Hosted by Jessica Acevedo and Kailea Gray, the weekly podcast will uncover shocking new details behind 7M Films and Shekinah Church, expanding upon Acevedo’s recent TV docu-series
Listen to episode one HERE
NEW YORK – September 12, 2024 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher according to Podtrac, today announced the debut of “Forgive Me For I Have Followed,” a new podcast that will explore the harrowing world of 7M Films and the Los Angeles based Shekinah Church. Hosted by Jessica Acevedo, executive producer of Netflix’s hit docu-series “Dancing For The Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,” and Kailea Gray, former member of 7M Films, the series will offer an unprecedented look into the practices of these organizations through the experiences of those who have been affected. “Forgive Me For I Have Followed” is the latest series from actor, producer, entrepreneur and activist Wilmer Valderrama’s exclusive slate with iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network, a network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and stories and of which Valderrama is a stakeholder. The weekly podcast, produced by iHeartPodcasts, Dirty Robber and Valderrama’s production company WV Sound, will join previously released podcasts from iHeart and Valderrama including “More Better,” “Date My Abuelita, First!,” and “Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama.''
"At WV Sound and My Cultura we pride ourselves in telling compelling stories that go beyond what you think you know and give you a true insider's look. 'Forgive Me For I Have Followed' is exactly that," said Wilmer Valderrama. "We’re proud to offer a platform for those who lived this journey to tell their stories.”
Launching today, “Forgive Me For I Have Followed” will embark on a gripping journey that will go beyond what was revealed in the docu-series. Through in-depth interviews with former members and chilling first-hand accounts, the podcast will illuminate untold stories and perspectives that are crucial for understanding the true impact and manipulation of high-control groups. The podcast will also feature individuals whose lives have been affected by other groups, broadening the conversation to expose and serve as a critical warning to the widespread nature of such abuses.
“In the docu-series we were able to share a few experiences and explore only pieces of a much larger story,” said Acevedo. “Continuing this exploration through our new podcast 'Forgive Me For I Have Followed’ with My Cultura and WV Sound allows us to do a deeper dive as well as provide a comfortable space for others to share their experiences in hopes of healing.”
Fans can listen now HERE.
The My Cultura Podcast Network was announced in May 2021. In addition to Valderrama’s slate of shows, the network is home to hit podcasts including “Connections with Eva Longoria,” “Princess of South Beach'' starring Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) and Sheryl Rubio (Casa de las Flores), “Wrestling with Freddie” with Freddie Prinze, Jr., “Sisters of the Underground” executive produced by Eva Longoria and Dania Ramirez, “Chiquis and Chill,” “Escuela Secreta,” “Sacred Scandal,” “Overcomfort with Jenicka Lopez,” “Ay Por Favor,” “Enrique Santos Podcast” and many more.
The My Cultura Podcast Network is distributed by iHeartPodcasts, with all shows available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.
Editor’s Notes:
Podcast cover art is available for download HERE.
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About Jessica Acevedo
Jessica Acevedo has worked alongside Wilmer Valderrama since 2009, launching The Ricardo Laguna Project at MTV Tr3s in 2012 and selling numerous projects, straight to series, including The Hollywood Puppet Show for Fuse, Douglas Family Gold for Oxygen, and King of the Floor for YouTube's Nuevon. Additionally, Jessica produced and cast the Netflix animated films Charming and Dog Gone Trouble. Her work spans networks such as CBS, A&E, TNT, Sundance, Disney, and Nickelodeon through WV Entertainment. In 2023, Jessica was promoted to SVP of Production & Development. Most recently, she executive produced the three-part documentary series Dancing for the Devil: The 7M Tik Tok Cult for Netflix and became a partner in WV Entertainment’s new venture, WV Alternative.
About Kailea Gray
Kailea Gray is a versatile Social Media Marketer, Videographer, and Content Strategist, known for her work with major brands like Nike, Lululemon, and Adidas on campaigns that feature some of the world’s most celebrated dancers. Surrounded by a community of artists, she identified a need for strategic content curation, helping artists showcase their work purposefully and reach wider audiences. Featured in the documentary "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult," Kailea has sparked important public conversations about the dark side of social media and other major influences on our psyche. Passionate about fostering connections and inspired by her community, she enjoys exploring spirituality, hosting joyful events, and aims to create platforms for stories that challenge societal norms to build a better world.
About Wilmer Valderrama
Actor, producer, and activist Wilmer Valderrama has been making audiences laugh, listen, and think for nearly two decades. Perhaps most recognized for his role as exchange student ‘Fez’ on the Emmy-nominated series That 70s Show, Valderrama currently stars in the #1 TV drama NCIS on CBS. He is also developing a live-action “Zorro” series at Disney Branded Television in which he will star and executive produce. On the big screen, he most recently lent his voice to the hit Academy Award-winning Disney animated film Encanto. Behind the camera, Valderrama partnered with John Pollack to launch Allied Management Group, which focuses on partnering with, collaborating, and representing new and existing Latino voices across traditional and digital media. He has also expanded his role with the My Cultura Podcast Network from iHeartMedia by becoming a shareholder. Following the success of ‘Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama’ and ‘Date My Abuelita, First!’, Valderrama is helping curate the network’s slate of Latinx-focused podcasts via WV Sound, led by Leo Klemm, Head of Podcasts, and has committed to a robust slate of new programing that will be executive produced by and/or star him. He and his production company, WV Entertainment, along with CBS TV Studios have multiple projects in development. Moreover, WV Entertainment is set to produce “The Chonga Girls” which follows two dangerously confident childhood friends, Mimi and Laura, who move from Miami to Hollywood to realize their dream of becoming famous. Outside of acting and producing, Valderrama is active in several philanthropic agencies including HARNESS, which he co-founded with America Ferrara and Ryan Piers William to connect communities through conversation to inspire action and power change. He also serves on the board of Voto Latino, a spokesperson for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), and a USO Global Ambassador.
