Federal agents conducted a significant raid on a home in Tujunga, California, linked to Pastor Robert Shinn, known for his involvement with the controversial “TikTok Cult” featured in a recent Netflix documentary titled “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.” The operation involved agents from the FBI, IRS, US Postal Service, and the Department of Labor, investigating serious allegations including sex trafficking, money laundering, mail fraud, tax evasion, and COVID-19-related fraud. The raid resulted in several detainees, though their identities have not been disclosed.
The operation reportedly commenced at dawn, accompanied by the sound of flash-bang grenades, highlighting the urgency and intensity of the situation. Shinn, who founded Shekinah Church in 1994 and later established 7M Films in 2021, is alleged to have manipulated dancers under the guise of helping them become TikTok stars. According to claims made by former members, the relationship between Shekinah Church and 7M is inseparable, with dancers recruited into the church and instructed on how to behave under Shinn’s leadership.
Witnesses, including ex-dancers and church members, have painted a troubling picture of life under Shinn’s influence. One former parishioner reported witnessing young women fleeing the church in distress, suggesting an environment of fear and control. Many of these dancers confirmed that Shinn’s sermons encouraged them to sever ties with their families, creating a culture of isolation and dependency. This manipulation is deemed a systematic approach to control members’ lives, which according to allegations, included coercing them to surrender a significant portion of their earnings back to the church.
Among those who have shared their stories, former dancer Melanie Wilking gained attention in 2022 for an emotional Instagram plea aimed at reaching her sister, Miranda, who had become deeply involved with Shinn’s organization. The two had previously operated a popular TikTok account but became estranged after Melanie departed, concerned about the manipulative dynamics within the church. Despite their falling out, they managed to reconcile, demonstrating the deeply personal impacts of their experiences in Shinn’s realm.
Another former member, Aubrey Fisher, disclosed that Shinn’s demands extended to a staggering 70% of dancers’ earnings, which included a significant portion earmarked as a “man of God fee.” This financial burden highlights the exploitation claims made against Shinn and his organizations, which purportedly prey on the ambitions of young dancers. Such narratives contribute to a growing skepticism surrounding Shinn’s operations, furthering allegations of the church’s cult-like nature.
In defense of his actions, Shinn has consistently denied any allegations linking Shekinah Church to 7M. In a contentious response to claims of cult behavior, he filed a defamation lawsuit against former members who labeled his organization a cult, indicating a contentious battle over public perception and accountability. This ongoing situation continues to unfold, reflecting broader societal concerns about control, manipulation, and exploitation masquerading under the guise of religious and artistic ambition.
