Federal agents raided a California residence on July 27 as part of an investigation into allegations of sex trafficking and other serious criminal activities. Robert Shinn, the figure behind Netflix’s controversial docuseries “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,” is at the center of the inquiry. The targeted property, located in Tujunga, is partially owned by Shinn. According to the Los Angeles Times, several individuals associated with the property were taken into custody by law enforcement.
Reports indicate that agents from the FBI, IRS, US Postal Service, and Department of Labor executed warrants early on Friday, July 25. The charges reported include sex trafficking, money laundering, mail fraud, tax evasion, and COVID-19-related fraud. Footage aired by KTLA showed at least six people in handcuffs, with one woman holding a child. Details on those involved in the investigation remain unclear. Notably, this site was showcased in the Netflix docuseries released earlier this year, which went viral for its claims that Shinn operates a “cult” disguised as a talent management firm and religious organization. A witness reported hearing a flash-bang grenade explode around 6 a.m. on the day of the raid.
The investigation surrounds Robert Shinn, a self-proclaimed pastor who established Shekinah Church in 1994 and founded 7M Films in 2021, which manages TikTok dancers. The documentary suggests that many dancers were initially recruited through 7M Films, only to be pressured into joining Shekinah Church and severing ties with their families. Individuals who were part of 7M have since accused Shinn of manipulation and abuse, including financial exploitation and sexual assault. Dancer Aubrey Fisher claims Shinn required him to surrender 70% of his earnings to the church. Another dancer, Melanie Goldman, recounted witnessing girls “screaming at the top of their lungs” inside the church.
In a poignant Instagram video from 2022, dancer Melanie Wilking expressed her distress to her sister Miranda, who she believed had lost control of her life after joining 7M. The sisters had gained fame on TikTok before their relationship fractured, though they have since reconciled. Despite the allegations, Shinn has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that Shekinah Church and 7M Films are separate entities. He even filed a defamation lawsuit in 2022 against former members who labeled his organization a cult.
In the Netflix documentary, Shinn’s legal representatives affirmed that no criminal charges had been filed against him up to that point. However, the recent federal raid indicates that law enforcement is taking the allegations more seriously. As the investigation continues, federal officials have stated they are gathering further evidence, but no charges have yet been filed.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/netflixs-cult-pastor-robert-shinns-home-raided-in-sex-trafficking-probe-who-is-the-viral-tiktok-preacher-10152187/
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Publish Date: 2025-07-27 06:09:00
