Topics: TikTok, TV And Film, Netflix, True Crime, Crime
Ever since true crime documentary Dancing For The Devil landed on Netflix last week, viewers of this harrowing story have wondered where the relationship stands between sisters Miranda Derrick and Melanie Wilking.
For those who haven't watched the chilling three-part hit, the series tells the tale of a group of TikTok stars who - back in 2019 - became entangled in what many have accused of being part of a 'cult' masquerading as Los Angeles-based management company 7M.
Among those to become embroiled in the group were social media sensations Miranda and Melanie Derrick.
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While part of their newfound family, the pair were presided over by controversial owner Robert Shinn, who also served as pastor at the Shekinah Church, which was set up in the years prior.
After some time, however, Melanie began to suspect that there may be something more sinister going on behind the scenes, particularly after she and Miranda were encouraged to cut off all contact with her own family.
Over the years that followed, the formerly close sisters would become estranged after Melanie returned home, only for Miranda to remain with the mysterious group.
The series ends by explaining that Shinn - who declined to appear - had denied all allegations made against him and has not faced any formal criminal charges.
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' - allegations which he denies.
Others, however, were left wondering where TikTok stars Miranda and Melanie currently stand with one another.
Taking to Instagram earlier this week, Miranda slammed the docu-series as 'one-sided', claiming that she and her family simply 'don't see eye-to-eye'.
Among numerous other controversial claims, the dancer told her followers: "My family don't honor the space I've asked for and I saw a different side of them I've never seen before.
"Honestly, it made me mad, frustrated and annoyed that they were being so overbearing and chaotic."
Naturally, therefore, viewers were left confused that the dancer had very recently shared a snap from her sister Melanie's wedding to NFL player Austin Ekeler, which took place four days before the documentary dropped.
Dressed in a black gown, she captioned the post, 'Had such a great time at my sister’s wedding', but followers of their feud weren't quite convinced by apparently friendly relationships.
And today, newlywed social media star Melanie has finally shed some light on where she and her little sister really do stand now.
Speaking to Glamour magazine, Melanie firstly confirmed that Miranda and her own husband James 'BDash' Derrick were, in fact, in attendance on her big day, but that she has had no contact from the pair since the documentary aired.
Reflecting on her nuptials, she spoke of her sister: "Overall, it was great. I’m very happy that she came—her and James were there.
"And although it was my wedding, so I was pulled in many different directions, and I didn’t get to spend much time with people individually but our interactions were very positive and I’m glad we can share that memory together."
Melanie went on to claim, however: "Sadly, I did reach out but I have not heard back."
She also does not believe Miranda would have watched the documentary in full.
"I think, according to her statement, I feel it is very clear that she did not watch it because it’s so much bigger than just our family situation," she told the outlet.
"It goes so much deeper into that and if you watch the documentary, you would know that. So it’s very sad to me, it was very sad when I read that. And it’s like, I do not believe that she watched it."
And speaking of the future, Melanie continued: "I’m hopeful that we will stay in contact. I don’t necessarily know what that looks like. But I’ve never lost hope that we will get our relationship back."
Following the release of the documentary, Hannah Shinn, Robert's wife, shared a statement with Tyla.
It reads: "The Netflix docu-series 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."
