign to defame Robert Shinn, his family, and his business associates after Mr. Shinn did not capitulate to Ms. Leigh’s extortion demands.
"Despite sworn statements from co-conspirators that confirm the scheme by Ms. Goldman and Ms. Leigh to disseminate widespread lies, Netflix recklessly provided a global platform to peddle a false narrative that is at the center of ongoing litigation.
"We will continue to pursue all legal remedies available to stop the spread of salacious lies and expect to be fully vindicated in court."
Topics: TV And Film, Netflix, TikTok, Crime, True Crime
Rhianna Benson