Tony Ortega's Blog, page 27
July 4, 2025
Independence Day 2025: Tell us about your fight for freedom from Scientology
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: As usual, we mark Independence Day here at the Underground Bunker by asking readers to tell us about their own declarations of freedom from Scientology indoctrination. What led you to dissolve the political bands which connected you to David Miscavige and his tyrannical cabal? [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“A pc’s Havingness Process can change as the pc changes with auditing. If at some point in the auditing the Havingness Process which has been being used fails to get the desired result, simply re-test for a new Havingness Process, find one that works and use it. Even the right Havingness Process, if run too much at one time (more than 10 or 20 commands) will start running the bank. It doesn’t harm the preclear but that isn’t its use, as there are other processes that run the bank better. The purpose of a Havingness Process is to get the preclear stabilized in his environment.” — 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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“Moral codes are solutions to problems which aren’t announced. And you can therefore define a moral code, technically. A moral code is a series of solutions to problems which have not been confronted or analyzed. And you get upset about moral codes. ‘Thou shalt not drink pitchers of milk after three P.M. before thy parents,’ or something like this. Do you realize that almost all of those commandments which are in the Bible at this particular time, that we call the Ten Commandments, are prompted by some obsessive crimes that existed at that state of the game, and that several of these commandments are solutions to venereal disease? Isn’t that interesting? I think it’s fascinating.” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 4, 1961
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“RADIO NEWS: I don’t know what happened to our daily radio news and ALSO why we use radio news. There’s nothing much on it. Recent radio news was carefully censored of all major actions. US news magazines and Herald Tribune headlines are available daily in the port. (By the way, the Manson trial prosecutor says Manson said nothing about Scn and was worlds away from it and BBC is sweating to find out WHO said it on their pgm! Fair shook them. Our PR people are all over them and our legal is sharpening up an axe. BBC has stuck its neck out a half mile.)” — The Commodore, July 4, 1971
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“Exterior with full perception may be a false goal. Consider that it takes agreement with the physical universe to see and feel it. As we go up the bridge we have less and less agreement with the physical universe and more and more we are in a creative band, creating something in the physical universe, or just for others to see. While it is delightful, while exterior to ‘feel’ a wall as it feeds its solidity back to you, I just do not understand why the goal of exterior with full perception was so important to LRH. Does anyone besides me really care if I am exterior with full perception, or not? Not really. They care about who I am and maybe what I am doing. Being exterior with full perception, does that really help clear the planet, or is it just a first dynamic ego trip?”
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1999: Jeff Jacobsen reported that Scientology has not yet completed funding the new Super Power building in Clearwater. “I got a letter dated June 1, 1999 and signed by Adrien Gaal, Director of Income for the Super Power Building project in Clearwater. ‘With groundbreaking, the first phase of funding our building was completed – to put the shell and the core of the building up. The next phase is to complete the rest of the funding this year so we can open the doors of the new Flag Mecca and deliver Super Power in the early part of the new millennium.’ Now doesn’t that mean that they’ve only got enough money for the *shell* of the building? They started a $40 million project with only enough money to put up the shell?”
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“There aren’t enough Scientologists left in the world to fill a sports arena, let alone a stadium.”
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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] It’s Independence Day: Tell us about your own fight for freedom from Scientology
[TWO years ago] On this day of declaring independence, we want to hear about your own fight for freedom
[THREE years ago] As Scientology’s struggles continue, it’s time to declare your independence!
[FOUR years ago] Jon Atack and Mike Rinder on Scientology’s wackiest book: ‘A History of Man’
[FIVE years ago] On this day of declaring independence, we want to hear about your own fight for freedom
[SIX years ago] On this day of declaring independence, we want to hear about your own fight for freedom
[SEVEN years ago] It’s ‘Declare your Independence of Scientology Day’ here again at the Underground Bunker
[EIGHT years ago] Images from spy camera show Clearwater bar owner not only target
[NINE years ago] Tell us how you declared your independence of Scientology on this glorious Independence Day
[TEN years ago] Jon Atack: Looking back on a week of Scientology enturbulation in Toronto
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology’s ‘Disconnection’ policy foiled as Jeremy Powers reunites with his family
[TWELVE years ago] The Declaration of Independence: When Did You Join the Sons of Liberty?
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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 3,315 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,819 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,325 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,875 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,865 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,251 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,746 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,050 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,919 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,473 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,814 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,381 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,300 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,468 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,050 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,309 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,346 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,062 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,626 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,941 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,116 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,798 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,135 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,989 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,104 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,466 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,875 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,265 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,149 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,714 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,225 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,485 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,589 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on July 4, 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 on the 4th of July: Yesterday’s burgers today
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump has those old slurs ready to go https://t.co/SV9orYVI8X
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 4, 2025
I knew it. Even sandbagging the food… because who doesn’t want a day old burger…reheated. https://t.co/j6h0gbMe6V
— Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) July 4, 2025
Trump on his call with Putin: "We also talked about the war with Ukraine, and I'm not happy about that … I didn't make any progress with him today at all." pic.twitter.com/aWD723tcBI
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 3, 2025
They are so proud of snatching food away from poor families pic.twitter.com/1r14q5I9mG
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 4, 2025
Karoline Leavitt implied evil spirits caused technical difficulties during Trump's White House Prayer Call with faith leaders:
"There is spiritual warfare as we all know. It tried to break up our call as the president even alluded to." pic.twitter.com/01W32thOKt
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 3, 2025
“I hate when Elon talks about reality and I wish he would just admit that our government is suppressing magic that would usher in a golden era of peace and prosperity.” Why is Trump hiding this stuff from us? Give us the med beds! pic.twitter.com/DeFpIjbS66
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) July 3, 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 4, 2025 at 08:00
July 3, 2025
The David Miscavige deposition, in all of its surprising (and infuriating) detail
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Although Scientology expends enormous effort to keep leader David Miscavige out of court, he did have to sit for depositions at least twice in 1990s lawsuits. We obtained a full copy of the first of Dave’s depositions and we’re presenting the entire thing (83K words!) today. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The position of a being on the Tone Scale is determined by his ability to reach (and thus his willingness and ability to duplicate, to communicate and experience). The lower the tone of the being the less willing he is to reach, communicate with and experience his present time environment, and the less willing he is to reach and duplicate events of the past or permit them to happen again. This is remedied by Objective Havingness Processes. These are processes that deal with observing and touching objects in the auditing room or in the environment. They are ‘look around’ or physical contact processes, used to remedy a low or ‘no havingness’ condition.” — 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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“We had a gentleman who was suffering from Buerger’s disease, which has to do with one’s legs rotting off. The case was merely opened, not diagnosed. Had the case been diagnosed, it would have been discovered rather rapidly that nobody could help him. That was one of the computations, and it would have become apparent the moment work was started on the case because the person would have run in auto. This preclear had a self-control mechanism of ‘I can handle this myself,’ or ‘I have to handle this myself.’ So he would not have worked well. But you could have discovered this right at the outset by asking him questions in present time about his parents, about what they used to do, what they used to say, what kind of people they were and so on. It must have been a very difficult case to get up and down the track because a case which runs in auto always will be difficult. The next step that should have been discovered about this case was the reason why his legs had to come off. One would have discovered then the fact that Papa died in a railroad accident where both his legs had been cut off!” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 3, 1950
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“QUAL: 175 auditing hours a week is now expected from Processing Section. Quentin being gone exposed that he mainly with the help of Liese and Tommy do the larger share of the Ship’s Auditing.” — The Commodore, July 3, 1970
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“I’ve done the Original OT Levels along with NOTs and Excalibur and more, as have many of our public, so take any of the Grade Chart listed abilities from the Church of Scientology and add to that telepathy, perception into time yet to be, time paths and outcomes yet to be, perception and communication with other universe versions of self, and a host of others, many of which wouldn’t be real to anyone not having done the levels themselves. Remote viewing isn’t part of the subject. That’s false data. Exteriorization with full perception is. They are two different subjects. Remote viewing is a term created by criminals posing as public stealing the data from Scientology to use in government covert operations. They are not anything alike.”
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1998: Clearwater city council had a presentation from Scientology’s representatives concerning the new Super Power building, planned for the lot across the street from the Fort Harrison Hotel, and renovations to the Fort Harrison itself. From the council minutes: “Church representative Matthew Pearse, architect Nick Sakelariou, and in-house designer Sherri James presented the proposal. Referring to color elevation drawings and site configuration maps, they highlighted orientation, aesthetic design elements, and landscaping features of the new six story, 320,000 square foot building. Architectural design reflects the classical style of the Fort Harrison Hotel across the street. Pedestrian bridges in accordance with FDOT requirements link the new building with the Fort Harrison Hotel, and the future auditorium building across Franklin Street. Four, 7-story, towers accent the building s corners. A 150-foot tall tower element incorporated into the building is modeled after a traditional bell tower. Aluminum windows and doors will have blue/green tinted glass to conserve energy. The roof will have no exposed mechanical equipment, as a central chiller plant facility is to be located within the structure. Responding to questions, applicants indicated ground breaking date is not known. A large open area in the building’s center will contain a dome or low pitched pyramid, not visible from the street. Representative James Bond related hotel history since 1927, showing how elements were altered through the years. Addition of cabanas, or dwelling units on the west side of the Fort Harrison Hotel, was done in the 1960’s, flat roof style. The proposal is to return the main building to the way it was. Mr. Bond displayed a rendering of the east hotel elevation showing restoration of planters and original facade elements. Member Herberich moved to approve cabanas and conceptual hotel design as presented, with the understanding a formal application for hotel design review will come back before the board. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.”
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“Can any Scientologist point specifically as to how Scientology or Dianetics has improved world conditions in its 60 years?”
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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.
——————–
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 doesn’t want you looking at their rotting un-Ideal Orgs!
[TWO years ago] Where is Scientology keeping Andrew Barton?
[THREE years ago] Tom Cruise benefiting from Scientology Sea Org slave labor: The photographic proof
[FOUR years ago] Scientology ‘Hogwarts’ in Oregon has Covid outbreak: 43 students, 8 staff
[FIVE years ago] Tom Cruise at 58: Scientology’s biggest asset continues to avoid the tough questions
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s answer to Garcias’ appeal sets a new record in cynicism and legal depravity
[SEVEN years ago] When Scientology’s toxic policy of disconnection is forever: Saying goodbye to Angela Paris
[EIGHT years ago] Five years ago: Scientology’s ‘disconnection’ and the death of Alexander Jentzsch
[NINE years ago] Scientology has a plan to rescue the U.S. military, and it involves ‘Battlefield Earth’
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s billion-dollar slush fund, its slick operators, and how it gets around regulation
[ELEVEN years ago] German media: Scientology is essentially dead in Berlin
[TWELVE years ago] Will Smith-Backed School That Used Scientology Materials Closes Its Doors
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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 3,314 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,818 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,324 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,874 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,864 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,250 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,745 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,049 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,918 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,472 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,813 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,380 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,299 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,467 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,049 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,308 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,345 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,061 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,625 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,940 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,115 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,797 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,134 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,988 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,103 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,465 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,874 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,264 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,148 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,713 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,224 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,484 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,588 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on July 3, 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 pulls out all the stops selling Trump’s spending bill to patriots
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});This is a real tweet from the official White House account promoting Trump’s massive spending bill. pic.twitter.com/T0z29GxJhm
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 3, 2025
Low level MAGA mob goon issues warning pic.twitter.com/S9VSO3Xa8y
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 3, 2025
GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna on Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill: “This bill is as good as it’s going to get.”
The bill strips Medicaid coverage from millions. pic.twitter.com/N5JlUPBLLb
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 2, 2025
Trump is seating up House Republicans for One Big Beautiful midterm defeat
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 2, 2025
Trump’s DOJ forced UVA President Jim Ryan to resign. Wesleyan President Michael Roth calls it what it is: an assault on academic freedom and a warning sign of tyranny. A must-read for anyone who cares about democracy: https://t.co/SS7JPyWveZ
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) July 3, 2025
Loomer suggesting feeding the entire Latino population of the US to alligators pic.twitter.com/K6N52y6rsA
— Natalie Wynn (@ContraPoints) July 2, 2025
Whenever things look bad QAnon promoters order their followers to remember the Sacred Texts and to reassure themselves to keep Trusting The Plan. pic.twitter.com/llYj8oVopp
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) July 3, 2025
So we got Nephilim, Lucifer, and Dragon bloodlines. Y'all need to tighten these scripts up, we got way to many characters to work with here. pic.twitter.com/BKuRx9lZVe
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) July 3, 2025
— Brendan Karet (@bad_takes) July 2, 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 3, 2025 at 08:00
July 2, 2025
Really understanding Scientology requires a descent into the very strange
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: We asked former Scientology Sea Org member Chris Shelton what he’s been looking into recently, and wow, did he have a fascinating and really weird response. Even after all that Chris has written and said about L Ron Hubbard, he says the truly weird stuff is where the truth lies. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“To run imaginary incidents, the auditor discusses with the pc how they will be running imaginary incidents and gets the pc’s agreement to do so. The auditor then asks, ‘What imaginary incidents or pictures have you touched on?’ All the pc’s responses to this question, with their meter reads are noted by the auditor. He then takes up the best reading incident or picture and runs it out R3RA Narrative Quad, first checking interest. Lesser reading items are then taken up. This action is done until the pc is brighter and more able to confront actual incidents as they come up in auditing. In doing this remedy be certain the pc understands R3RA procedure and has NO MISUNDERSTOODS.” — 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 can very easily go 500 years ago back into France and give you the name, rank, and serial number of a lot of things, see? And I can give these things to you, but after I’ve run a few of them, I start running into ‘Let’s see, was her name Mary? or was it Marie? or was it … ? And did that happen at Agincourt? or was that at Poitiers?’ And next thing you know I’m in a fog. And if I go on this way very long, I’ll start wondering whether I even was alive yesterday because I haven’t entered it from a zone of certainty. See?” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 2, 1964
——————–
“By advices from the MO the entire crew will be innoculated today. (Groan.) There will be two shots a week or so apart. This means on many auditing will be suspended for two weeks. Also solo. Some are not badly affected and these will be audited. TR course and study will not be suspended. This is a good time for auditors and internes and the tech personnel connected to catch up with their study and admin backlogs.” — The Commodore, July 2, 1971
——————–
“In the 1950s LRH spoke of people who could have OT perception. Something like guys going to the park to see pedestrian female bodies through their clothes. Also Inelia Benz (the first dynamic personification of thetan Gaia, the planet) describes in an interview with Bill Ryan how she was exterior in her childhood and saw through her thetan ‘eyes’ before ‘moving’ to her body’s head. Contactee Alex Collier describes how he was taken to a UFO of his friends (Andromedans on this galaxy) and underwent a ‘cleansing,’ the result of which was a 360 degree spherical perception/awareness of everything that happened in his surrounding. This suggests that one can have full OT perception by getting rid of entities implanted on the body.”
——————–
1997: Dick Cleek reported that Cynthia Kisser has lost a libel suit against Scientology. “A jury reached a verdict in favor of the Church of Scientology International and its president, Heber Jentzsch, today in a libel suit brought in 1992 by Cynthia Kisser, the former executive director of the non-profit which once operated under the name Cult Awareness Network. Kisser filed the civil suit against Scientology and Jentzsch in United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois over statements in an October, 1991 issue of Scientology’s Freedom Magazine which she felt labeled her as a criminal. Kisser had an especially difficult hurdle to overcome in bringing the libel suit because Judge James Zagel declared Kisser a public figure, requiring her to prove not only that the statements in the Freedom Magazine about Kisser were untrue, but that they were printed with reckless disregard for the truth.”
——————–
“OT 2 is where the bait and switch part of the long con kicks in. It switches from a pseudo Freudian-Jungian neo Buddhist self help scam to full blown Buck Rogers and Ming the Merciless malarkey. At this point Hubbard is softening up the marks for the big reveal that comes at OT 3.”
——————–
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] Courts have no excuse: Scientology’s ‘Fair Game’ harassment tactics were exposed early on
[TWO years ago] Secrets of Scientology’s most secretive branch, part 2: CST’s property holdings
[THREE years ago] Podcast: Claire Headley on the questions Tom Cruise never gets asked
[FOUR years ago] ‘Global psychiatric obliteration’: Scientology’s ongoing war on psychiatry
[FIVE years ago] A family’s Scientology drug rehab nightmare: The Narconon ‘Fresh Start’ scam strikes again
[SIX years ago] Introducing ‘The Cult Awareness Podcast,’ recorded at HowdyCon 2019 in Los Angeles
[SEVEN years ago] Freed files: Scenes from a government investigation of Scientology
[EIGHT years ago] Facing government opposition, Scientology prepares to play dirty
[NINE years ago] Field report: Visiting the mission that told the Church of Scientology to take a hike
[TEN years ago] How to read a tabloid magazine story about the Church of Scientology: A primer
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology litigation update: The Garcias respond, and the NAFC plays hardball
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Turns Over Documents, Laura DeCrescenzo Begins Process to Review Them
——————–
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 3,313 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,817 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,323 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,873 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,863 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,249 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,744 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,048 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,917 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,471 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,812 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,379 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,298 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,466 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,048 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,307 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,344 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,060 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,624 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,939 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,114 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,796 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,133 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,987 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,102 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,464 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,873 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,263 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,147 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,712 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,223 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,483 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,587 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on July 2, 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
What Buchenwald and Dachau missed out on: Merch
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Reporter: Are you going to deport Elon Musk?
Trump: We'll have to take a look. We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? The monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn’t that be terrible? He gets a lot of subsidies. pic.twitter.com/6I0OAIv7Js
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 1, 2025
Trump threatened Elon Musk a Second Time Today, Doubling Down During “Alligator Alcatraz” Tourhttps://t.co/RyKaNEofWnhttps://t.co/RyKaNEofWn
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 2, 2025
Trump visiting his new Everglades internment camp pic.twitter.com/9aory5HTMi
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 1, 2025
He's obviously losing his cognition and coherence in a way that's becoming impossible to cover up or work around. And the more he declines, the more his sycophants prop him up as doing "better than ever." It's an unsustainable situation that could easily end in chaos. https://t.co/od1YtR4bwV
— Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd on blu sky) (@rothschildmd) July 1, 2025
"A former F.B.I. agent who was charged with encouraging the mob… to kill police officers has been named as an adviser to the Justice Department task force that President Trump established to seek retribution against his political enemies." https://t.co/GQPds8tXxr
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) July 2, 2025
On his podcast yesterday, Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys, while criticizing some QAnon supporters, said that overall he "respect[s] the QAnon community" & "their beliefs," & that "to me, they're brothers in this battle that we're raging against real Satanism." pic.twitter.com/eioCF23ssp
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) July 1, 2025
The Trump administration is refusing to release $7 Billion in funding for after-school programs, with no explanation
“It’s catastrophic.”https://t.co/mi22sj7mvE
— chris evans (@notcapnamerica)
Nancy Mace pledges to create her own alligator guarded internment camp if elected governor. This is MAGA. pic.twitter.com/5q2nB82jvi
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 1, 2025
They are selling “Alligator Alcatraz” merch pic.twitter.com/5pgln19pNB
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 1, 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 2, 2025 at 08:00
July 1, 2025
UK council denies protest ban, rebukes Scientology for ‘dead agent’ dossiers
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: As expected a local council voted yesterday to deny #Scientology a protest ban outside its UK headquarters. But what made it an even worse debacle for the church was that a common Scientology tactic backfired spectacularly: Watch this stunning moment on video. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“It should be understood that no amount of imaginary incidents can supplant the running of real incidents. The first value that this technique has—the invitation to the preclear to run avowedly imaginary incidents in his past—is to build up, the preclear’s confidence in the auditor. The preclear begins to feel that he will not be censured for indulging in fantasy. When the preclear discovers that he has an auditor who not only will listen to imagination but who encourages it, the affinity level rises and the preclear’s ability to differentiate in terms of reality will itself rise.” — 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
——————–
“To date, I think I’ve lost something in the neighborhood of four or five hundred dollars treating patients by accidentally leaving change around while treating somebody I didn’t know was a kleptomaniac — it wasn’t part of the diagnosis. And I’ve had people halfway through to Clear all of a sudden put the money back in the drawer again. That was about the first time I learned about how, as people come up the line, their honesty level comes up too.” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 1, 1950
——————–
“PERSONAL HYGIENE: Until 3 July the 1600-1745 period may be devoted to personal hygiene.” — The Commodore, July 1, 1970
——————–
“There are some who consider that LRH standard tech is the ultimate. However that is plainly not the case to anyone who can look. We do not have OTs. LRH was the most brilliant researcher into our condition that I have ever met or even read about. He had quite a unique ability to cut to the essentials. He also had a case of his own. Thus it might make sense to look at LRH’s case to find the occluded areas of research. What might LRH not have looked at due to having his own areas of occlusion?”
1996: Time Magazine published an article about Earthlink and its Scientologist founder – Sky Dayton. Jeff Jacobsen provided a summary. “The article is entitled ‘The Cybersmear’ about Sky Dayton being tagged as a Scientologist and this hurting his business. ‘On the net, the Church of Scientology is the Antichrist’ (another Big Win for the brilliant David Miscavige!!!). However, there is this sentence; ‘There is no evidence that the church currently uses extralegal weapons against online critics.’ I think those of us who have had extralegal weapons used against us by Scientology, such as the theft of my floppy disc at a deposition, should 1) post what happened to a.r.s. and 2) email an account to Time at letters@time.com Tom Klemesrud posted portions of Earthlink’s SEC S-1 filing, in which Kevin O’Donnell and Reed Slatkin are mentioned. Both are contributors to Scientology in excess of $40,000. The filing includes a list of the largest shareholders in Earthlink. Kevin M. O’Donnell and Reed E. Slatkin are members of the Board of Directors of the Company, and each owns more than five percent of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. Messrs. O’Donnell and Slatkin have participated in the Company’s financing since inception, as described below. In December 1994, Messrs. Slatkin and O’Donnell provided a $400,000 credit line to the Company for which each of them received warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $.091 per share, the then fair market value of the Common Stock. In August 1995 and January 1996, Mr. Slatkin agreed to act as lessee together with the Company under equipment leases of $500,000 and $1.5 million, respectively. As consideration for this agreement, the Company issued Mr. Slatkin warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.91 per share and 200,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.42 per share. Sky D. Dayton ……………. 3,100,000 Kevin M. O’Donnell ……….. 2,234,330 Reed E. Slatkin ………….. 2,234,315 Sidney Azeez …………….. 1,044,916 Charles G Betty ………….. 89,098 Linwood A. Lacy, Jr ………. 59,620 Robert M. Kavner …………. 51,350 Robert E. Johnson ………… 20,000 Brinton O.C. Young ……….. 11,250 Barry W. Hall ……………. 12,500 David R. Tommela …………. 8,750 Storie Partners ………….. 831,197 Robert London ……………. 744,065 Gregory Abbott …………… 677,250 All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons) ……………. 8,866,129 Included (i) options and warrants to purchases 907,525 shares of Common Stock that are exercisable within 60 days of May 31, 1996 and (ii) 647,721 shares of Common Stock owned by family members or affiliates of certain members of the group.”
——————–
“People get distracted by the crazy convolutedness of the ‘Tech.’ At its core Scientology is simply a con game, a ‘long con.’ Hubbard just kept adding to his ‘Winchester Mystery House’ as he went along hoping the marks wouldn’t catch on. Unfortunately for D.M., Hubbard didn’t leave him much in the way of building materials.”
——————–
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] Watch out, suckers: Scientology is testing a new come-on!
[TWO years ago] PODCAST: Jon Atack on Charles Manson and Scientology
[THREE years ago] Australia gained 2 million people between 2016 and 2021 — and lost 26 Scientologists
[FOUR years ago] Defeating the ‘Satan worshippers’: Scientology’s secret war on doctors
[FIVE years ago] Who knew? Scientology Volunteer Ministers bring ‘spiritual’ aid to disasters & not just PR
[SIX years ago] Measles-free, Scientology’s cruise ship holds its annual ‘Maiden Voyage’ celebration
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology celebrates 30 years of duping wealthy people on the high seas!
[EIGHT years ago] HowdyCon: From “Squeeze My Cans,” Cathy Schenkelberg’s sexy Scientology sec-check!
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s ‘Ideal’ program really reaching at this point as it eyes a city without an org
[TEN years ago] Is David Miscavige really planning to extend Scientology’s ‘Bridge’?
[ELEVEN years ago] Rathbun: ‘Scientology never endorsed anyone where there wasn’t a clear self-interest’
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology To Turn Over 18,000 Pages of Evidence to Laura DeCrescenzo on Tuesday
——————–
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 3,312 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,816 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,322 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,872 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,862 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,248 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,743 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,047 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,916 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,470 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,811 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,378 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,297 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,465 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,047 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,306 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,343 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,059 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,623 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,938 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,113 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,795 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,132 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,986 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,101 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,463 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,872 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,262 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,146 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,711 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,222 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,482 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,586 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on July 1, 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
For Q patriots, the smell of libturd panic is sweet
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});An announcement from the President of the United States pic.twitter.com/Meum3svSGl
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 30, 2025
If Trump needs glasses to read it would explain why he is always asking what the executive orders that he is signing actually say. https://t.co/skl4AT0Tc0
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) June 30, 2025
#BREAKING: 3 former classmates of the man accused of shooting & killing two firefighters in Idaho yesterday told me he had "Nazi tendencies" & was "obsessed with guns"
Said he drew swastikas & guns in a schoolbook.
"We were all pretty scared of him”https://t.co/pFsv4v8dhW
— Will Carless (@willcarless) July 1, 2025
Yikes. Republicans will attempt to move the census up early to potentially gerrymander more House seats. They are unpopular and will attempt to hold onto power at all costs. pic.twitter.com/ARp53xlj2w
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) June 30, 2025
Is this an ad for Trump mobile? pic.twitter.com/4kWov18Fml
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) June 30, 2025
Elon Musk threatens to primary GOP members who voted for Trump’s poverty increasing spending bill pic.twitter.com/x3NGCbH1pw
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) June 30, 2025
Nothing can disrupt The Plan. If Elon's supportive of Trump that means The Plan is working smoothly. Elon rejecting the OBBB and vowing to primary Republicans that support it is also evidence of The Plan working smoothly. Trust the Plan. pic.twitter.com/2ML8pdZSLU
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) July 1, 2025
Trump idolatry pic.twitter.com/PQBV3Nm1df
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 1, 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 1, 2025 at 08:00
June 30, 2025
The chilling coda to one of Scientology’s most notorious deaths
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Wednesday, Claire Headley and Tom DeVocht marked the 25th anniversary of a grim event in Scientology history: The death of Stacy Moxon Meyer. There’s a strange coda to this terrible story we learned covering the Danny Masterson criminal case that we wanted not to be forgotten. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“Sometimes a pc cannot confront the actual incidents that are keyed-in by life or auditing. Such a pc will not go backtrack. In this case the running of imaginary incidents is quite productive. Sometimes the preclear will run them, quite astonishingly, with somatics. But he is not being required to face any reality about them and the auditor is not insisting that any reality exists concerning them. In a surprisingly high percentage of times, however, he will be running actual incidents. So long as he does not have to admit that these incidents are actual he can do something about them.” — 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
——————–
“Science plays a lively tune and they play it with very glossy photographs. They play it with very good advertisements. They play it with great big, imposing universities, huge facades built out of gorgeous marble, imported from South Dubuque. They’ve got themselves a pretty good face, see? Big stuff. People’s cars go whiz-whiz down the streets and the petrol that goes into the engine will make it run at vast expense. They’ve got it up to a point where an engine can actually utilize over a thousandth of the potential power in a gallon of gasoline. They’ve got it fixed up so they can color your health bread by certain breeds of mold, and so they can get appropriation from other breeds of mold called ‘Congress.’ You’ve got yourself quite a game going here. It’s called science, and you yourself are not totally aware of the fact how that cuts your personal throat.” — L. Ron Hubbard, June 30, 1964
——————–
“The shark picked up a lot of paper that was thrown over and wants to take the DAC. He’s got a former therapy thing going though. Used to be partners with an electric eel in a psychiatric racket. I told him if we didn’t get some auditors soon I’d discuss his application further. He went off singing an odd song that went ‘Most courteous fish in the ocean, with temper forgiving and mild. Though his record is dark, he’s a Man-eating shark who would eat neither woman or child.’ Good luck to full time DAC on your exams.” — June 30, 1969
——————–
“I have no problem, but you won’t confront that the products you deliver are full of flaws. The NOTs material is based on the work of David Mayo who himself no longer believed in it. I’m really not in Confusion with L. Ron Hubbard and his teachings. All I want is that the Independent Field goes back to deliver real LRH Tech. And by the way, I’m critical of the whole field that delivers NOTS, NED and all the fake stuff that was invented after 1978. Until you don’t deliver the results of the early 1970 OT Levels, you are not producing real results.”
1995: MTV this week aired a special news broadcast about cults, and included some discussion of Scientology. Stacy Young and Scientology PR person Leisa Goodman were interviewed. A transcript was posted to a.r.s, anonymously. Some excerpts: “Loder: But according to former scientologists, members aren’t given the church’s full liturgy until after taking many expensive courses. Although scientology executives deny it, former longtime members say that eventually followers are told that some of these ‘engrams’ are the remnants of space aliens called “body thetans” who are placed there by the galactic overlord ‘Xenu.’ Stacy Young: It’s a very science-fiction world, um, it has a, galactic confederacy … it’s a very romantic … view of the world. Loder: I don’t understand, there’s like a galactic overlord ‘Xenu’… is there a whole staff of characters… or is that not true? Goodman: Ohh uhh… I don’t think … I don’t really know what you mean. What you’re talking about. Loder: At one point, eleven scientologists, including Hubbard’s wife, were convicted of conspiracy and burglary, of IRS offices. Goodman: Actually the people who did that, were booted out of the church. It’s got _nothing_ to do with scientology. And, um… Loder: In the end, the IRS granted scientology the tax exempt religious status it wanted. A move IRS spokesman now decline to discuss.”
——————–
“Scientology is in the same category as Christian Science and the Jehovah’s Witnesses as far as being a ‘spiritual’ practice that has caused the deaths of its adherents in the past through the denial of legitimate medical treatment. These crimes need to be stopped.”
——————–
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] VIDEO: Scientology is now targeting your patriotic fervor, pilgrim!
[TWO years ago] German government once again proves it has no illusions about Scientology: What’s up, US?
[THREE years ago] Today: Danny Masterson’s last chance to avoid criminal trial in October?
[FOUR years ago] First, do harm: Scientology’s secret war on mental health
[FIVE years ago] That time Laura Prepon helped silence a Danny Masterson victim for Scientology
[SIX years ago] Scientology continues to use the United Nations as a prop for its propaganda
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology scam: ‘It hadn’t occurred to me I was getting appalling advice from Church execs’
[EIGHT years ago] We have the letter Scientologists are receiving from a federal judge!
[NINE years ago] Scientology produces miracles — but you only get to hear about them in one place
[TEN years ago] Scientology leader’s father signs a book deal, for ‘IF HE DIES, HE DIES’
[ELEVEN years ago] That time L. Ron Hubbard was hit by lightning while wearing full armor: It’s science!
[TWELVE years ago] Tampa Bay Times Portrays Twin Sister of Scientology Leader as Dope-Smoking Slumlord
——————–
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 3,311 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,815 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,321 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,871 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,861 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,247 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,742 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,046 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,915 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,469 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,810 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,377 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,296 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,464 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,046 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,305 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,342 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,058 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,622 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,937 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,112 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,794 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,131 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,985 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,100 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,462 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,871 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,261 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,145 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,710 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,221 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,481 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,585 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on June 30, 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 celebrate the new concentration camp system finally blossoming
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Why is Trump throwing french fries onto the ground? https://t.co/SdvyOuZwLA pic.twitter.com/r4J42XLVlr
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) June 30, 2025
This is a real tweet from the Trump regime pic.twitter.com/1DihpifPEr
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) June 29, 2025
Trump’s bootleg iPhone pic.twitter.com/GVajHz4H0i
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) June 29, 2025
This is a fake tweet. 9-year-old Zohran Mamdani didn’t tweet this 9/11 joke 5 years before Twitter was even created. pic.twitter.com/yYV9XYjNc7
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) June 29, 2025
QAnon can never take a win. Diddy going down for sex crimes should be cause for celebration but they have to imagine he's part of a bigger network and when Diddy's conviction doesn't lead to an Obama indictment they'll get all upset. pic.twitter.com/Qy5G5ct8EX
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) June 29, 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 June 30, 2025 at 08:00
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