Title: The Alleged Villain of 'Dancing for the Devil' and the Criminal Investigations Against Him
In August 2023, two criminal investigations were initiated against Robert Shinn for sexual battery allegations. These cases were reported to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) by some of his accusers who had gone to authorities.
One of the cases was filed by former 7M member Kylie Douglas, whose story was featured in Netflix's 'Dancing for the Devil.' The LAPD conducted an investigation into this case, and it eventually landed at the L.A. City Attorney's Office.
Another case was also submitted to the L.A. City Attorney's Office last August, but both cases were rejected in April 2024 due to insufficient evidence and a significant delay in reporting.
Despite these allegations, Robert Shinn has denied all accusations made against him in the Netflix docuseries.
Background: Who is Robert Shinn?
Robert Shinn is the founder of Shekinah Church in Los Angeles, which later started talent agency 7M Films Inc. in 2021. The docuseries 'Dancing for the Devil' focuses on TikTok star Miranda Derrick and her involvement with Shinn's church and management label.
Miranda was cut out of her sister Melanie Wilking's life after she became involved with a group of Los Angeles dancers represented by 7M Films. Communication between the sisters has ceased since the release of 'Dancing for the Devil' on May 29, 2023.
Ongoing Litigation: Lawsuits and Counter-Suits
Robert Shinn is currently facing a civil lawsuit filed by former members Priscylla Leigh and Melanie Lee, accusing him of fraud, sexual abuse, and forced labor. The trial is scheduled for July 2025.
Shinn has also filed a defamation suit against the sisters in 2022 over allegations that he referred to Shekinah as a cult on social media.
Netflix's Role: Providing a Platform for False Narratives?
Helen Shinn, Robert Shinn's wife, denies the sisters' accusations and claims they are attempting to extort her husband. She also accuses Netflix of recklessly providing a platform to peddle false narratives that are at the center of ongoing litigation.