Latest news with #DancingfortheDevil
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Feds raid TikTok cult pastor Robert Shinn's home amid sex trafficking allegations
Federal agents raided the Tujunga residence of pastor Robert Shinn early Friday morning as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation linked to allegations spotlighted in the 2024 Netflix documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. The home, located at 7744 McGroarty Street, was searched at 6 a.m. by officials from the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and El Monte Police Department SWAT. According to authorities, the sealed warrant includes accusations of sex trafficking, mail fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, and pandemic-related schemes. 'U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners on this ongoing investigation,' said Postal Inspector Patricia Mendoza. 'This remains an active case.' Robert Shinn is the founder of the Shekinah Church and CEO of 7M Films, a management company that recruits dancers and influencers. In the Netflix docuseries, several former members accused Shinn of coercion, financial exploitation, and unwanted sexual advances. Allegations in Dancing for the Devil included claims that Shinn exercised extreme control over the dancers' lives—managing their money, housing, relationships, and careers. Some also described experiences of grooming and psychological manipulation. Despite the raid, no arrests have been made as of Friday afternoon, and federal officials have not confirmed if charges will follow. The investigation remains ongoing.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who is Robert Shinn? Feds raid LA home of alleged ‘TikTok Cult' pastor in sex trafficking probe
Federal agents and EI Monte Police swarmed a Tujunga residence linked to Robert Shinn on Friday morning, serving a search warrant tied to serious allegations of sex trafficking, tax evasion, money laundering, and pandemic-era fraud, reported the LA Times. The property, located at 7744 McGroarty Street, is linked to the founder of Shekinah Church and 7M Films. Shinn is also the central figure in the Netflix docuseries Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. Robert Shinn is also the central figure in the Netflix docuseries Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.(Netflix) The multi-agency raid, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS, US Postal Service, and Department of Labor, began around 6 am local time, with SWAT officers breaching the gated estate. Neighbors reported hearing flash-bangs and loudspeaker commands as federal agents detained at least six persons, including an older woman and a mother clutching a child. The LA Times stated that the authorities had not confirmed any arrests as of Friday evening. Also read: Tik Tok cult exposed in latest Netflix documentary: Wilking sisters' journey in Dancing for the Devil Robert Shinn's Netflix fame and cult allegations Shinn, who founded 7M Films in 2021, claimed to help TikTok influencers break into the Los Angeles entertainment scene, a KTLA report said. However, the docuseries portrayed a darker story with many former members accusing him of manipulation, emotional abuse, and exploitation under the guise of religion and talent management. The series, which featured former clients like Melanie Wilking and Miranda Derrick, recounted how dancers were allegedly pressured to sever ties with family and adhere to rigid spiritual teachings to gain 'salvation'. Despite these claims, no formal sexual assault charges were brought against Shinn, the KTLA report added. His company has denied all allegations and said the Netflix series was 'slanderous work of fiction' and part of a 'failed extortion attempt.' Also read: Hulk Hogan dies: From leaked sex tape to racism row, WWE star's biggest controversies Robert Shinn's legal battles The lawsuits pit Shinn against former members of his church and talent agency. While Shinn has filed a defamation claim, the defendants have countersued, accusing him of fraud, forced labor, human trafficking, and sexual battery, the report added. Tujunga residents have meanwhile expressed mixed reactions. Some described the property as secretive and unsettling, with high walls and closed-off windows. Others, like neighbor Anthony Jackson, said they were shaken by the allegations. 'This is a quiet neighborhood,' he told the LA Times and added, 'We never saw anything out of the ordinary.' FAQs Who is Robert Shinn? Shinn is a pastor and founder of Shekinah Church and 7M Films, a talent agency. He is the central figure in Dancing for the Devil, a Netflix docuseries alleging cult-like abuse. What is the investigation about? Federal agents are investigating allegations of sex trafficking, money laundering, tax evasion, and pandemic-era fraud. Was anyone arrested? As of now, authorities have not confirmed any arrests related to the raid. Is this connected to the Netflix docuseries? While officials have not formally confirmed a link, the raid targeted the same property featured in the documentary. When is the trial? The civil trial involving Shinn and former members is scheduled to begin on October 27, 2025.
New York Times
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The Best True Crime to Stream: TikTok Dreams to Nightmares
TikTok continues to be on shaky ground in the United States. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court upheld a law passed by Congress last year that required a ban of the Chinese-owned app unless it was sold to a government-approved buyer. Hours before the law took effect, TikTok went dark briefly, then flickered back to life when President Trump, a day before his inauguration, indicated support for the app. He then signed an executive order stalling the ban for 75 days. Whether the app will disappear for good is unclear, but in the meantime, here are four true-crime stories associated with TikTok — the most downloaded app in the United States and the world in 2020, 2021 and 2022 — that captured broader attention. Documentary Series 'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult' It's of course no secret that the glossy dance videos that have populated TikTok since its inception, along with much online content, is more fantasy than reality. But that's little comfort to the revelations uncovered in this 2024 Netflix series. 'Dancing for the Devil' primarily spends time with dancers who were managed by the talent company 7M Films and were members of Shekinah Church — both entities founded and led by Pastor Robert Shinn — as well as desperate family members of those still involved with 7M. These families claim that their loved ones are essentially trapped. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
