Tony Ortega's Blog, page 13

We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.

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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH

— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see

[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf

— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond

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[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones

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“As you look over the history of Dianetics and Scientology you’ll see a cycle is in operation. We get more and more complicated, more and more complicated, more and more complicated and then suddenly we get to a new, higher level of simplicity. And then this simplicity gets complicated and more complicated and more complicated and then we get to a new, higher level of simplicity. That’s just a history of me outguessing you.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 12, 1961

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“DAVID MURDOCK McBRIDE is assigned to Div IV as deckhand. He is to be grooved in on his post by John Wilson. His buddy is Arthur Hubbard. DAVID LEE FARRELL is assigned to Division III as to be Stores In Training. He is to be grooved in by Jay Hurwitz. His buddy is Paul Preston. DEKKI LE MOATE is assigned to Org Bureau Mimeo Files to be grooved in by Mimeo I/C R. Stone. Her buddy is Liz Ausley. HUGH HARRISON is assigned to Div III, Steward. He is to be grooved in by Linda Cusworth. His buddy is Bertie van Hoecke. ROBERT WILLIAMSON is assigned to Org Bu Mimeo Files. He is to be grooved in by Mimeo I/C R. Stone. His buddy is changed to David Ziff. RON STRAUS is assigned to Mimeo Files. He is to be grooved in by Mimeo I/C R. STone. His buddy is Ens. Des Popham.” — The Commodore, September 12, 1970

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“Many things have happened throughout time which have landed us here, many civilizations have crashed and been condensed, implanters are here on Earth implanting people every day. The way out is to handle Earth. Many people feel that there has to be a techno-space expansion for things to go right, but statistically on the track these civilizations are very degraded and they collapse, only ethical expansion is correct.”

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});——————–

1999: Karin Spaink reported this week that Scientology has appealed a court decision that allows her to keep advanced Scientology materials on her web site. “Yesterday night, upon arriving home after a rather adventurous and time-warped day, I found a huge fax. A 29-page appeal against the June 9, 1999 ruling. RTC etc appeal on all possible counts, and against all parties. That means that my page will again be the subject of a court case.”

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“The trick for recognizing an Aussie accent is that they always sound like they’re asking a question.”

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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due August 13.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing December 1.

Civil litigation:

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief was filed June 3. Respondent briefs are due September 2.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal. Jane Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.

——————–

After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.

An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?

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THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] David Minkoff, Scientology doctor: The expert’s report on his failure to care for Whitney Mills
[TWO years ago] The Jane Doe victim statements at Danny Masterson’s sentencing: The transcript
[THREE years ago] Court agrees to issue summons for Scientology leader David Miscavige in trafficking lawsuit
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s new campaign to get you to sign its billion-year contract is here!
[FIVE years ago] RIFFER: David Miscavige too busy saving Scientology from Covid to be served lawsuit
[SIX years ago] Hey, kids! It’s open mic night at your local Scientology spaceport!
[SEVEN years ago] FLORIDA IS IDEAL: Scientology ushers in glorious new civilization in country’s wang
[EIGHT years ago] Tonight on ‘Leah Remini’: Two witnesses detail David Miscavige’s ruthless Scientology takeover
[NINE years ago] Steve Cannane’s Oz-flavored Scientology history ‘Fair Game’ gets a UK-US-Canada publisher
[TEN years ago] ‘Going Clear’ wins Outstanding Documentary Emmy, also for writing, directing
[ELEVEN years ago] Escaping from a Scientology drug rehab center: A transcript
[TWELVE years ago] MONIQUE RATHBUN’S TESTIMONY: Day One Finishes in Her Temporary Injunction Hearing

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,384 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,888 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,394 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,948 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,938 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,320 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,815 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,119 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,770 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,988 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,542 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,883 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,454 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,370 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,537 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,119 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,378 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,415 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,131 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,695 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,010 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,185 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,867 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,204 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,057 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,173 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,535 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,946 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,334 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,218 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,783 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,294 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,554 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,658 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on September 12, 2025 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.

The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele

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Published on September 12, 2025 05:40

‘Trans’ bullets doubted, killer still on loose, Trump goes to Yankees game

Some links to Q-related items today

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Trump with Bill O’Reilly and Pam Bondi at the Yankees game pic.twitter.com/N2dbwMGyHo

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 12, 2025

If this was any other President with his face drooping like that it would be 24/7 media coverage till the 25th amendment was invoked. https://t.co/BqqGNP8boN

— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) September 11, 2025

Source with direct knowledge: Claims of bullets with “transgender and antifascist ideology” does not match investigative reports, is not verified.

Awful example of cop stenography that we can only hope will not lead to a retaliatory extremist attack.https://t.co/9jE8M3dDvV https://t.co/YYoLRC4WaL pic.twitter.com/dwYGOlphcj

— Talia Jane ❤️‍🔥 (@taliaotg) September 11, 2025

Cox: There is a tremendous amount of disinformation we are tracking… bots from Russia and China all over the world that are trying to instill disinformation.. I would encourage you to ignore those pic.twitter.com/Xwm66BZNs1

— Acyn (@Acyn) September 12, 2025

Officials in Utah show video of the suspect running and dropping down from the building pic.twitter.com/Iq4dSmclQp

— Acyn (@Acyn) September 12, 2025

Meiselas: I think about the Charleston church shooting, where that lunatic terrorist Dylann Roof killed 9 African Americans. The motives were very clear. It was racist, it was anti-Black. Former President Obama at the time was the president. He did not speak from the Oval Office… pic.twitter.com/KeML7Y2ZOg

— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) September 12, 2025

I’m very confused… Trump said he brought in $17 trillion https://t.co/mLLZNAaxI0

— Ben Meiselas (@meiselasb) September 11, 2025

A cache of more than 18,000 emails from Jeffrey Epstein’s personal email account, obtained by Bloomberg News, provides new details on his relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell. Here is the next installment in our Epstein investigation: https://t.co/d7W1KSt5zn via @business

— Ava Benny-Morrison (@avabmorrison) September 11, 2025

Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.

THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.

Posted by Tony Ortega on September 12, 2025 at 08:00

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Published on September 12, 2025 05:40

L. Ron Hubbard and the second wife he never had: Photos Scientology suppresses

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Our helper who dives through old newspaper archives hit on another gem recently that we’ve told you about before, but we thought it was worth looking at it again for its great photos, which Scientology doesn’t want you to see. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

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Technology Cocktail

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“A thetan knows that if he could remember the exact place a thing had been generated, the exact time and the exact conditions, and the exact person who did it, he would then get a disappearance of the thing. Dating is the action the auditor takes to help the pc spot the exact time something happened. Locating is the action the auditor takes to help the pc spot the exact place something happened. By dating and locating, getting the exact time and place a specific thing happened, the pc is able to blow the mass and energy connected with the occurrence which has hung him up at that point.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979

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We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.

——————–

THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH

— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see

[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf

— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond

[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

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“Several things need clarifying. And one is the length of the time track. And a lot of you have had considerable protest on the subject of the length of the time track. Because trillions of trillions of trillions of trillions of trillions of years, you know, T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T, you know and, ‘Oh, my God, ho, ho, ho! Oh, ho, ho dear! Getting so long. Da, dsa, dya, dya, dya, oh! Uh!’ You hear that around every once in a while. You probably felt like that yourself, you know. Well, I just have good news for you in that particular department. What I would choose to call ‘modern times’ extends from trillions – thirteen till now. That’s modern times. The stuff that’s more likely to influence the preclear in present time. Well, this is very germane.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 11, 1963

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“The Russian Cholera spread has altered our sailing schedule. The Eastern Med is crawling with Cholera bugs with red hammers and sickles stamped on them and certified to be lethal by the World Health Organization who needs a PR push to grab a quick buck from governments. It really isn’t dangerous but we’ll stay away from such areas. All ships except the Russian vessels carrying the disease are subject to Quarantine. Coming from a cholera port could get us one month quarantine which would mean no Couriers. So we just don’t risk being in a port that can be declared a cholera port or is one. Simple.” — The Commodore, September 11, 1970

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“My feeling regarding LRH at the moment is that he experienced far more difficulties with implementing Scientology here than he anticipated and is taking his time to destimulate before jumping into the morass again. I suspect that Justin Craig was a BT from LRH who wasn’t fully handled.”

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1998: “Dr. David Minkoff, the doctor who pronounced Lisa McPherson dead at Port Richey Hospital, has settled with the McPherson estate. The settlement is confidential, and no other details are available. The remaining defendants, including the Church of Scientology d/b/a Flag Land Base, remain in litigation.”

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“You would think a Scientology connection would be enough to kill any political campaign if it was really played up in the media.”

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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due August 13.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing December 1.

Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief was filed June 3. Respondent briefs are due September 2.

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal. Jane Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.

——————–

After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.

An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?

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THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Notorious Scientology doc David Minkoff added to lawsuit in Whitney Mills death
[TWO years ago] How Gwyneth Paltrow is helping out Scientology this 9-11
[THREE years ago] Scientology delivers superpowers, and here are the miracles to prove it!
[FOUR years ago] On 9/11, Scientology leader’s ‘wake-up call’ was supposed to expand the church
[FIVE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Episode 3 leaks online, with bizarre kidnap attempt in broad daylight
[SIX years ago] After 3 years of Hurricane Leah: ‘Scientology today is light years ahead of what it was’
[SEVEN years ago] A visit from a private investigator has us wondering if Scientology is behind it
[EIGHT years ago] HURRICANE LEAH: ‘The defenses are crumbling. Scientology in Los Angeles is dying.’
[NINE years ago] How Scientology repackages itself and takes in the New York Police Department and NY schools
[TEN years ago] US Army catches Scientology ‘detox’ study rigging results, government document shows
[ELEVEN years ago] DOX: Scientology drug rehab center found deficient after a 2010 California death
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Slackers: How to Audit Away Your Passive-Aggressive, Dominating Deviancy!

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,383 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,887 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,393 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,947 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,937 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,319 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,814 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,118 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,769 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,987 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,541 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,882 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,453 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,369 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,536 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,118 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,377 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,414 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,130 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,694 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,009 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,184 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,866 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,203 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,056 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,172 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,534 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,945 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,333 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,217 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,782 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,293 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,553 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,657 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on September 11, 2025 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.

The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele

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Published on September 11, 2025 06:01

Dem leaders condemn Kirk assassination, Trump makes hay

Some links to Q-related items today

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 10, 2025

I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family.

Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 10, 2025

The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 10, 2025

BREAKING: Instead of bringing Americans together, Trump just delivered one of the most divisive and disgraceful speeches by any president in the aftermath of someone’s death.

He dishonors Charlie Kirk’s name by turning his passing into a rallying cry to smear Democrats. Notice… pic.twitter.com/9uqGGfYROF

— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) September 11, 2025

Truly can’t wait for QAnon to start baking all the random capitalized letters in this post to try to unlock the hidden comms Trump was trying to send while announcing the death of Charlie Kirk. pic.twitter.com/pQWbnk2Kw9

— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) September 10, 2025

In a suit filed earlier today by three fired FBI officials, Patel and Bongino are portrayed as being so obsessed with social media that it could “risk outweighing more deliberate analyses of investigations." https://t.co/VTD3jhStuE pic.twitter.com/rEin21zI1A

— Anna Bower (@AnnaBower) September 11, 2025

Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.

THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.

Posted by Tony Ortega on September 11, 2025 at 08:00

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Published on September 11, 2025 06:00

A deeper look at Scientology’s last-minute bid for permission to erect its big tent

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Former Scientology staffer Alex Barnes-Ross has had more time to consider the last-minute proposal the church submitted to a local council for major changes at Saint Hill Manor, Scientology’s UK headquarters. He’s found numerous issues that should concern those local pols. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

——————–

Technology Cocktail

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

“When a student or Supervisor goes into a course room and sees things that are out-ethics or nonstandard or ‘not the way Ron says they should be’ and doesn’t do something effective to handle the scene then he himself will become part of it; he goes into agreement with it and will actually contribute to the out-ethics. This situation is a widespread thing in our society today. It’s not limited to our course rooms. You see it in marriages. It has become an acceptable thing to get divorced, create broken homes, cheat on your spouse. In the world of big business you’re told to swindle Mr. X before he swindles you. This is group agreement. It is agreed upon out-ethics. Now, if a course room is run like this you’ll get auditors who won’t keep auditing appointments, misapply tech, fail to handle their pcs’ ethics, give and accept verbal data, have nonstandard admin, etc., etc. You will also train executives who will operate out-ethics, off-policy orgs. Either way, you’re setting yourself up for losses.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979

——————–

We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.

——————–

THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH

— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see

[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf

— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond

[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

——————–

“You’ll find the artists and musicians of this particular planet always have some schnook alongside of them to cave them in. They always marry the wrong girl, you know, and get the wrong agent, and, because they’re creating. The industrialist, the manufacturer, that sort of thing, these boys, it’s not because of any deep-seated communist plot, it’s just they are in trouble, that’s all. They haven’t got enough force to protect their own creativeness, and as a result, why, people attack them. Elementary. Basic answer on the whole track, if you had never had anybody create anything, you would have no trouble. Nothing had ever been created, why, of course you wouldn’t have any universe to be in trouble with. This is all very elementary.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 10, 1963

——————–

“Did you notice ashore how the native pesetas have inflated??? Wow. We better start getting our stats up. World inflation is ZOOMING. That would eat up all our reserves in a minute. So Hi Ho for the open sea. Farewell and adieu to you Spanish ladies. Farewell and adieu to you ladies of Spain. Until we strike soundings in the Channel of Old England. But we hope in a short time to see you again.” — The Commodore, September 10, 1969

——————–

“I say LRH had to return like he said he would and he had to create a totally different beingness in order to understand and communicate with the newest most severe levels of degraded beings here on Earth. I myself know: I was a former criminal and even a psych on my track, having done so I could penetrate their veils and then break their spells on others. One never knows all unless one experiences all.”

——————–

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1997: In response to last week’s article in the St. Petersburg Times about Lisa McPherson, Scientology attorney Elliot Abelson wrote a letter to the editor, which was published this week. The letter attempted to cash in on the distrust of tabloid media following Lady Diana’s death in an auto accident. “While many tabloid media are currently undergoing some responsible self-examination, reporter Tom Tobin and the Times continue to exploit the tragic death of Lisa McPherson with relentless and sensational reporting of non-news. Lisa’s many friends and those who knew her and loved her would rather not have the last days of her life exploited and sensationalized by media. Unfortunately, the Times has no such scruples. It is intrusive and unnecessary reporting such as the Times has displayed that is the reason the reputation of the media is currently at a low ebb.”

——————–

“After all these years a Scientologist is trying to dox me? I gave vaLLarrr more than enough clues to dox me but OSA was too incompetent to pick up on it. Actually it’s probably just Flunk looking for revenge.”

——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due August 13.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing December 1.

Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief was filed June 3. Respondent briefs are due September 2.

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal. Jane Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.

——————–

After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.

An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?

——————–

THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Marc Headley: More Scientology craziness from Emily Armstrong’s mom
[TWO years ago] Today at Daily Beast: Joe Reaiche threatens to sue Danny Masterson’s sibs over court letters
[THREE years ago] PODCAST: Paulette Cooper has been exposing Scientology’s abuses for more than 50 years
[FOUR years ago] After Scientology’s 9-11 fakery, a Sea Org slave makes his dicey run for freedom
[FIVE years ago] Scientology’s ‘Super Power’ couple slammed down by appeals court over tax debt
[SIX years ago] Scientology: So much effort and heartache, for such little effect
[SEVEN years ago] A dispatch from the front: Protesting Scientology’s anti-psych quackery
[EIGHT years ago] Ideal and Ideal-er: England org coming soon will be Scientology to the max
[NINE years ago] Laying to rest the obfuscations of L. Fletcher Prouty, Scientology’s conspiracist-for-hire
[TEN years ago] Another trial ordered against Narconon as Scientology derail attempt mostly fails
[ELEVEN years ago] Finally! Scientology begins selling its mysterious ‘OT’ levels more openly with slick new videos!
[TWELVE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY MOVES TO DISQUALIFY MONIQUE RATHBUN’S ATTORNEYS

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,382 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,886 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,392 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,946 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,936 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,318 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,813 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,117 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,768 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,986 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,540 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,881 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,452 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,368 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,535 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,117 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,376 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,413 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,129 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,693 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,008 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,183 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,865 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,202 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,055 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,171 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,533 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,944 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,332 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,216 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,781 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,292 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,552 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,656 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on September 10, 2025 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.

The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 10, 2025 06:18

Hail Mary: Praying Q patriots buy the ‘he didn’t write it’ defense

Some links to Q-related items today

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
So pathetic https://t.co/SCyowCJOts

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 10, 2025

MAGA wants us to believe that the same guy who bragged about “grabbing them by the pussy” didn’t write that Epstein birthday letter

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 9, 2025

Karoline Leavitt praying before heading out to help Trump cover up the Epstein files pic.twitter.com/AECmR3IxIn

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 9, 2025

Speaker Johnson lied https://t.co/mTRXUCk6Kf

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 9, 2025

Power bills in Georgia are skyrocketing. We are facing the biggest spike in insurance premiums in 15 years.

Yet this President is telling you not to believe your own bank account.

Another broken promise and another lie. https://t.co/tUhCT21n21

— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) September 9, 2025

JD Vance may be busy covering up for a child sex trafficking operation, but when he’s not doing that, at least he’s indulging in his other favorite pastime: lying while shutting down rural health care facilities. pic.twitter.com/luNI1jaH9y

— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) September 9, 2025

Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.

THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.

Posted by Tony Ortega on September 10, 2025 at 08:00

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 10, 2025 06:18

Scientology submits last-minute application for much more than big tent

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: At the last minute, Scientology has asked permission for much more than simply the large tent it puts up each year for its big UK gala. It also wants to install a new permanent car park, permanent footing for the tent, and more. Dave plans to spend big, as usual! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

——————–

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Technology Cocktail

“You are going to encounter some few isolated instances where the pc can’t run engrams for one reason or another. Such pcs can then be audited by the Recall method as given in the End of Endless Int Repair Rundown, using the rundown not as a repair but as a process. Dianetic Clears, Scn Clears and OTs can be handled on out-Int with this method. It can also be used to relieve out-Int on weak or ill pcs until they are up to running engrams. It is not a fast method. Using the Recall system (per End of Endless Int Repair RD) to run out-Int, can go on and on. In time though, by taking the pc up on a gradient, you can eventually get him to a point where he is actually as-ising engrams, blowing them by inspection. The revised Int Rundown is by far the swifter route for handling a pc initially on out-Int.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979

——————–

We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.

——————–

THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH

— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see

[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf

— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones

——————–

“Oh, Scientology. Oh, oh, yes, Scientology, all right. That’s, that’s fine. Well, they’ll make you an Operating Thetan there, and you’ll be nine feet tall, and you’ll be able to beat up on the local government, and you’ll be able to throw your wife in the Pacific Ocean, you won’t have to bother with her anymore. And you’ll just be all-powerful and so forth. Well, it probably wouldn’t be very real to the individual, even if he believed it. I can assure you it’s going to take him several years to make it and by the time he makes it he won’t have any interest in throwing his wife in the local ocean or beating up the local council.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 9, 1965

——————–

“Jerry McLarty went off post to Chief Engineer of Bolivar and is reported by the new chief to have left things in beautiful order — ‘a piece of cake.’ I was thinking maybe we should award this type of action. It is usually the reverse. Joe Blow leaves and the incomer spends the next few weeks just trying to find the comm basket under that mess. So a guy leaving a post in good order and running well with a grooved in relief deserves an inspection and a reward. Any suggestions of how to get such a thing in and what award should be given?” — The Commodore, September 9, 1970

——————–

“I accept that our pursuit is a spiritual one, but I would expect to see many more people make loads of money along the levels made by aberrated wogs. Something is not right and that is why I am not against new tech as long as the existing, standard tech is not just abandoned.”

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});——————–

1996: A proclamation from California Governor Pete Wilson was posted to a.r.s this week. In part, it reads:
“TO: THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY CELEBRITY CENTRE INTERNATIONAL. I am delighted to extend my warm regards and congratulations to everyone who has gathered this evening to celebrate your 27th Anniversary. The future of California depends on the involvement of organizations like yours, who donate their time, talent, and resources to helping others. The Celebrity Centre’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its fellow citizends (sic) represents the kind of civic and humanitarian spirit upon which our society is built.”

——————–

“After my dad’s POS father had abandoned him and my grandma in a one-room shack in the Arizona desert, and my dad, grandma, and his two sisters ended up in Northern California, I guess my grandfather ended up being one of the biggest contractors in the Tempe/Phoenix area. When he died he was worth millions and my dad and his two sisters never saw a dime. His new wife was a Mormon and all the money went to her and the cult.”

——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due August 13.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing December 1.

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief was filed June 3. Respondent briefs are due September 2.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal. Jane Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.

——————–

After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.

An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?

——————–

THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Mike Rinder: I was in Scientology’s prison with Emily Armstrong’s mom
[TWO years ago] PODCAST: This week’s sentencing and letters drama left us needing some group therapy
[THREE years ago] Olmedo rules: Read the decision to deny Danny Masterson’s latest trial delay attempt
[FOUR years ago] Let’s help the new Scientology ‘Ideal Org’ in Austin get staffed up!
[FIVE years ago] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 15: Jeffrey Riffer
[SEVEN years ago] By any means necessary: Scientology’s bizarre war against psychiatry
[EIGHT years ago] Supporting Leah Remini and her show — what’s the risk for viewers who expose Scientology?
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s ‘disconnection’ policy gets sacrificed on the Burning Man altar
[TEN years ago] David Miscavige: Scientology saved the universe from its ‘reverse point’ in 2006
[ELEVEN years ago] Longtime Scientologist Jim Jackson remembers Lyman Spurlock, 1945-2014
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology and Nation Of Islam Education Hucksters Marching on Sacramento!

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,381 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,885 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,391 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,945 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,935 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,317 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,812 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,116 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,767 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,985 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,539 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,880 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,451 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,367 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,534 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,116 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,375 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,412 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,128 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,692 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,007 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,182 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,864 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,201 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,054 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,170 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,532 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,943 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,331 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,215 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,780 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,291 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,551 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,655 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on September 9, 2025 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.

The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 09, 2025 06:21

Q patriots shrug as Trump’s creepy connections to Epstein keep coming out

Some links to Q-related items today

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
WSJ: Lawyers for Jeffrey Epstein’s estate have given Congress a copy of the birthday book put together for the financier’s 50th birthday, which includes a letter with Trump’s signature that he has said doesn’t exist. pic.twitter.com/D07zIL4g2K

— Andrew Kaczynski (@KFILE) September 8, 2025

By now, you may have seen this page. Epstein and a longtime Mar-a-Lago member joking about selling a "fully depreciated" woman to Donald Trump for $22,500. pic.twitter.com/khtMNC8mup

— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) September 9, 2025

Looks like we finally found who we need to "save the children" from. https://t.co/jEEBf29cAG

— Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd on blu sky) (@rothschildmd) September 9, 2025

JD Vance says there are Epstein victims but also calls it a “fake scandal” pic.twitter.com/UUJAPfUpBK

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 9, 2025

Unsure if Matt Gaetz is really the person you want defending you from pedo allegations pic.twitter.com/dnhau4kUFg

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 8, 2025

This guy is an embarrassment pic.twitter.com/fsiDX1WOy8

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 8, 2025

Trump sells a Bible with the Constitution added to the back of it, but it is missing the amendment banning slaveryhttps://t.co/9xUZkH4WS5 https://t.co/9xUZkH4WS5

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 8, 2025

While the internet is freaking out over the further proof of Trump's connection to Epstein we got Outlaw here telling his audience that he feels very strongly that The Great Awakening is going to happen shortly. pic.twitter.com/7Z25eBPwFD

— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) September 9, 2025

Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.

THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.

Posted by Tony Ortega on September 9, 2025 at 08:00

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 09, 2025 06:21

Scientology to restore Clearwater to a gloried past that no one remembers

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: A helpful reader forwarded an invitation from Scientology for members to assemble tomorrow and watch one of leader David Miscavige’s propaganda films, this one about his plans for downtown Clearwater. We can’t go, but we turned to Mark Bunker for his thoughts on Dave’s vision! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

——————–

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Technology Cocktail

“Prior to now, an Int Rundown has been done by clearing and then assessing the Int buttons ‘went in’ and ‘go in.’ If one of them read the Int button was first run on Recall Triple or Quad Flows, next on Secondaries Triple or Quad Flows, and then on Engrams Triple or Quad Flows. This handled Int for many, many pcs. But it is probable that one reason we also got so many Int repairs was that in many of these repair cases the pc never ran any basic. Beginning the Int Rundown with Recalls with the stuck flow of ‘going in’ still in operation you could get a key-out, key-in, key-out,
key-in repeatedly and not get to the basic. We had an exteriorization command in the early years which was ‘Try not to be three feet back of your head,’ and it exteriorized people. But all that did was unstick the flow and trigger the person out of his head. You’re likely to get the same result if you run Int by Recall first crack. You give the command ‘Recall a time….’ and boom, he’s out. But he hasn’t run the basic on Int.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979

——————–

We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.

——————–

THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH

— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see

[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond

[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones

——————–

“The amoeba and the monocell and the cellular form is apparently an endowed thing. OT comes along and says, ‘Let there be chicken,’ you know. That’s about where all that fit. And he endows this and he leaves a sort of a puddle of theta to continue to animate it, you see. Does a few quick tricks with the — you can’t say ‘fingers’ — and you get an endowment. And that apparently is the way which you get cells. That isn’t factual, from a standpoint of experience or anything like that. I don’t mean that there’s data available here by which we’ve suddenly animated matter. But it more or less is a conceptual basis on which bodies are built. And somebody mocks it up and somebody else can keep it running. But there is something to this old gag of, they say, they go out and say hello to the flowers, you know, and they grow better. Well, at a very, very low state that would not be possible, of course. A person isn’t able to reach that far. But they sort of have a dim idea that they could do it, you see. Because way, way back someplace they probably did. So they go out and say hello to the flowers.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 8, 1966

——————–

“THE PILL: After considerable data on the subject, any bad effects from a birth control pill are handled by changing BRANDS or STRENGTHS (amounts) and with these handled there should be no trouble with dizziness or auditing, according to data from the M.O. Therefore, please note there is NO restriction on taking such pills except to report any odd effects to the MO. The previous MO, whose data was taken, did not do enough research on it. As trouble has been caused by this, it should be broadly known that there is now no restrictions on birth control pills.” — The Commodore, September 8, 1971

——————–

“My feeling is that the strongest beings in this galactic cluster are OTs who were implanted by technologically advanced but more aberrated and weaker beings and sent here. It makes sense to me that this would be the easiest place to introduce Scientology and that the task elsewhere will be much harder.”

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

——————–

1995: Larry Wollersheim reported more dirty tricks by the cos this week. “Lawrence Wollersheim has just learned that the security of his Rocky Mountain Internet email account has been breached by parties unknown. Within hours of the seizure of his computer by US Marshals and the Church of Scientology on August 22nd, an unknown party broke into two email accounts, changed the passwords, read, and then deleted the email. The cos also has been pressuring the judge to force Larry to disclose his PGP passphrase, which would let them read more sensitive documents from his hard disk. Tonight’s local news included an interesting blurb about this case. The judge refused to order Wollersheim to disclose his passphrase, since the encrypted material comprised names of Co$ critics who could then be targeted by the Church.” And a disturbing portion from a report by the Denver TV station KUSA. “Outside the courthouse, Scientology Director Kurt Weiland held up a pair of handcuffs which he said symbolized what the church intended to do to Wollersheim. ‘Like I told you this morning, I brought these handcuffs here to show what it is that we are driving for, which is to bring this man to uhhh, bruhh, to justice.’ Another issue has arisen. Some of the computer files the Scientologists
seized from Wollersheim’s home are encrypted. Scientology has asked Judge Kane to hold Wollersheim in contempt. Wollersheim says the encrypted files are lists of people he says are victims of Scientology and he says he’ll go to jail before turning over his passwords, which unlock his secret files.”

——————–

“The conspiracy cult is way scarier and more dangerous than any religious cult. The country is on the verge of a civil war thanks to these cynical manipulators and their feeble-minded, heavily-armed adherents. Alex Jones and the rest should be deported for insurrection.”

——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due August 13.

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing December 1.

Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief was filed June 3. Respondent briefs are due September 2.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal. Jane Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.

——————–

After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.

An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?

——————–

THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Emily Armstrong’s tepid response to backlash seems designed to protect Scientology
[TWO years ago] LIVE: Meghann Cuniff’s reporting sizzled and her photos from Masterson trial were iconic
[THREE years ago] Don’t allow Paul Haggis to mention Scientology in trial, woman suing him asks court
[FOUR years ago] Anne Archer is still pitching her Scientology front group ‘Artists for Human Rights’
[FIVE years ago] All of former Scientology mouthpiece Tommy Davis’s appearances in ‘Melania and Me’
[SIX years ago] Hurricane Dorian’s destruction provides Scientology another chance at make-believe
[SEVEN years ago] New Scientology escape book ‘Perfectly Clear’ leaves some important questions unanswered
[EIGHT years ago] ‘Leah Remini’ show prompting more ‘ranch kids’ to come forward with agonizing family drama
[NINE years ago] Drone footage of Scientology’s secretive Int Base: The reaction from former base employees
[TEN years ago] More proof (from Scientology) that it’s never been a better time to be a Scientologist!
[ELEVEN years ago] Lyman Spurlock, 1945-2014: Imprisoned and abused, a loyal Scientology executive to the end
[TWELVE years ago] The 1979 Clearwater Sun Editorial the Tampa Bay Times Should Run Today

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,380 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,884 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,390 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,940 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,930 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,316 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,811 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,115 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,766 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,984 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,538 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,879 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,450 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,366 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,533 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,115 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,374 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,411 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,127 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,691 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,006 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,181 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,863 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,200 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,053 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,169 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,531 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,942 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,330 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,214 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,779 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,290 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,550 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,654 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on September 8, 2025 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.

The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on September 08, 2025 05:58

Unforced error: Trump hears it from unhappy tennis fans at the US Open

Some links to Q-related items today

Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Ooooof https://t.co/iNVc9oe7xD

— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) September 7, 2025

SHAMELESS: Donald Trump is slapping his name on infrastructure projects across the U.S. funded by President Biden’s historic 2021 infrastructure law that Trump opposed and tried to derail. (NYT) pic.twitter.com/frssyDset3

— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) September 7, 2025

Gloria Gaynor gave $847.76 to Republican Rep. Nick Begich of Alaska.

We now know that Begich is a member of the far right Freedom Caucus with the likes of Lauren Boebert and Paul Gosar. pic.twitter.com/pfSHIQHcHd

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 7, 2025

Things are more expensive in “the golden age” pic.twitter.com/6YgGN3U7bi

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) September 7, 2025

So glad that nobody listened to @travis_view @rothschildmd @nezumi_ningen and countless others who were screaming about this for years. Going to be a fun ride when the media pretends not to understand why the Trump 2028 slogan is “Trust The Plan” https://t.co/5MQArkhgvh

— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) September 7, 2025

Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.

THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.

Posted by Tony Ortega on September 1, 2025 at 08:00