Our interactions were very positive, she says.
I’m glad we can share that memory together.
You gotta be undercover.
Courtesy of Netflix.
Melanie and Miranda Wilking in June 2018.
Since the release ofDancing for the Devilon May 29, communication between the Wilking sisters has ceased.
This documentary has created a further challenge between us as I work to overcome this public attack.
Melanie and Miranda Wilking in June 2018.
For her part, Melanie doubts her sister has seen the documentary.
It was very sad when I read that.
Can you tell me what gave you pause and what led you to take part?
Melanie Wilking:I think we were hesitant because it is such a delicate situation to navigate.
Theres no guidebook on how to [proceed] when you have a family member in a cult.
And so we didnt want to make the wrong move.
Courtesy of Netflix
Some people on social media believe BDash activelyrecruitedyour sister and other dancers for 7M.
Do you see him as a victim of the situation?
I think, hands down, hes still a victim.
Melanie Wilking’s Instagram Story on June 4, 2024.
I mean, I think it was the perfect storm that my sister was in a relationship with him.
So, hands down, hes most definitely a victim of the situation as well.
Miranda attended your weddinghow was that experience?
Courtesy of Netflix
Overall, it was great.
Im very happy that she cameher and James were there.
Have you been in contact with her since the documentary came out?
I have not, sadly.
I did reach out, but I have not heard back.
Did you see your sisters statement yesterday?
It was very similar to her response to your familys Instagram Live in 2022.
Do you think she watched the documentary?
It goes so much deeper into that and if you watch the documentary, you would know that.
So its very sad to me, it was very sad when I read that.
And its like, I do not believe that she watched it.
She did say she is a plaintiff in a defamation lawsuit.
Is that against you or your family?
From my knowledge, its againstKatie Joy.
Katie Joy has been vocal about [7M], but I don’t know the specifics onthe case.
How do you feel about that now?
I think, again, it is a very difficult situation to navigate.
And there is no correct way because every situation is so different.
Its easy to go about life like it never happened, but then were not truly addressing the problem.
And Robert is still in control, which I have a problem with.
So I think thats where I stand on that.
Do you think that contact with Miranda will continue?
You know, Im not too sure.
Im hopeful that we will stay in contact.
I dont necessarily know what that looks like.
But Ive never lost hope that we will get our relationship back.
So you dont think that its too far gone at this point?
No, not at all.
Melanie Wilkings Instagram Story on June 4, 2024.
What does that look like for you?
Its hard to balance that because we dont want the story to die.
I don’t want to be defined by the trauma that I went through.
So trying to keep filling my cup and live a positive and fulfilled life is so important to me.
And so many people have gone through similar situations, which is wild to me.
Do you know anything about that?
Yes, he did.
He did actually share that with us prior to this whole situation.
What would you tell someone who thinks their loved one might be getting pulled into a cult?
I think the main thing is dont give up on your loved one.
Because giving up is so much easier.
But we know that my sister is not in a safe environment.
And so we will not stand for that.
And so just to keep doing whatever you feel is necessary, educate yourself, contact authorities.
Really just keep going.
But then also, it will get better.
Like, your life will get better.
It may not look the way you thought it would.
But you will find happiness again.
There will be joy, it just may not be in the things that you thought.
I really credit my family and friends.
I truly have such an amazing group around me.
Because [fighting back tears],I don’t wish this upon anyone.
And just trying to never lose that hope.
Its very difficult, but thats what gets me through.
Thats what gets me through.
