…Residence reportedly co‑owned by controversial pastor Robert Shinn
A home reportedly co‑owned by Robert Shinn — the pastor and talent manager at the center of the so‑called “TikTok Dance Cult” — was the focus of a sweeping sex‑trafficking warrant executed on Friday morning in Los Angeles, U.S. media outlet TMZ reported.
Federal and Local Authorities Carry Out Raid
The El Monte Police Department confirmed that its SWAT team assisted the U.S. Postal Service and the FBI in serving the warrant at a residence in the Tujunga neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Investigators said the ongoing probe covers a range of serious allegations, including sex trafficking, tax evasion, mail fraud, and money laundering.
The FBI’s Los Angeles field office declined to comment further on the operation, and efforts to reach the U.S. Attorney’s Office for details have so far been unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stated that it is working closely with federal, state, and local agencies on the investigation and continues to gather evidence.
What Happened at the Scene
Photos from the scene reportedly show FBI agents conducting their search outside the home. Multiple individuals were seen detained in handcuffs, though it remains unclear whether any formal arrests were made.
It is also not yet confirmed whether Robert Shinn himself was present at the time of the raid.
Who is Robert Shinn?
Robert Shinn is a pastor and entrepreneur who founded the influencer management company 7M Films. He is also the head of Shekinah Church, which former members have described as operating like a cult.
Shinn gained international attention after being prominently featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult. In the documentary, ex‑members accused him and his organization of sexual, emotional, and financial abuse as well as manipulation.
These allegations have led to multiple lawsuits and public scrutiny, though Shinn has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Why Authorities Are Investigating
Federal investigators have been looking into claims that some members connected to Shinn’s church and management company were coerced or manipulated into exploitative arrangements.
Critics allege that certain influencers under 7M Films were isolated from their families, controlled financially, and subjected to inappropriate conduct under the guise of religious devotion or career advancement.
The addition of a sex trafficking warrant suggests that investigators now suspect there may have been coercion or exploitation beyond the financial and emotional claims previously reported. The mention of tax evasion and money laundering also indicates that authorities are scrutinizing how funds moved through Shinn’s organizations.
Ongoing Legal and Public Fallout
Shinn, through his representatives, has continued to deny every accusation. He maintains that both 7M Films and Shekinah Church operate legally and ethically, insisting that former members are disgruntled or misrepresenting their experiences.
However, the raid and warrant underscore how seriously federal authorities are treating the allegations.
As of now, the investigation is active, and more details may emerge as evidence is reviewed.
The film not only sparked public outrage but also inspired families of influencers to come forward, claiming their loved ones had been cut off and manipulated.
Following the documentary by Netflix, 7M Films issued statements denying being a cult, calling itself a faith‑based management company that supports dancers’ careers.
The case is being watched closely because it highlights the murky overlap between social media influencer culture, religious movements, and potential exploitation.