Tony Ortega's Blog, page 18
August 18, 2025
Scientology lifer writing letters to dead people instead of to her own grandkids
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“The theory is that SPs are SPs because they deny Hav and enforce unwanted Hav. They also deny do and enforce unwanted do. They also deny be and enforce unwanted be. This is why we have never before been able to run Subjective Hav. It collided with SPs, overts, and withholds on them. A very full rundown then would be to start with don t be, must be; go on to don’t do must do: end up with can’t have, enforced have. (Not to be run at this time.) Hav alone should handle without resorting to be or do. END OFF AT ONCE AND BEGIN OBJECTIVE HAVINGNESS IF THE TA SOARS OR THE PC CAVES IN. If this does not handle, then do a C/S 53RL at once and handle.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
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
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
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“You’ve heard time and again how dangerous it is. You mustn’t fool around with the mind! Perfectly all right to take a meat ax to the brain, but you mustn’t fool around with the mind! I got my belly so full in 1950 of psychoanalysts telling me how dangerous it was to fool around with the mind. But I finally more or less rejected it with laughter, because I looked at who was talking. And when he said fool around, man, he meant fool around, because I found out he could not study Dianetics; he could not do it. And do you know our main departure from training psychoanalysts and psychiatrists and medical doctors is not really based on the fact we are antipathetic toward them at all. It’s the fact that they can’t seem to duplicate study materials. And it’s just so hard, it’s so tough.” — L. Ron Hubbard, August 18, 1966
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“CONDITION: Bill Blundell, on Dep LRH Comm data of 3 days absence from Qual as an auditor, and from Dir Rev on insolence and refusal to audit is assigned DOUBT. If Bill persists with his SO record of invisibility, the condition will be lowered. There comes a time when all men have to stand up and be seen and do their jobs in life. That time has arrived for Bill Blundell.” — The Commodore, August 18, 1969
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“We as Scientologists don’t need to fumble around figuring out what kind of future we want. We already have clear plans to implement in the fourth dynamic and for its future. One is LRH’s International City, the creation of a One World Capital in Northern Africa. Another is LRH’s Organization Board. And the other is Captain Bill Robertson’s New Civilization Game. The agenda to implement a One World Government for Earth and the incorporation of Earth to the Galactic community.”
1995: Helena Kobrin announced this week that the OT portion of the Fishman materials have been sealed by Judge Harry Hupp. “This order blocks access to the Advanced Technology filed by the defendants in that case, thus foreclosing unauthorized persons from mistakenly claiming any entitlement to copy and distribute any of those materials without the permission of Religious Technology Center (RTC), the exclusive copyright licensee and trade secret owner.” This statement was verified by several a.r.s skeptics. Dick Cleek: “I just talked to ‘Valerie’ in the Federal Courthouse for the Central District of California. She said Judge Hupp ordered the Fishman case sealed yesterday afternoon. She said they had to gather up copies out of about 10 people’s hands. She was good enough to read part of the order to me, ‘sealed pending the court’s final decision’.”
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“Not only are there numerous loopholes allowing dangerous cults to operate freely, there are numerous loopholes allowing idiots to buy wild, endangered animals. A portion of these animals end up at canned hunting operations in Dumbfuckistan where they are gunned down by Dick Cheney and evil fucks of that ilk. It’s gotta stop.”
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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:
— 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.
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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.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
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.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
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] Ready for OT superpowers, pilgrim? Scientology is waiting for you to come aboard!
[TWO years ago] The time Scientology healing was used on a broken bone at Tom Cruise’s house
[THREE years ago] EXCLUSIVE: An eyewitness account of the place where Scientology is keeping Shelly Miscavige
[FOUR years ago] Laura Prepon claims she’s out: ‘For Scientology this is catastrophic’ says Mike Rinder
[FIVE years ago] Leah Remini’s podcast: Paulette Cooper, Scientology’s ‘OG of Fair Game victims’
[SIX years ago] Scientology is staffing its Narconon in Ireland like it’s already won court approval
[SEVEN years ago] From Jon Atack’s ‘Blue Sky’: Reorganizing Scientology as L. Ron Hubbard’s life waned
[EIGHT years ago] As he predicted, Pastor Willy Rice gets the Scientology ‘Fair Game’ treatment
[NINE years ago] New Scientology financial disclosures reflect the dire state of its chief drug rehab
[TEN years ago] Google helps Scientology huckster Per Wickstrom bury a rehab patient death
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology graduation videos from Copenhagen? Yes, please!
[TWELVE years ago] Sunday Funnies: A Scientology Advertising Bonanza!
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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 3,359 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,863 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,369 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,919 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,909 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,295 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,790 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,094 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,745 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,963 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,517 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,858 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,429 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,345 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,512 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,094 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,353 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,390 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,106 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,670 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,985 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,160 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,842 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,179 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,033 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,148 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,510 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,919 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,309 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,193 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,758 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,269 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,529 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,633 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on August 18, 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
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Trump wants to jettison voting machines but not his golf trips
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump is threatening to eliminate mail-in ballots and voting machines via executive order pic.twitter.com/lC6YSVqrF5
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 18, 2025
Trump is willing to cut Medicaid but not his golf trips pic.twitter.com/zMjMq6GLXO
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 18, 2025
Grok here nonchalantly endorsing the baseless conspiracy theory that the man President Trump met in Alaska on Friday was not Vladimir Putin, but his "body double".
How much more evidence is needed before we realise that AI chatbots aren't reliable tools to fact-check news? https://t.co/IvTl21ZxFP
— Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) August 17, 2025
In case you needed further evidence about the perils of using Grok as a fact checker, some QAnon followers coaxed Grok into erroneously saying “Q defies dismissal as a mere LARP” and “Q is real.”
Grok seems better at giving people answers they want to hear instead of the truth. pic.twitter.com/e3TLskKebr
— Travis View (@travis_view) August 17, 2025
Sometimes I see people like 20 tweets deep into an argument with Grok. Like, what are you doing brother? You are trying to win an argument with a vending machine.
— derek guy (@dieworkwear) August 18, 2025
The Bela Bake has begun. pic.twitter.com/FlU0tsTHIP
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) August 18, 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 August 18, 2025 at 08:00
August 17, 2025
Trump retreats to his golf clubs, where he hears nothing but praise
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump retreats to his golf clubs (safe places) on weekends where members tell him he has good ideas and he is going a good job pic.twitter.com/2Ru0n7Omai
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 17, 2025
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 17, 2025
Insane video – masked “cops” who refuse to identify themselves are grabbing people on the streets of DC. https://t.co/SAuxbN8I4D
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) August 16, 2025
I spent the week tracing how @SecKennedy canceled $500 million in mRNA research and reporting on a(nother) very chaotic week inside HHS.
Let me introduce you to the fringe doctors, anti-vaccine activists, and MAHA operatives behind the mRNA “debacle.”
pic.twitter.com/NphzhKUzMf
— Brandy Zadrozny (@BrandyZadrozny) August 15, 2025
seven years ago loomer handcuffed herself to the front door of Twitter’s office bc she lost her account
today she has the ear of Secretary of State Rubio https://t.co/E7AlB7kteQ pic.twitter.com/QUcODgyQuq
— rat king 🐀 (@MikeIsaac) August 17, 2025
Wake up honey new comms just dropped. pic.twitter.com/LZrHZAS0Ps
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) August 17, 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 August 17, 2025 at 08:00
BUSTED: Image suggests Scientology has begun work on IAS tent without permit
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Apostate Alex broke the news as we were recording the Group Therapy podcast last night: New photos show Scientology has begun putting up its big tent for the annual IAS gala despite not applying for a permit the local council said it must have. Oh, the drama! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Did you ever feel you were not given a correct why? Have you ever felt bad after a cramming action? Have you ever been labelled a who incorrectly?
Have you caused someone to have a problem with a session? Have you ever not-ised an out-rud? Is there anything that you are not saying? Do you feel sad? Have you committed crimes? On your drug rundown are there any unflat engrams? Do you have masses in restimulation? Have you run anything quad when you were a triple PC? Have you been audited past a blow? Do you feel attacked? ARE YOU SOMEBODY ELSE?” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
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
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
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“I’ve been working on a clear cut statement of what are the beliefs of Scientology. It will be under survey. I am working on the Scientologists Hat. Without such a statement it is hard to get word of mouth. We are well into a Messianic period on Earth. Progress has been made on this. I can write, I think, a ‘Book of Fate.’ I have also made an advance in research on the character and handling of mental mass. Some weeks ago I conceived we did not know all there was to know about high and lo TAs and have suddenly made big progress. The answer was unexpectedly simple and includes auditing over out suppressed ruds that one doesn’t suspect are out! We just don’t pay enough attention to it. Big answers are very basic. So I feel cheerful.” — L. Ron Hubbard, August 17, 1971
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“US DOLLAR: The Socialist planning for crashed finance goes along apace. Nixon has just announced the forthcoming devaluation of the dollar. Means it will buy less. We are safe enough at the moment. But this rapid deterioration of the existing US cultural scene pushes us. We have to get Europe viable fast fast fast. That means translations more and faster. That means a beefed up EULO. A special action is needed for AF. UK needs picking up quickly.” — The Commodore, August 17, 1971
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“The goal of Scientology is not to produce sensation. The goal of Scientology auditing is not to produce good feelings. Most Scientology haters say Scientology is a scam because the sensations they got faded away. But that’s just normal. It’s like when you graduate. You feel great, then you feel normal again, that doesn’t mean that your studies were worthless. But that’s the position that many haters seem to hold. The goal of Scientology is to increase knowledge, understanding, to help you regain awareness and increase ability in general. And it works, it does deliver.”
2001: The Santa Barbara News-Press reported that Scientologist and investment manager Reed Slatkin’s assets are to be auctioned as a result of his bankruptcy. “On Wednesday, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Robin Riblet in Santa Barbara approved the sale of Mr. Slatkin’s Earthlink stock and other publicly traded securities. A 100,000-share chunk of his Earthlink stock will be sold immediately, and there is a buyer ready to purchase his La Cumbre Country Club membership. Within a few days, Mr. Slatkin’s Hope Ranch home and other properties will be put on the market, said Sue Montgomery, a lawyer working with the court-appointed trustee to liquidate many of his assets. Mr. Slatkin is not objecting to the liquidation of most assets. However, he is petitioning the bankruptcy court to exempt some property from sale. That includes his $4 million Hope Ranch home, a handful of life insurance policies, a 1998 Volvo coupe, $17,000 in clothing, household furnishings, jewelry and art, plus a couple of retirement accounts. A court-appointed trustee is moving to sell many of Mr. Slatkin’s assets and use proceeds to help reimburse creditors. Mr. Slatkin is the subject of a federal investigation for allegedly defrauding investors through his unregistered investment advisory business for 15 years until he declared bankruptcy May 1. He promised investors annual returns of up to 60 percent, but creditors’ lawyers suspect it was a Ponzi scheme in which early investors are paid with money belonging to more recent participants. Among Mr. Slatkin’s assets are three country club memberships. A Santa Barbara resident is ready to buy Mr. Slatkin’s La Cumbre Country Club membership for $140,000. Mr. Slatkin has 10 properties worth more than $7,880,000, records show. These include his Hope Ranch estate at 4480-4484 Via Esperanza; 96 acres of undeveloped land north of Solvang in Ballard Canyon, worth an estimated $1 million; a two-story, 2,200-square-foot house at 890 N. Kellogg Ave. in Goleta worth $500,000; and an 1,800-square-foot house at 3125 Riley Road in Solvang.”
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“Hubbardese was definitely inspired by ‘Newspeak,’ in my opinion. All cults engage in it to some degree.”
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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:
— 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.
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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.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
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.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
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] Some recent cases remind us that Scientology tactics are all around us
[TWO years ago] ‘Only the ruthless can own it’: behind the scenes of Scientology’s dirty tricks operations
[THREE years ago] The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see, Episode 2: Derek Bloch
[FOUR years ago] Danny Masterson accusers answer Scientology’s salvo at California appeals court
[FIVE years ago] Brian Statler’s family wins right to police report and Scientology surveillance footage
[SIX years ago] ‘Scientology and the Aftermath’ participants send in their tributes as series is set to end
[SEVEN years ago] The Garcias won’t go down without a fight: Filing appeal of Scientology’s ‘arbitration’ farce
[EIGHT years ago] Celebrity battle lines: Michael Peña’s wife asks Scientologists to ‘Stand with Daniel Masterson’
[NINE years ago] A rare gem from 1968: When the Daily Mail tracked down L. Ron Hubbard in Tunisia
[TEN years ago] Once shy about the Internet, Scientology is now oversharing on social media
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology Sunday Funnies: The apocalypse is here, and it is ideal
[TWELVE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY SUPER POWER IS COMING: OCTOBER 6!
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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 3,358 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,862 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,368 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,918 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,908 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,294 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,789 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,093 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,962 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,516 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,857 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,428 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,344 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,511 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,093 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,352 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,389 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,105 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,669 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,984 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,159 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,841 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,178 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,032 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,147 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,509 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,918 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,308 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,192 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,757 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,268 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,528 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,632 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on August 17, 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
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
August 16, 2025
Why doesn’t Scientology icon Tom Cruise want to be a Kennedy Center Honoree?
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Tom Cruise being on stage with President Trump at the Kennedy Center where Scientology’s biggest donor Trish Duggan is a board member might have been another win for church leader David Miscavige. So why doesn’t Tom want to play? We want to hear your theories. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“There are no mysteries. Some auditors have got me feeling like I’m trying to teach them to chew soft bread!” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
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({});
——————–
“If it isn’t written it isn’t true. The only orders that affect transfers, functions, programs in an org must be issued as Executive Directives, OODs or FSOs or FBDLs or AIDES ORDERS, CBOs or FOs to be legal…Therefore if anyone tells you to change post or duties or that a function is changed on the Org Bd and cannot show it to you in a policy letter or FO or CBO, it is not true. Furthermore to follow such an unwritten or illegal order is to risk a Comm Ev for accepting illegal orders. It would be just as bad to follow an order to violate an HCOB and run some upsetting process. The reason is very plain. Policy, followed, results in a productive, comfortable post and policy not followed with verbal orders only in effect makes a cat’s dinner.” — L. Ron Hubbard, August 16, 1971
——————–
“As I’ve had some upsets and checked to find others have from noise in sessions I think it’s best if we have DOC figure out a ‘Ship Noise’ period when we can have all hands chipping and any banging and E/R compressor charging. A couple hours of this scheduled when Qual is NOT auditing would be a great help. New recruits or new members aboard are apparently unaware of areas where they shouldn’t bang and chatter. This should be part of their ship info. DOC should work this out.” — The Commodore, August 16, 1970
——————–
“Just re-reading KSW1. I think this is what we’re up against in the Indie Field: ‘The group left to its own devices would not have evolved Scientology, but with wild dramatization of the bank called new ideas would have wiped it out.’ And it looks to me like one of the ways people use to make sure Scientology gets wiped out is to invalidate KSW1.”
——————–
2000: Jeff Jacobsen spoke before Clearwater’s City Council this week. “I didn’t know how far Scientology’s influence has spread in this community just from visiting once a year. But I’ve seen the influence now. Scientology gets away scot-free after the death of Lisa McPherson, while critics of Scientology are enjoined from even walking on certain sidewalks in Clearwater. A Scientologist hits a critic’s video camera with a hammer and the police do nothing. A picketer is assaulted not once but twice by a Scientologist, and despite the assaults being on video tape from different angles, the Scientologist is not arrested. Just a few weeks ago a German official from Hamburg came to town. I was at the airport when about 30 Scientologists greeted her with shouts of ‘Nazi Go Home!’ and attempted to manhandle her. I was there when the Scientology attorney came demanding that she be deposed in a case she has nothing to do with at the exact time she had already scheduled a news conference. Ms. Ursula Caberta has gone home after having been viciously treated by Scientology, and let me assure you that the European media, starting with Der Spiegel, have already begun to paint Clearwater as German-hating and nuts. I suspect you are going to be seeing fewer German tourists around here now, thanks to the actions of Scientologists. Maybe when Europe’s tourists boycott our wonderful community, the hit in your pocketbooks might wake you up to reality.”
——————–
“That’s it, I’m joining Scientology tomorrow.”
——————–
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.
— 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.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
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.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
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] Scientology finally finds the right formula in stunning new video
[TWO years ago] Scientology said her father was dead. He’s alive, at its secret HQ. But can she see him?
[THREE years ago] EXCLUSIVE: Danny Masterson’s attempt to delay trial over baseball gambit is DENIED
[FOUR years ago] Danny Masterson’s nutty lawsuit involving his house loan is finally kicked out of court
[FIVE years ago] VIDEO: Portland unrest inspires $250,000 donation from Scientology lifer
[SIX years ago] Here’s the lawsuit against Scientology and Danny Masterson. Let’s dive into it.
[SEVEN years ago] Stanley Clarke turns out to be as deep into Scientology as we feared, all these years later
[EIGHT years ago] Mirriam & Saina from ‘Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath’ — The LAPD has let us down
[NINE years ago] In 1951, L. Ron Hubbard’s fellow SF writers debated him about ‘badly-written’ Dianetics
[TEN years ago] Passion of the Heist: The Scientology hucksters who have made this summer unforgettable
[ELEVEN years ago] After a year’s delay, Mary Sue Hubbard’s house is on the market for $2.5 million
[TWELVE years ago] Scientologists Say the Darndest Things In Their Disconnection Letters
——————–
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 3,357 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,861 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,367 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,917 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,907 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,293 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,788 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,092 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,961 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,515 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,856 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,427 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,343 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,510 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,092 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,351 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,388 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,104 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,668 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,983 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,158 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,840 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,177 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,031 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,146 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,508 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,917 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,307 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,191 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,756 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,267 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,527 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,631 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on August 16, 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
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Q patriots hail the Trump-Putin summit; others are ‘meh’
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});It did not go well. There was no ceasefire. Trump claimed he would end the war in 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/3PL9mqLYSQ
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 16, 2025
Trump took zero questions from the press pool in Alaska, during his return flight on Air Force One, after landing, or upon arrival to the White House.
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 16, 2025
Did the White House release this photo to make Trump seem tough? pic.twitter.com/Kzw07AHZTP
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 16, 2025
Now that Jacob's had a little while to think about it he's decided the big result from the Summit Meeting That Achieved Nothing is that it showed that Democrats suck and he hates them. So really nothing changed and nothing happened. pic.twitter.com/0rEE3kbEWY
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) August 16, 2025
Jack White responded to Governor Newsom’s Instagram post that used "Seven Nation Army" to highlight Newsom’s fight against Trump’s midterm-rigging efforts:
"Fans of this song and also democracy, notice that I'm ok with this track being used in this manner. Not so much when trump… pic.twitter.com/CWxZVDtddA
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) August 15, 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 August 16, 2025 at 08:00
August 15, 2025
The state’s entire 42,000-word response to Danny Masterson’s criminal appeal
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Late last year Danny Masterson’s attempt to reverse the conviction that has him serving 30-years-to-life blasted the court for allowing so much testimony about Scientology. We’ve been looking forward to a response from the state, and now we have it, all 41,916 words of it. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“Almost all the errors in an Interiorization Rundown are Dianetic errors. Most are very ordinary, even corny. IT IS VITAL TO CORRECT AN INT RD ERROR AS A FIRST ACTION. There is one Int RD error that is not a purely Dianetic error and that is the error of doing anything else at all before an Int RD is done properly or an Int RD error is fully corrected.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
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
——————–
“Some prenatal engrams (you find this out when you are clearing a case) will have slumbered 20 or 30 years with no reactivation, yet will be vicious engrams. For instance, in one case there must have been about 110 engrams, each one of which called for an enormously powerful migraine headache, and not one of them reactivated until the person was 22 years of age. Then, chain fashion, they all reactivated. The mysterious cause of the migraine headache was evidently an airplane crash where the person got a headache. Actually there was not even a head injury in the airplane crash, but there were about three words spoken while the person was unconscious which reactivated the chain.” — L. Ron Hubbard, August 15, 1950
——————–
“The recovery of personnel sent out is a primary duty of the Action Bureau. It is not true that the US and Europe are full of unrecalled missionaires but they sure leave their missions out long enough. Now our Brian Charlton is trying to set an all time record. A 2 day hat check out of Athena on PR became weeks. Recall at once and assign Mission Ineligible.” — The Commodore, August 15, 1970
——————–
“This planet was created for the reason to control thetans in meat bodies. If you listen through the tapes especially in the good old 50’s you’ll get the idea about the big picture. ‘Thetans were convinced a long time ago to pick up a body,’ LRH said in a lecture. If you would go to the ‘end of all things’ as I would call it, and you assumed the critical mass of the population would go up the Tone Scale and would be really stable, we would all agree to get rid of the ‘need of body’ thing and would just ‘go home’ in our native Universe where we don’t have feelings like hunger or the need to make money to survive.”
1999: Scientology’s Gold Base near Hemet, California was host to the opening of a new movie studio, according to an article in the Press-Enterprise. “The promise of a free dinner in an estate-like atmosphere, plus live entertainment, were enough to entice Barbara Moke to spend her Saturday evening behind the gates of Church of Scientology’s newest film studio. Moke, a volunteer at the Hemet Police Department, said her office received an invitation to the opening of The Castle, the sprawling film studio operated by Golden Era Productions in Gilman Hot Springs. ‘This is the perfect place for a party,’ she said, while partaking of the buffet dinner on The Castle grounds. To celebrate the opening of the $7 million studio, Golden Era threw a party, and invited roughly 900 area leaders and members of the public to attend. The exterior of the 35mm film studio is designed to resemble a Scottish castle, complete with turrets and battlements. Political leaders from the San Jacinto Valley joined Michael Rinder, a board member of the Church of Scientology International, in cutting the bright red ribbon tied across the stage at the front of the Castle. Several local officials praised the church for its involvement in community activities. ‘I would like to say on behalf of the city of Hemet, Golden Era Productions has really been a partner of ours,’ said Hemet City Councilwoman Robin Lowe. Films with titles like ‘The Solo Auditor’ and ‘The History of the E-Meter,’ are designed to teach members how to apply the principles of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Tour guides escorted people into the audition and dressing rooms, and into the massive soundstage. After the tour, guests were invited to mingle on the grounds, and be entertained by Celtic Gold, an Irish dance troupe, and the Golden Era Musicians.”
——————–
“Oops, sounds like Marty had what they call in A.A. a ‘slip.’ Hopefully it doesn’t turn into a full blown relapse.”
——————–
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:
— 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 September 8.
— 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.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
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.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
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] When Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard offered Polaroid his genius
[TWO years ago] Scientology attacked us with new social media ads, and the reactions are hilarious
[THREE years ago] Pete Goes to Hollywood: The grim reality of Scientology servitude in La-La-Land
[FOUR years ago] Underground Bunker readers assemble, and Scientology spies freak out
[FIVE years ago] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 22: Graham Norton and other celebrity strokers
[SIX years ago] ‘Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath’ will end with a 2-hour special August 26
[SEVEN years ago] A life connected to some of our biggest Scientology stories ends in a terrible way
[EIGHT years ago] Leah Remini goes there: Child molestation in Scientology for tonight’s ‘Aftermath’ premiere
[NINE years ago] Former Scientology mouthpiece Tommy Davis is settling into his new role as Hollywood exec
[TEN years ago] Why no one should ever join Scientology’s ‘Sea Org’
[ELEVEN years ago] Ryan Hamilton files 19th lawsuit against Scientology’s drug rehab network
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology is Obsessed with Getting Books in Libraries — Here Are the Real Stats!
——————–
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 3,356 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,860 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,366 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,916 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,906 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,292 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,787 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,091 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,960 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,514 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,855 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,426 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,342 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,509 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,091 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,350 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,387 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,103 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,667 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,982 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,157 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,839 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,176 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,030 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,145 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,507 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,916 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,306 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,190 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,755 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,266 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,526 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,630 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on August 15, 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
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
After nearly a decade waiting, Q patriots convinced the storm is really finally here
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});New: I spent the week looking into the cancelled mRNA contracts. Interviews with HHS officials and MAGA and MAHA media influencers reveal an HHS agency plagued by dysfunction as Kennedy chips away at the nation’s public health.https://t.co/Mlxx9d2CqQ
— Brandy Zadrozny (@BrandyZadrozny) August 15, 2025
More bad news for Laura Loomer in her HBO lawsuit. After angering the judge by making the Arby's deposition public, HBO's lawyers are now pointing out that her tweets about the deposition following my article may ALSO violate court rules and want to complain to the judge. pic.twitter.com/gMSg8gXonW
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) August 14, 2025
yet another example of how making the blue check system pay-to-play was the original sin
also v funny how every rich tech white culture RETVRN guy is getting clowned on by scammers in bangalore for cents on the dollar bc it is so predictably easy to do so https://t.co/157pwMhgZA
— rat king 🐀 (@MikeIsaac) August 14, 2025
"I had no idea I'd waste a decade of my life hoping for all the liberals to go to jail, but here we are." The fact that Medic is broadcasting how much damage he is done to people and he takes pride in it shows how evil QAnon is. pic.twitter.com/T4vJwakTw1
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) August 15, 2025
You nailed it buddy, Vance is going to step down so JFK Jr. can take over as Vice President any day now. pic.twitter.com/bBmpORS8oo
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) August 14, 2025
The Supreme Court could end up overturning marriage equality.
Here is Alina Habba campaigning for Trump at one of their “Unity” events: “We love our gay men. We love our lesbian women. And we are here to unite. It is Trump 2024, baby.” pic.twitter.com/XlLElCIlIq
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 14, 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 August 15, 2025 at 08:00
August 14, 2025
New $50 million blast at Priscilla Presley: The lawsuit’s full summary of the case
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: In February, Brigitte Kruse told us she had some bombshells coming about Priscilla Presley after the two had become locked in litigation. This week, she followed through on that with a nuclear blast. We have the actual language from her new lawsuit for you to consider. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“People who have been on drugs are sometimes afraid of running engrams. In fact, it is almost a way to detect a ‘druggie.’ The drugs, particularly LSD and even sometimes antibiotics or other medicines to which the person has an allergy, can turn on whole track pictures violently. These tend to overwhelm the person and make him feel crazy. Some of these people are afraid to confront the bank again. If a person ‘doesn’t like Dianetics’ and doesn’t want to be run on engrams, it is necessary to put him through the Hard TRs Course and Objectives. If Dianetics has been run but poorly, it should of course be repaired fully with an L3RF (list used to correct Dianetic errors). But if the person still flinches. the Hard TRs Course and Objectives successfully completed will handle.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
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
——————–
“The primary difference between Scientology and psychiatry is that psychiatry is authoritarian and tells the person what’s wrong with him, often introducing a new lie. Scientology finds out what’s wrong with the person from the person. And then knows more about it than the person, but listens anyway. Listening is the badge of superior knowledge. He who has superior knowledge is privileged to listen. It’s only he who has no superior knowledge that talks all the time — Confucius. Now you got these maxims, and pearls of wisdom? In actual fact, with that data you could go straight out and evolve all of Scientology, just like that. It’s remarkable, isn’t it? But, you mustn’t in actual fact discount — just because it’s discounted to the PC — you mustn’t discount the backbone and body of knowledge of Scientology. Soon as you tell somebody that he’s lived for the last thirty trillion years — of course, thirty trillion years is a drop in the bucket — soon as you tell somebody he’s lived the last thirty trillion years, and so on, he’s liable to be hit with a feeling of unreality.” — L. Ron Hubbard, August 14, 1963
——————–
“There is some evidence that the ‘World Bank’ is using nationalism to seize the assets of the world. The cycle is evidently promoted riots, a currency scare, a huge saving loan from the WB or its branches and then that country gradually nationalizing private assets to meet interest and payments. It’s quite the drill. Their support of psychiatry gives their activities a flavour of attempted world dominion by mental-political-financial control. Easy seizure of anyone and his disablement or death would take care of all objectors, national dependency takes care of political control and puts a control on all assets of the world. Sounds crazy and of course it is. But this is Smersh at work. The only real danger is that the World Bank considers itself also senior to God.” — The Commodore, August 14, 1969
——————–
“The doppelgänger just looked like LRH. He was not the source of ‘new Tech.’ David Mayo (RTC-cofounder and self declared Snr C/S Int) and his team did that. The whole takeover was done by a team. Not by single persons: not by Miscavige, not by Mayo, not the doppelgänger, not by the butler. A big team and the history makers created the narrative we have to believe.”
1998: Thad Beier reported that Scientology complained to his Internet provider to complain over the high use of Scientology’s web site. “The system administrator got a call from ‘Ron’ at the Church of Scientology International, complaining that I had been accessing their Scientology on-line pages too much. My ISP heard him out, as he recognizes their litigiousness, but thankfully called me to find out what was going on. I called ‘Ron’ back at the number specified (it was the Church of Scientology International main number) and explained that I was interested in researching Scientology, and that I found the pages useful. He said ‘oh, okay. I was just concerned that you seemed be accessing them so much’. He said that his name was Ron Edison. I told him that he could find my name in the net-nanny list. I don’t like them calling my ISP to complain, but it was a fairly harmless call in the end.”
——————–
“I believe that Miscavige is as much into it for the sadism as he is for the money. He’s a little man who hates the world and wants revenge on those who snickered behind his back and called him ‘asthmatic dwarf.’ He’ll stick around as long as he has a few punching bags left.”
——————–
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:
— 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.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
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.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
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] Rebecca Minkoff says ‘No comment’ to Scientology questions in RHONY trailer
[TWO years ago] Scientology’s plan to take over Battle Creek, Michigan is going according to plan!
[THREE years ago] Scientology scores major success with powerful new publicity effort
[FOUR years ago] Tom Cruise’s Scientology superpowers, No. 10: Drying out from space coke
[FIVE years ago] Faces of the Sea Org: Rare look at Scientology workers indentured for a billion years
[SIX years ago] RAPE ACCUSERS SUE DANNY MASTERSON, CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY, AND ITS LEADER
[SEVEN years ago] Whale watching: Your 2018 mid-year guide to who’s keeping Scientology alive
[EIGHT years ago] Fair Play: Before Leah Remini takes another whack, here’s a word from Scientology itself
[NINE years ago] Got a Purple Heart? Scientology wants to exploit you
[TEN years ago] Florida rejects complaint over Scientology ‘disconnection,’ but Brian Sheen unbowed
[ELEVEN years ago] Kate Bornstein kicks cancer’s ass
[TWELVE years ago] Episcopal Church Objects to Being Included in Supreme Court Brief Supporting Scientology
——————–
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 3,355 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,859 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,365 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,915 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,905 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,291 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,786 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,090 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,959 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,513 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,854 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,425 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,341 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,508 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,090 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,349 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,386 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,102 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,666 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,981 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,156 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,838 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,175 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,029 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,144 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,506 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,915 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,305 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,189 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,754 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,265 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,525 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,629 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on August 14, 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
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Trump announces Kennedy honors, but will Gene tell him to KISS off?
Some links to Q-related items today
NEW: I wrote about the poor logic chemtrail believers use to justify their decades-old conspiracy theory, and what I would say if I debated them.https://t.co/YP9DEON822
— Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd on blu sky) (@rothschildmd) August 13, 2025
Reporter: “Have you heard about all these teachers having sex with their students? Is this not crazy? What is going on?”
Trump: “Well, I don't think the male students have been hurt by it. In fact, they're going around bragging about it as I understand it. So, you know, I don't… pic.twitter.com/A9hOSCpB5a
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 13, 2025
“He doesn’t think it’s funny today because we charged him with a felony. …So there, stick your Subway sandwich somewhere else.”
Jeanine Pirro made an entire video celebrating how Trump’s federal agents took down the man who threw a sandwich at one of them and ran off. pic.twitter.com/5xPAdAK98u
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 14, 2025
Kiss band member Gene Simons: “When you get into a position of power, it does affect lives. I don’t think [Trump’s] a Republican or a Democrat. He’s out for himself, any way you can get there. And in the last election, over 70 million people bought it hook, line and sinker.” pic.twitter.com/equMaIfnl4
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 13, 2025
Kiss band member Gene Simmons: “Look what [Trump] did to this country and the polarization – got all the cockroaches to rise to the top. Once upon a time, you were embarrassed to be publicly racist and out there with conspiracy theories. Now it’s all out in the open because he… pic.twitter.com/2yKRjVilLS
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 13, 2025
Gene Simmons has the chance to do one of the most rock and roll things ever… https://t.co/2xa2b8loea pic.twitter.com/wTdpUThzIy
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 13, 2025
US BUDGET DEFICIT SOARS
New data show the deficit jumped 19% to $291B in July. This is despite $21B collected from Americans due to higher import taxes, which have led to higher costs on goods like furniture, footwear, and auto parts.
The deficit for 2025 is already $1.63… pic.twitter.com/mEueS9a8FP
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) August 12, 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 August 14, 2025 at 08:00
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