Tony Ortega's Blog, page 23
July 24, 2025
How your haunted house dollars are helping build Scientology’s new Vatican
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: A month from today, a well-known Haunted House complex north of Tampa will open for its 2025 season. And Florida Halloween fans may not know it, but their scare dollars will be helping Scientology build its massive new shrine to founder L. Ron Hubbard in Clearwater! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Recall a time you were being someone else. Recall a time you caused another to be someone else. Recall a time others caused others to be someone else. Recall a time you caused yourself to be someone else. Locate a time containing pain and unconsciousness when you were being someone else. Locate a time containing pain and unconsciousness of your causing another to be someone else. Locate a time containing pain and unconsciousness of others causing others to be someone else. Locate a time containing pain and unconsciousness of you causing yourself to be someone else.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
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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
[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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“You don’t have to know anything about electronics. You don’t have to be able to do one of these things, or make one, you just have to be able to run one….A retractor beam is used somewhat on the order that you bulldog a calf or rope a steer, or something of the sort. It’s to grab hold of something and hold it and pull it in….Why do men stay on Earth? Have you ever had a pc that gave you the idea that he was held down and was going to take root and grow? Have you ever had the idea that you’re sort of anchored in one spot? Did you ever feel heavy? Did you ever get up in the morning and feel tired? You get out of bed, you’re feeling all right, but the second you stand up you feel kind of tired. All you’re doing is kicking in one of these darn retractor somatics.” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 24, 1952
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“I think you’ll find the water tastes better. The contaminated water (defiled by a decayed hose being used to take it aboard probably) has been taken out of No. 4 tanks and pumped into Deep Tank forward. Clean water is reported as now in the lines.” — The Commodore, July 24, 1970
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“The biggest room in the world is room for improvement. Standard tech is only about 20 percent of what it needs to be. And much of it is false and limiting data, and has lots of mistakes. Knowledge is not static. What was true yesterday, is not necessarily true today. Anyone who thinks that standard tech is completed, a closed system is 0.05. KSW is a lie. I have seen no evidence that standard tech works. The goal of Scientology is to make a homo novis. I have seen no evidence of a homo novis. Not even close. In fact, the very large percentage of scios are very poor quality people. They set a very poor example for the workability of Scientology. Most of them are very unstable bipolar psychotics.”
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1998: Bob Minton was picketed at his New Hampshire home this week, leading to a confrontation when Scientologists entered his property. “2 Scientologists picketed my NH house this evening and tresspassed to photograph me and Stacy Young while we were swimming in the pool. They also yelled obscenities from 200 feet away. After the shots over the heads of OSA boys, somebody called the police to have them checkout the shooting incident in NH. I was called by police and told there were 4 police cars in front of my house and I should walk out of the house, hands above my head and surrender to the police. I was handcuffed and held in my driveway for 20 minutes while the police decided what was going on. Now I am free again and I urge everyone to read my post tonight entitled ‘Scientology versus Democracy Redux.'”
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“Just like with Esmeralda the Gypsy fortune teller proclaiming that her powers won’t work if non-believers are present, the same cautions exist within Scientology, as well as the rule that demonstrating OT powers to those on a lower gradient is an out-tech high crime. Ron knew the tricks on the spiritual bunco trade.”
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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 July 14.
— ‘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 July 7.
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. Oral arguments are probably next.
— 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 is due July 3.
— 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] Scientology does have a tax-exemption fight on its hands: But not in the US
[TWO years ago] Archival gems: When Scientology was on the hot seat in swinging London
[THREE years ago] Danny Masterson done with appeals before Oct 11 trial? Can Scientology allow it to happen?
[FOUR years ago] Scientology is known for stalking people years after their involvement. Here’s how they do it.
[FIVE years ago] Weeks after the protests, Scientology in LA remains boarded up and abandoned. What gives?
[SIX years ago] Inside Scientology’s emergency San Fernando Valley confab, planning for US takeover
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology used an ice cream ‘date’ to run up $20,000 on senior’s credit cards
[EIGHT years ago] RAY JEFFREY TO JUDGE: ORDER RATHBUNS TO TURN OVER FINANCIAL RECORDS AND TESTIFY
[NINE years ago] A billboard sprouts in Florida, and other Scientology chaos in our social media review
[TEN years ago] Long before Xenu: Scientology’s actual origin story, as told by a former member
[ELEVEN years ago] A lawsuit over counseling credentials now aims at the essence of Scientology
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Continues to “Handle” the “Black PR” of Leah Remini’s Defection
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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 3,334 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,838 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,344 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,894 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,884 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,270 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,765 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,069 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,938 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,492 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,833 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,400 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,319 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,487 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,069 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,328 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,365 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,081 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,645 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,960 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,135 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,817 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,154 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,008 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,123 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,485 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,894 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,284 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,168 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,733 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,244 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,504 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,608 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on July 24, 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
White House keeps playing the QAnon hits to distract patriots from Epstein
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});WSJ: Justice Department told Trump in May that his name is among many in the Epstein files. https://t.co/7zdlNc3l0I via @WSJ
— Andrew Kaczynski (@KFILE) July 23, 2025
"Prosecute Obama for treason" was one of the core values of QAnon. They play the hits because they know it riles up the base and keeps them from thinking too much about the failure to reveal the truth about Epstein – also one of the core values QAnon. https://t.co/ltkIuQZhaA
— Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd on blu sky) (@rothschildmd) July 23, 2025
Omg
pic.twitter.com/bV6kYbl7zA
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) July 24, 2025
he lost the shaman pic.twitter.com/7pnGNAK68q
— Italien Feeld (@julianfeeld) July 23, 2025
SCOOP: Elon Musk’s associates at DOGE have begun vacating their headquarters at the General Services Administration in Washington, DC, and they’re leaving behind an apocalyptic scene of toddler play sets, mattresses, and pillows.
We got photos. 👇https://t.co/OZF6PKENFY
— WIRED (@WIRED) July 23, 2025
At a recent right-wing event, far-right conspiracy theorist Lara Logan claimed that she found out from a "US intelligence source" that previously "they were harvesting adrenochrome" in Iraq. https://t.co/jIIiNGEE79 pic.twitter.com/8Uc1RHhvt2
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) July 23, 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 July 24, 2025 at 08:00
July 23, 2025
Trump says continuing calls for Epstein files is a ‘witch hunt’
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});NEW: We uncovered multiple photos of Jeffrey Epstein at Donald Trump‘s wedding. Photos of the pair together earlier that year at an event. And video of Epstein and Trump at the 1999 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. https://t.co/EAFTsQR5w4
— Andrew Kaczynski (@KFILE) July 22, 2025
Hannity 2019: I have zero doubt that Russia meddled in the 2016 election…I’m certain they did. Devin Nunes was warning Obama in 2014
Hannity 2025: They all lied. I’m proud that this show got it right. The rest of the media went along with the lie. pic.twitter.com/9aJOpVlaFw
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 23, 2025
Spotted in DC pic.twitter.com/OZoNdZskw7
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 23, 2025
MAGA: Release the Epstein files!
GOP: pic.twitter.com/WiowkbDcYG
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 23, 2025
Trump Dismisses Epstein Client Probe as “Witch Hunt"
Trump calls the topic "nonsense"https://t.co/joIn2JKzglhttps://t.co/joIn2JKzgl
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 22, 2025
When Trump is backed into a corner, he falls back on the conspiracy theory greatest hits. Except the biggest hit of them all is Trump bringing down the "pedo elite" cabal led by Jeffrey Epstein. So this is not going well. https://t.co/PoGKZ2Q9Qe
— Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd on blu sky) (@rothschildmd) July 23, 2025
Would have been better than the Epstein list guy that got elected pic.twitter.com/Lwq7DbCRTa
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 23, 2025
Ozzy Osbourne: “Donald Trump is a felon…” pic.twitter.com/jvS2vRKkdi
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 22, 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 July 23, 2025 at 08:00
Apostate Alex goes to America (again): How Scientology’s abuses unite us all
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
“In a Dianetic session it is not uncommon to find a brief F/N occurring on a list or a preassessment. In Dianetics we are not interested in key-outs. We are interested in chains and erasures. So the “hottest reading item” on the list is the one that gave an F/N. Usually it will be a BD F/N. If the Dianetic auditor does not know that an instant F/N is a read he is likely to ignore the item that F/Ned. In Dianetics, you will find that an F/N taken up again, will immediately key-in but this is what the Dianetic auditor wants. The Scientology auditor is usually handling other phenomena and if he bypassed an F/N and kept on going the TA would go up and he would have trouble. So the use of this principle is a very touchy thing and has to be understood.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
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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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“Now your understanding is that when you die, why somehow or another about 15 minutes later you appear in another body. Let’s look at this thing from a time disorientation basis. That is a lie. It takes 69 days plus. More than 69 days. See, this has upset some of our calculations. We’ve wondered what has happened to some of our people, why they didn’t show up again immediately, that sort of thing. You’ve gone as long as eight or nine years between death and birth. Now what happens — I’ll just give you a fast rundown on this situation — what happens is, you’ve got a compulsion to appear at the between-lives return-point. And, of course, you just do a disappear at death and an appear there. You don’t travel to there, see. It’s all nicely implanted and you’re supposed to arrive at this exact point. And having arrived at this point you go through the works. And the works consist of a false death given to you in pictures. You’re caught there and beamed in, and you get a bunch of pictures which they have taken — these aren’t your pictures — and it tells you all about the death you just died. Only that’s not the death you just died. They give you a completely false death.” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 23, 1963
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“Today at 0900 we will move the bow of the ship over to the best fixed location of the port anchor which was researched last night. It’s just to the north of where we searched today. We will lower the port anchor and when secure, divers will go down the chain to see what an anchor looks like on the bottom and start a search radius from it. Have sleds ready again, they can stand off as we move forward.” — Capt. W.B. Robertson, July 23, 1970
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“Part of the road to becoming a god is to be willing to do anything and accept causation for anything. So you don’t mind being the one who made the dam burst. And with that, you gain control over the mockup. Then all you have to do is change your mind about what you want to have happen in the area and it all shifts around because now it is your dream rather than theirs which is controlling the projection of reality. And after the dam snaps back together and the devastation is erased by your postulates, the people are even more willing to agree with your being cause over everything because they like the results.”
1997: Lawrence Wollersheim reported that FACTNet has rejected a 12 million dollar settlement offer from Scientology. “I went to L.A. for two days about ten weeks ago and met with Monique Yingling (of the law firm of Yingling and Yingling of Washington D.C.), Marty Rathbun, and Mike Rinder. We continued to negotiate for the next four weeks. The basics of what Scientology sees in their minds as restrictions reciprocally and equally binding on both parties and a peace with dignity are as follows: That the non-profit free speech library and historic preservational archive called FACTNet be taken off the Internet and closed forever. That all FACTNet library databases containing electronic books, articles court decisions, government reports and former member debriefings about Scientology (or any other cultic organizations) contained in those databases be completely destroyed. That a total gag order be agreed to by Bob, Arnie, and Lawrence so that they can never again speak out about Scientology. That Bob, Arnie, and Lawrence are never again permitted to assist anyone in any manner trying to fight or expose Scientology. That Bob, Arnie, and Lawrence are never permitted to testify at any legal proceeding or government investigation or serve as expert witnesses concerning Scientology without service of a real adverse subpoena. That no money from the 12 million dollar package settlement could go to anyone continuing to fight or educate in any way against Scientology. That FACTNet return Scientology’s court-submitted financial records and all copies of their ‘advanced trade secret’ materials and non-original copyrighted materials. That humiliating false and self-incriminating public statements be made that imply that the FACTNet research on Scientology’s problem with members going psychotic or attempting or committing suicide while involved with their bizarre initiation rituals is not credible. That we falsely state in a public statement that FACTNet existed exclusively and solely for anti-Scientology activities. They also wanted an ‘agreement violation’ damage clause that could eventually amount to a flat penalty of $750,000 in damages against us every time they proved we have violated ANY term of the agreement no matter how inconsequentially and without showing any real damage to themselves. And finally, while Scientology corporations and fronts not bound by this agreement could sue us back to the Stone Age for alleged violations or anything else they could and would dream up, we of course, are still bound by every single other term of the agreement as far as restricting us from speaking out or working against Scientology. Scientology wanted all the Hubbard family heirs’ names included in our deal so that all probate actions to examine the fraudulent asset transfers away from the Hubbard family heirs to David Miscavige’s and Starkey’s control would be stopped. Early on in the discussion, Scientology wanted a statement retracting all statements that Miscavige’s mother-in-law’s suicide/murder might have had any connection to David Miscavige or Scientology. Scientology has once again conclusively shown me it has not changed one iota from the entrapping Gerry Armstrong, Margie Wakefield, Flynn type settlement strategies. In fact it has gotten worse in its settlement demands.” Scientology also pulled RTC from the FACTNet litigation, leaving only Bridge Publications to continue the copyright infringement case. From the recommendation of Magistrate Judge Abram: “IT IS RECOMMENDED that plaintiff RTC’S Motion Under Fed.R.Civ.P 41 to Withdraw Claims, filed May 14, 1997, be granted, and the defendants’ request for attorneys’ fees be denied. Plaintiff filed its motion after the court in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia entered a judgment in a companion case. Until the court issued the order, there was a viable issue in both courts. RTC is satisfied that the copyright issue has been resolved by the judgment in Virginia court. To ask this court to again address the same issue would be a waste of judicial resources and time.”
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“L. Ron Hubbard is dead but that didn’t stop lawyers for Monique from introducing his works as evidence in a court of law. There is a paper trail for Joseph Smith leading back to the early 1800’s also. Evidence clearly demonstrates that L. Ron Hubbard and Joseph Smith were con men. Smith was a convicted con man. The Abrahamic religions are obviously too old for this.”
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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 July 14.
— ‘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 July 7.
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 is due July 3.
— 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 debacle: Rent comes due on the double life of Aaron Kyro
[TWO years ago] Scientology at San Diego Comic-Con: Toxic ‘disconnection’ on display again this year
[THREE years ago] PODCAST: Sunny Pereira spills secrets of Scientology’s Hollywood Celebrity Centre
[FOUR years ago] The Scientologist who played a role in Tuesday’s historic Blue Origin launch
[FIVE years ago] Scientology not only opposes Valerie Haney’s do-over, but wants $160,000 in sanctions
[SIX years ago] Hey, slacker, come on back to Scientology — things are peachy now!
[SEVEN years ago] SCIENTOLOGY CAVES: MISCAVIGE SETTLES FORCED-ABORTION CASE TO AVOID TRIAL
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology shifting front group strategy — it’s all about kids, kids, kids
[NINE years ago] Bomb diggety! It’s more Scientologists high on L. Ron Hubbard and the everloving ‘tech’
[TEN years ago] The Church of Scientology: A rollicking legacy of belligerence, profanity, paranoia, and violence
[ELEVEN years ago] LIVE BLOG: The Elli Perkins story tonight on the ID Network, ‘The Scientology Cure’
[TWELVE years ago] Claire Headley: Scientology’s Own Rules Prove That it Uses “Disconnection” To Split Up Families
——————–
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 3,333 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,837 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,343 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,893 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,883 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,269 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,764 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,068 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,937 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,491 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,832 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,399 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,318 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,486 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,068 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,327 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,364 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,080 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,644 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,959 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,134 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,816 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,153 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,007 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,122 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,484 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,893 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,283 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,167 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,732 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,243 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,503 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,607 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on July 23, 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
July 22, 2025
Why Scientology is not a likely avenue for finding Amy Bradley
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Thanks to a new Netflix treatment, the 1998 disappearance of Amy Bradley is getting new interest. Her brother Brad, meanwhile, has suspected that Scientology might have something to do with his sister’s fate. He reached out to us, and we turned to the experts. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The possibility of running a Drug RD flat on a pc is totally zilch and the reason for this is that there have been innumerable cultures in the several universes that were far more drug oriented than this one. And even on a person that’s not manifesting drugs and hasn’t taken any this lifetime, you can collide with these cultures and universes if you keep pushing it. You can always find more drugs on the track. What you’re interested in is this lifetime and this body. This doesn’t mean you don’t run track on the Drug RD, just don’t push it. Don’t ask for whole track drugs. When you list out the drugs a pc has taken, you only want the ones he has taken this lifetime.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
——————–
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({});
——————–
“I took a hard-boiled, hardheaded, sonic shut-off, somatic shut-off, reality shut-off case and had him pretend he was dead, in the hope that he would swing into the dead person in whose valence he was, and then he could tell us all about the funeral. So I said, ‘Go to the time when you were dead.’ So he obligingly went to 1797 in Sicily, when he was in a farmhouse dying. He died with full somatics. I thought this was very interesting, so I brought him up to present time and thought about it a little more, and took another case….We are discovering incidents back there. I never investigated them before, although I probably should have. We don’t currently know much about them except that people feel better when they are run. This is not part of the standard technique of Dianetics at present although I have known this material was there for some time.” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 22, 1950
——————–
“NOTICE: Any FEBC student who arrived here before April 20th is overdue for completion. Your Orgs need you; therefore, you should do everything in your power to complete all your outstanding cycles quickly and thoroughly so that you can be fired. As per HCO PL of Feb 22, 1968, ‘The secret of any executive success is the ability to COMPLETE cycles of action QUICKLY.’” — Mary Sue Hubbard, Controller, July 22, 1971
——————–
“I don’t think LRH knew I was coming from the future. I didn’t get that until after I had the sessions where I listened to Alex Collier tell us this period of time had already happened and the future is in terror and we came back to fix it in Sept 11, 2012. Everything opened up then. I couldn’t get the Church of Scientology to know this because I didn’t know it yet. I think LRH spotted this in me and thought maybe I was another one of him and I could feel at FSO he was a bit afraid of me. I could feel it. I joined the Sea Org right after I went out of body into a UFO the night before I joined to Sea Org in 1971 and I had a compulsion to get to LRH and get him to Audit me and deliver whatever messages they flooded into me. If I could have gotten to him then maybe the takeover wouldn’t have happened.”
——————–
1996: The Associated Press released an article entitled “Cyber War.” A few excerpts: “Some on the Net call it cyberspace’s Vietnam. Others prefer the analogy of the Spanish Civil War. Whichever it is, the back-and-forth skirmishes of this guerrilla conflict are an excellent example of the kind of vigilantism that rules in the anarchy that is the Internet. The ongoing confrontation is perhaps the best example of the Internet as a self-regulating anarchy: When the church made ample use of the U.S. legal system to stop the illegal posting of its copyright materials, Internet users countered with hit-and-run online networks to spread information faster than the church could file suits. Things boiled over in January 1995, when Scientology lawyer Helena Kobrin attempted to delete an Internet discussion group devoted to Scientology because she believed it violated the church’s intellectual property rights to the word ‘Scientology’ itself and that it had been initiated with a forged e-mail address — one that misspelled the name of a church leader. ‘It was intended as an attempt to protect intellectual property rights. Nothing more,’ Kobrin said from her Los Angeles office. Numerous anti-Scientology Web sites also have gone up, meticulously detailing each court case, summons and outcome, with whole libraries of newspaper and magazine article appended. Scientology has countered with its own massive Web site, weighing in with more than 30,000 pages in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian. It includes information on church beliefs, a virtual reality tour of Scientology headquarters in Los Angeles and even a sound clip of Scientologist John Travolta performing. The most recent engagement was last month’s massive ‘vertical spam’ of alt.religion.scientology, a tactic that overwhelmed almost all discussion. No one knows who was sending the messages, which sometimes came at a rate of 100 per hour. Scientology spokeswoman Debbie Blair said the church had no part in the attack.”
——————–
“My opinion is that the ‘true believer’ type personality is as much, if not more, the reason why some people end up in cults, than the ‘mind control’ explanation.”
——————–
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 July 14.
— ‘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 July 7.
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. Oral arguments are probably next.
— 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 is due July 3.
— 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 sent out its baddie to ‘handle’ the Lisa McPherson protests
[TWO years ago] PODCAST: ‘Oppenheimer’ and Scientology, with physicist Bruce Hines
[THREE years ago] Is Scientology key to solving a young woman’s disappearance? Police want to know.
[FOUR years ago] Here’s our motion to quash the subpoena Danny Masterson’s attorney slapped us with
[FIVE years ago] Scientology is a special hell for the ‘staff’ who work at your local ‘org’
[SIX years ago] Sudden change in Maiden Voyage events in Los Angeles a clue to Ideal Org problems?
[SEVEN years ago] A tale of two cities: Scientology courts pols and police in one place, acts sneaky in another
[EIGHT years ago] Janis Grady’s new book on life in Scientology: Jon Atack’s take, and an excerpt
[NINE years ago] Was it something we said? Scientology wants Cindy Plahuta’s letter in fraud lawsuit struck
[TEN years ago] How Scientology is Tom Cruise? How he put ethics ‘ruthlessly’ in on his own family
[ELEVEN years ago] More trouble for Scientology fundraising and recruitment in Europe
[TWELVE years ago] DISCONNECTION: A Double Dose of Scientology’s Toxic Use of “Leverage”
——————–
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 3,333 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,837 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,343 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,893 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,883 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,269 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,764 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,068 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,937 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,491 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,832 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,399 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,318 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,486 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,068 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,327 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,364 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,080 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,644 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,959 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,134 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,816 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,153 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,007 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,122 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,484 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,893 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,283 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,167 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,732 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,243 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,503 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,607 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on July 22, 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 posts AI fantasy of Obama arrest, but it’s not denting Epstein obsession
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump Shares AI-Generated Video of Obama Being Arrested
Trump floods Truth Social with string of disturbing postshttps://t.co/6TrwP0qBGQ
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 21, 2025
Johnson on Epstein Files: My belief is we need the administration to have the space to do what it is doing.
RAJU: So no vote on this before the August recess?
Johnson: No
pic.twitter.com/lpPHWsc5AC
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 21, 2025
Reporter: There are reports FBI agents going through the Epstein files were told to flag President Trump’s name. Is that something the President aware of or he directed?
Leavitt: I don’t believe that was something the White House was aware of. You would have to ask the FBI. pic.twitter.com/uGzQhQYhgG
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 21, 2025
Trump is trying to get past his Jeffrey Epstein by suggesting he'll arrest Obama. But so far, MAGA isn't buying it.
My latest False Flag newsletter for @BulwarkOnline: https://t.co/53dnR4j1cq
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) July 21, 2025
All this talk of Obama's impending indictment is QAnon running into the Reality/Fantasy wall I talked about a few months ago. https://t.co/s0Wt9NJ0wS
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) July 22, 2025
Thomas Massie wants to release the Epstein files. Trump is attacking him. pic.twitter.com/d0XBaHAIQE
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 22, 2025
MLK’s Daughter Calls Out Trump: “Now, Do the Epstein Files”
Bernice King flips script on White House document releasehttps://t.co/wb8E1Gp1sGhttps://t.co/wb8E1Gp1sG
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 22, 2025
Phase 2 is outright denial pic.twitter.com/nM3Dgb7gXF
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 21, 2025
“Daddy Trump” shirts being sold at his New Jersey golf club pic.twitter.com/82u9cyEoCg
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 21, 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 July 22, 2025 at 08:00
July 21, 2025
Leah Remini: Leaked Scientology policies direct lawyers in religious warfare
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Leah Remini is revealing what thousands of internal Scientology documents spell out, that the attorneys the church hires for legal warfare are following unalterable and unethical religious doctrine, and that it’s time for courts and the government to put a stop to it. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“This year has so far resulted in technical breakthroughs from one end of the Grade Chart to the other. Each of these is the result of years of research and in recent months one major discovery has led to another with great rapidity and astounding success. On a research line one sometimes hits pay dirt, this time I struck pure gold, not once, but several times and we now have new major grades and rundowns at both ends of the Bridge.
New Era Dianetics has already been released and is internationally reported to be working fabulously well producing 80% more gain. An attempt to run NED on an OT resulted in a phenomenon which caught my attention, and on further investigation brought to light the fact that you cannot run NED, or any Dianetics for that matter, on a Clear (Dianetic or Scientology Clear) or above. Research into this paid off handsomely with a fantastic breakthrough for Clears and OTs. I have now developed an entirely new rundown called “NED for OTs.” This deals with living lightning, the very stuff of life itself.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
——————–
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
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
——————–
“All sorts of disastrous things will occur If you become an expert Dianetic auditor. Then we’re all in trouble because we will start curing everything, you know, and knocking out psychosis and neurosis and doing all those poor doctors out of their jobs. And you don’t want to do any doctors out of their jobs. But I say this in all sincerity, this leads you in to the fact that you can heal, and that is not your profession. You’re trying to clear people, and these processes will heal people, even badly run. They’ll cure migraine headaches and arthritis and lumbosis and medicosis and all kinds of wild illnesses. But it doesn’t necessarily follow that it’s uniform. In other words, you don’t get one for one for one, you see, for the excellent reason that the whole reactive mind is the reason for very severe illnesses. It’s the whole mind. And you can key out parts of it and make somebody quite well, you see. You can key out some very specific illness like that and have it go away but don’t be too surprised if it comes back. So therefore, ‘cure’ is not well used. It’s ill-advised as a word.” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 21, 1966
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“WWIII: The 18 July statement of Russia that it would back Arabs against Israel after an apparent squeeze play on Nasser is the first whiff of World War III. Yesterday’s news items of Soviet Rocket tests north of Hawaii is a confirming item. The Soviet has the US will to fight very knocked out internally in the US and is now following up to pressure the Middle East and the Pacific as a strategic action. They have of course misgauged the US reaction and a belligerent response wrongly done can tip over the cold war into a hot one. This is mentioned because it becomes a factor in our operations to be alert, preserve reserves, and beef up UK and EU.” — The Commodore, July 21, 1970
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“You’re just investigating the havingness, getting viewpoints all over, just looking at it. You can see all time that has taken place since the beginning to now in even in the future, if you are OT enough, and even see what’s going to happen in the future. I once did this when I went way back to when I was a huge disembodied OT toward the beginning of my track. It’s like a bunch of particles all moving, co-acting and coming together in different positions to create whatever realities that happened or will happen. We can change the future, no doubt, and I have changed the weather without a doubt and still do when I feel the desire. Time doesn’t really exist, it’s simultaneous, i.e., the present is all that’s really real, but we have stretched it out and created motion in order to have action; i.e., having particles move in space is what having is, which is what time is, but once it’s gone, it’s gone. I just urge you to study all the ACCs from the PDC on up to the eighth American, if you have any doubt.”
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
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1995: Charles Oriez and Henry became the latest to hear from Scientology’s chief legal harassment official, Helena Kobrin. Charles writes: “BTW – her letter claims that I posted OT II, OT III, and OT VII. Anyone remember any posts from me referencing II or III stuff? OT III is xenu and the volcanoes, right? Would the Xenu House of Clams T-shirt I just bought be a trade secret infringement? Should I wear it to court as respondent’s exhibit A?” And from Henry: “I posted this for the purpose of criticizing the practices and beliefs of a criminal cult, eleven of whose members were convicted of federal offenses and imprisoned for wiretapping government offices, stealing documents from government offices, forging documents and other crimes. This quotation is ‘fair use’ as recognized under US law, is only six lines, and was quoted for the purposes of review and public information, and as such this threat is without grounds and baseless.” William Barwell received a response from Helena from his last letter. She apparently thinks this part is a zinger. “In the case against Dennis Erlich, Judge Whyte issued a Temporary Restraining Order prohibiting him from engaging in certain acts related to Church materials. The order states in part: “Defendant Dennis Erlich and his agents, servants, and employees, and all persons acting or purporting to act under his authority, direction or control, and all persons acting in concert or in participation with any of them who receive notice of this Order, shall be and are restrained and enjoined pending further court order.” It would be amusing to see her claim that all a.r.s participants are servants of Dennis. The Pope made this comment to the letter. “The cult is playing hardball. I am wiping my hard disks of anything that could get me sued after a raid, and I am going to also be writing my Senators, and my Congressman.”
——————–
“He’s found the right balance between non-sequitur sesquipedalian punster and heartfelt commenting.”
——————–
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 July 14.
— ‘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 July 7.
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. Oral arguments are probably next.
— 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 is due July 3.
— 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 says construction has begun on its next Ideal Org — in Puerto Rico!
[TWO years ago] Valerie Haney: Here’s why the press should be asking Tom Cruise about Shelly Miscavige
[THREE years ago] While the planet melts: What Scientology predicted about climate change
[FOUR years ago] US Supreme Court: Valerie Haney fires back at Scientology about its ‘religious ritual’
[FIVE years ago] ‘We’ve talked to the FBI’ Leah Remini says in first podcast, calling for Scientology raid
[SIX years ago] Evidence that Scientology is adopting an anti-vaxx strategy, and with political aspirations
[SEVEN years ago] From Sands Hall’s excellent ‘Flunk. Start.’ — the paradox of ‘Keeping Scientology Working’
[EIGHT years ago] As Leah Remini’s second season approaches, more Scientology survivors are opening up
[NINE years ago] Scientology goes shopping for a new top cop in L.A., and a new video from Chris Shelton!
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s speechwriter, the word of God, and a Hubbard bio that will never see the light of day
[ELEVEN years ago] Surviving Scientology podcast: Former treasury employee Mat Pesch spills the beans
[TWELVE years ago] Neil Gaiman’s Nephew Fights for Scientology Marriage Rights in the UK
——————–
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 3,332 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,836 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,342 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,892 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,882 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,268 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,763 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,067 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,936 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,490 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,831 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,398 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,317 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,485 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,067 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,326 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,363 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,079 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,643 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,958 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,133 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,815 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,152 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,006 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,121 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,483 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,892 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,282 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,166 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,731 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,242 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,502 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,606 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on July 21, 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 loyalty test: Are you with the god-emperor or the Epstein-obsessed dopes?
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});5 things Trump did this week:
1. Claimed exposing the Epstein pedo ring was not a priority
2. Said he “lost faith” in his supporters
3. Called his supporters “stupid people”
4. Denied drawing a naked woman for Jeffrey Epstein
5. Went golfing again pic.twitter.com/O4UamxJ2T6
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 20, 2025
Donald Trump just reposted an AI video depicting President Obama being arrested by FBI agents. Yes, really.
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) July 21, 2025
The crazy thing about Donald Trump posting an AI video of Obama getting arrested is that Trump once had someone organize a party for him and invite a bunch of “young women” and it turned out Jeffrey Epstein was his only other guest.
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) July 21, 2025
MAGA base: When will you arrest the Epstein pedo ring?
Trump: pic.twitter.com/YKt3EHgvhC
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 20, 2025
Account reposted by Trump also pushes “Epstein conspiracy hype” pic.twitter.com/G3bOqJffi6
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 21, 2025
Trump is asking donors if they would have chosen him over George Washington in 1776 pic.twitter.com/g3a6vpHqYX
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 21, 2025
(gift article) The headline is a bit off, as I'm not sharing any "anger" — I'm just raising questions that victims and the public deserve to have answers to. https://t.co/GCPbMgEahV
— julie k. brown (@jkbjournalist) July 20, 2025
Taking down a pedo ring is a “waste” of time? https://t.co/hmI47kUZA7
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 21, 2025
Billionaire has bone to pick with Medicaid recipients https://t.co/Zd4XhwbmUB
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 21, 2025
“The golden age” pic.twitter.com/4rmrgdSxQF
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 20, 2025
More like 6 months of whining pic.twitter.com/RYWzRQ4VPE
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 21, 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 July 21, 2025 at 08:00
July 20, 2025
How Scientology punishes the sick — and how leaving it saved my life
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: In Scientology, becoming sick is an ethical failing that you get punished for. So, many Scientologists would rather avoid getting treatment than admit something is wrong, and sometimes with tragic results. Val Ross explains how this played out in her life. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“Dianetic overruns are repaired by assessing and handling the L3RF. But the real cure is to flawlessly handle Dianetic EPs by getting the postulate, F/N and VGIs and then promptly ending off on that chain with a bright and happy pc. Recognizing the postulate when it comes off and never never running a pc beyond it are vitally important to the success of New Era Dianetics sessions. It’s the POSTULATE we are going for in New Era Dianetics.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
——————–
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
——————–
“I got in a silly cycle. I don’t know, a trillion, trillennia, trillennia, trillennia ago. And every time they had a war, why, I went out. I would either be a pilot in, or commander of, or somebody connected with an interceptor squadron on the outside of the capital. Societies used to last longer than they do now. And it wasn’t anything for a society to go a billion years without much change. But, every time the society would get into trouble, usually with the same adversaries, why, that was the drop of the hat. That was the signal. The whistle had gone and you would go down and snappily report to the Seventeenth Interceptor Squadron, which had in charge of it the protection of the capital, don’t you see? And the enemy would come over and you would take off in an interceptor and you would go up to the center of the airport and you would either shoot down the attacking plane or be shot down and always at the center of the same airport — for a billion years. ” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 20, 1961
——————–
“The ‘alarming increasing debt’ stat of the US is a negative stat. Actually it parallels almost exactly the decrease of the value of the dollar AND SO HASN’T RISEN IN 53 YEARS! Yet the ‘financial wizards’ in the world bank use it to reduce credit in the US which will bring on a depression which lets them grab the securities and properties cheaply. The eggheads in charge continually indulge in false stats or think negative stats are useful. And ignore the psychiatric negative stat of increasing insanity and crime which parallels cash received by governments and psychiatrists. But you can only prove how bad something is by negative stats. You can’t really determine production. Imagine having how many Ethics orders put on one as his stat! Negative ideal scene — One who flunks is penalized without regard to value or production. US Citizens have that stat! And any other country!” — The Commodore, July 20, 1970
——————–
“Spiritual cleansing of Mexican pyramids is one OT Project that Captain Bill Robertson would certainly approve. In the cleansing of pyramids in Mexico, the practice of human sacrifice appears as a key event. But this practice of extracting the heart and drinking the blood is actually a ritual of a group known as the ‘Brotherhood of the Snake.’ The investigation of abductee Truman L. Cash has discovered that this practice was carried out in the pyramid of Giza, in Egypt. Those who performed it were human-looking ETs whom he calls the Serpent Staff Pleiadians. This ritual performed at Giza is connected with the secret rituals of Freemasonry and human sacrifice in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.”
2001: “Noumenon” reported on an event on the Freewinds featuring a video from David Miscavige. “I went to the second installment of the ‘maiden voyage’ event which features the head of the church, Miscavige. It was a video of an early-June public presentation given on the church’s ocean-going vessel. This was billed as a ‘must-see’ event for all scientologists, promising to give information on the incredible breakthroughs for opening up the bridge to total freedom for everyone. The entire event was a presentation by Miscavige and no one else. ‘With pre-OTs now enrolled on new OT 8, the next target is the release of new OT 9 and 10. So tonight I’m going to talk to you about technical application and recent actions that have been taken to cause a dramatic impact on speed up the bridge. The goal is no less than every Scientologist moving up to OT. And to comprehend the full significance of that, let’s take this datum that comes from HCOPL 28 July 59, Our Goals; ‘You’ve heard it said everybody is a Scientologist, some just haven’t cognited yet.’ LRH. We could have located and listed out every error, every auditor or solo auditor in the world and then addressed each of them one by one. Dramatically increasing the speed of progress up the bridge so it helps every Scientologist make it to OT. Let me give you the big picture on how we’re dramatically speeding case progress up the bridge. ‘DO THE GRADE CHART.'”
——————–
“Seeing as how Louanne and vaLLarrr are dead in the head, that makes you the last Internet canary clam in the coal mine, Marco. How’s the 2-pack-a-day anti-cancer therapy working out?”
——————–
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 July 14.
— ‘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 July 7.
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 is due July 3.
— 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] The telex machine wasn’t Scientology’s only old-tech obsession
[TWO years ago] FIELD TRIP: Hey, is that a Scientology ‘Advanced Org,’ and where is everyone?
[THREE years ago] Scientology begs radical US Supreme Court to intervene and protect its ‘religious freedom’
[FOUR years ago] BRIAN STATLER WAS UNARMED: Police say he grabbed their gun in Scientology org shooting
[FIVE years ago] Why Scientology can worry if John Travolta and Lisa Marie Presley seek solace in each other
[SIX years ago] Scientology failed to destroy Sylvia DeWall, but its latest letter to her is simply bizarre
[EIGHT years ago] Tommy Davis’s Hollywood experiment is apparently over as he moves to Splitsville
[NINE years ago] BILLBOARD UP IN FLORIDA: Scientology ‘disconnection’ on view near Clearwater ‘mecca’
[TEN years ago] Stacy Murphy is still dead, but Oklahoma gives the Scientology rehab that killed her new life
[ELEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology has only its ‘humanitarians’ to help it refurbish eyesores
[TWELVE years ago] Perez Hilton Has Poor Reading Skills: Here’s a Leah Remini Primer for the Word-Challenged
——————–
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 3,331 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,835 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,341 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,891 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,881 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,267 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,762 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,066 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,935 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,489 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,830 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,397 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,316 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,484 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,066 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,325 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,362 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,078 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,642 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,957 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,132 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,814 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,151 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,005 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,120 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,482 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,891 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,281 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,165 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,730 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,241 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,501 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,605 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on July 20, 2025 at 07:00
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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…
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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
Casual FBI: Dude, where’s my files?
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump working hard to bring down grocery prices pic.twitter.com/aev1ij4YlK
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 20, 2025
Epstein victim Maria Farmer: Ivana Trump was [Ghislaine's] best friend. Donald was always hanging out with Epstein, and Ivana was always hanging out with Ghislaine. We'd ride in the car [with Ghislaine and Ivana]…I remember one occasion where Ghislaine’s like, “I have to get… pic.twitter.com/v4x03DFb4T
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) July 19, 2025
Trump names me in lawsuit re Jeffrey Epstein letterhttps://t.co/uoW5fPAB4F
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) July 19, 2025
I joined Jonathan Capehart and Eugene Daniels on MSNBC this morning to discuss why conspiracy theories feel inseparable from our politics today and how the Trump administration has incorporated them into its policy priorities. pic.twitter.com/bbBA9Kb5xD
— Jared Holt (@jaredlholt) July 19, 2025
These are clouds ma’am https://t.co/OqWiO3UBDC
— Andrew Kaczynski (@KFILE) July 19, 2025
"The First Arrest" is one of QAnon's favorite prophecies. It's supposed to be the event that helps usher in The Great Awakening. Sadly it never seems to happen and all the arrests they cheer for never pan out. pic.twitter.com/NJL8ZF7joh
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) July 20, 2025
The Obama's are locked up in GITMO and are only allowed on social media when the Patriots deem it so. This guy is one of the most delusional of all the QAnon promoters. pic.twitter.com/gUt63VzeLL
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) July 20, 2025
when you throw a party to celebrate burying info on Epstein’s parties https://t.co/cM0pQomXZF
— Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) July 19, 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 July 20, 2025 at 08:00
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