Tony Ortega's Blog, page 34
May 30, 2025
The fight for Clearwater has a long history — and so do Scientology’s ploys
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Scientology recently suffered a setback in its ongoing takeover of Clearwater, Florida. But as Bruce Hines reminds us, the church’s schemes in this fight go back decades. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Never subtract anything from a Confessional. The best method is to write out a predetermined series of questions, as an additional thing, which is for that person particularly. You figure out about what their relationship to life has been, and then you write a little special series of questions. It’s always possible to write up an additional list. Don’t make that the only Confessional form. Give that along with a standard Confessional. You get the idea of what kind of life your preclear has been leading, what his professional and domestic zones are, and you adapt Confessional questions to that and you add it to standard forms.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
——————–
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({});
——————–
“It’s pretty hard to complete a cycle in a half a billion years. You can try. And you get it down to a million years, and of course, to get anything done in a million years and make it stick, that’s really going some, man, you’re really on your way, that’s tearing the ground up in all directions. The length of time since the birth of Chr — the alleged birth of Christ — is so short, that before you’ve gone very long on the road to OT, you could probably remember what you had for breakfast in the year 2, and during the third day of the Saturnalia or something like that. Not that you would, probably cause you as much work to remember what you had for breakfast that morning as it does now to remember what you had for breakfast yesterday, see. You probably can’t think of what you had for breakfast yesterday right now. So that is a very finite period of time. That’s a very short period of time. A couple of thousand years, nothing. I’d like a couple of thousand years just to sit on a rock and look at the scenery — one of my ambitions.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 30, 1963
——————–
“PERSONAL HYGIENE: CS-6 and the Public Officer’s nominee should compose a short course on personal hygiene and cleanliness. A ship is a small place. In old navies the penalty was a bath with sand and canvas and a ducking for those with deficiencies.” — The Commodore, May 30, 1970
——————–
“If you’re a big enough Thetan and you stay on the Bridge, you will be like floating, your postulates creating anything you desire pretty much and you will be completely protected from any other SP’s invalidation. It’s like another world that they can’t touch. So I don’t agree with their validation affecting us. Yes, the other entities attached to us could, no doubt, but the OT levels detach all of those – and still creating magic, like creating MEST out of thin air is not possible for anybody on this planet! It’s also a mystery why in other planets why Thetans can destroy all the people on them. I projected myself in full color from all around a planet and reached down and tortured all the people just before getting implanted and coming here. So there must be some sort of ‘protection’ around this planet so other Thetans can’t do that here – maybe a force screen? But still the creating MEST out of thin air is not possible and is a mystery as of yet.”
——————–
1999: Mark Bunker distributed leaflets at a Scientology event at Border’s book store in Glendale, California. “This was his first time at a ‘picket’ and I use that term loosely because it certainly was not organized to be any sort of picket. In fact, I just wanted to come and shoot a little footage not knowing what would happen. I had a large batch of Lisa flyers and ‘No Christ’ flyers from Jeff Jacobsen (thanks Jeff) and this gentleman was very pleased to hand them out. We spent about a half an hour in front of the store, answering questions and passing out flyers. While speaking with one woman outside, she informed me that she will never buy a book from Borders again. That certainly wasn’t my intent in being there but who am I to say where she should shop. The Scientologists made sure that I was not allowed to shoot inside but I put the camera outside the main door and shot there. This did seem to cause some enturbulation inside where the Scientologists had a modest table, seating two, not very far past the main entrance. There were a few copies of Hubbard books and a sign offering free ‘Stress tests’. I understand they also had an e-meter but I did not see it. I occasionally went through the store before shooting and saw an occasional wog seated at the table but there was no throng waiting to hear about the fastest growing religion. After a half hour, I went in to talk to the folks at the table but they were packing up and leaving. The woman from the table came over and told the guy that I was some ‘loony’. That amused me. I told her, ‘So, I’m loony because I know about Xenu blowing us up in volcanoes 75 million years ago when Earth was known as Teegeeack, but Hubbard wasn’t loony for thinking it up?’ No response. There were several other Scientologists there with their cell phones and walkie talkies including…DAN!!! One of the two fellows who picketed my home. I leapt with joy at the sight of my old friend and went over with my hand outstretched but he refused to shake it. I tried to communicate with him but he picked up a book and stuck his nose in it and wouldn’t blink. I told him how much sympathy he had garnered on the net from folks watching him in my revenge picket video but he didn’t budge. I invited him outside to appear on camera but he didn’t seem interested. I finally gave up and went out to get my camera.”
——————–
“First there was the Thetaverse and the Thetans were born, and through shared agreement and control of MEST (superpowers) they created other universes and then they created the MEST universe so they could assume physical form and have a playground to play ‘games’ in and enjoy the pleasures of the flesh. But eventually they forgot all this. And I thought to myself, ‘Hey, isn’t this a Star Trek or Outer Limits episode?’”
——————–
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 June 13.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing June 16.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Sentenced to 7 years in prison.
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 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] More job listings for Scientologists from Scientology’s sneaky front
[TWO years ago] New website sets out to document Scientology cancer and other deaths
[THREE years ago] The subchaser that never was: L. Ron Hubbard’s farcical first command
[FOUR years ago] Today at The Daily Beast: Ron and Leni, a Scientology mystery solved
[FIVE years ago] Steve Cannane wrote the book about Scientology in Australia — and now he’s on trial
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s slick new ‘Freewinds’ magazine surprisingly makes no mention of measles
[SEVEN years ago] Bad boys of the Sea Org: guns, drugs, murder and Scientology
[EIGHT years ago] To counter Leah Remini’s return to A&E, Scientology recruits her father in smear attack
[NINE years ago] How Scientology’s smears of Ron Miscavige could end up a bigger problem for his son Dave
[TEN years ago] Jon Atack: Auditing and recovered memory — why do Scientologists accept it as fact?
[ELEVEN years ago] Three videos the Church of Scientology would rather you not watch
[TWELVE years ago] Word To Your Mother: Dianetics And Its Lack of Boundaries
——————–
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 3,280 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,775 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,290 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,840 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,830 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,216 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,711 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,015 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,884 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,438 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,779 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,346 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,265 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,433 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,015 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,274 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,311 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,027 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,591 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,906 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,081 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,763 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,100 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,954 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,069 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,431 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,840 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,236 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,114 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,679 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,190 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,446 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,554 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 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
Patriots counting on Elon the White to return at the turn of the tide
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump just appointed Paul Ingrassia “to head the United States Office of Special Counsel.”
Ingrassia has defended the Confederate flag and claimed Black Americans should pay reparations to the descendants of slave owners. https://t.co/P5FkVQht25
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 29, 2025
Seven of the cited sources in the MAHA report don’t appear to exist at all.
“The paper cited is not a real paper that I or my colleagues were involved with,” Keyes told NOTUS via email.
New on @NOTUSreports from @emilyykennard and @MargaretManto https://t.co/ktO7RKc6JJ
— Tara Golshan (@taragolshan) May 29, 2025
Reporter: An investigation found the MAHA commission report cites studies that appear not to exist.
Leavitt: I understand there were some formatting issues…It does not negate the substance of the report
Reporter: Is AI used to put together these reports?
Leavitt: I can’t… pic.twitter.com/NCjy5NldTh
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 29, 2025
“His goal is to make vaccines less available, less affordable and more feared. That’s his goal, and this is what he’s doing,” https://t.co/6JSoCxkBYl
— Amesh Adalja (@AmeshAA) May 29, 2025
Firing at Ric Grenell’s Kennedy Center Sparks Potential Rift Within MAGA Movement
A fired official said he was told to recant past statements against gay marriage in violation of his religious beliefs https://t.co/Xpz77zyYeQhttps://t.co/Xpz77zyYeQ
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 29, 2025
There is a subset of people that believe "il Donaldo Trumpo" is Trump on a burner account. They take the posts from that account as gospel. pic.twitter.com/8QuDQaNGpe
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) May 30, 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 May 30, 2025 at 08:00
May 29, 2025
Scientology’s celebrities finally getting involved with Scientology TV
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Has it really been 7 years that Scientology TV has been on the air? In that time, David Miscavige’s experiment has failed in part because his vaunted celebrities won’t go near it. But that’s about to change, according to what we found in a new slideshow at Scientology’s website. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“Where someone is driving ethics out, tech is not likely to go in. You have to get in ethics and tech before you can begin to get in admin. The next time you, as an executive, wonder why you are working so hard, look for the joker in the deck. Humor is one thing. Destroyed orgs and human beings are quite something else. It is our business to get the show on the road and get the job done.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
——————–
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 can take a look at my desk barometer any day of the week and get a better weather forecast than I get over the telephone. I’m being hard on the boys. Every year they get a little bit better. They’re finding the sky too. And then all of a sudden we get into passenger traffic left and right across the Atlantic, and we hear ‘above-the-weather flight,’ ‘radar-spotted weather,’ you see, and so on. They’re still finding clouds. They haven’t found the sky yet, see. Then they shot off a few cosmonauts, who became naught in Russia with great rapidity, and they found a great deal there called ‘the sky.’ And five dead cosmonauts later, the Russians must have decided that they should know something about it. But because they had lots of cosmonauts they probably haven’t bothered. But the point is, they send people up into the Van Allen belt, named after Van Allen. Who the hell heard of him? I don’t know, maybe he was the fellow who invented radiation fallout or something. In other words, they shoot people up into these areas, and they get scorched or something happens or something of that sort, and they’re in the big vagueness of ‘There is a sky.’ They’re still on this thing here, see.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 29, 1963
——————–
“Captain Mary Sue Hubbard has just returned from correcting and bringing off a mission flubbed by three others. She, accompanied by Liz Ausley, did in 3 days what has been hanging fire for nearly 3 weeks. She bulldozed the biggest bank in Spain, bearded the Spanish Security forces and saved us $5500 in fees as well. She got the whole thing handled. MSH is the first SO Missionaire (spring 1967) and on each of the four or five she has run, has achieved consistent Power, having actually saved the day against terrible threats to Scientology in every single instance. We ought to put her under glass. If NATO had her on their payroll they could disband!” — The Commodore, May 29, 1969
——————–
“Scientology technology is not only the processes. The basic principles of the tech are ARC, Theta Mest theory, the Axioms, the Factors, and those are equally valid in every part of the galaxy or the universe and other universes, and so, equally valid in Australia or Congo. The technology remains unchanged and valid from Book 1 to the highest OT level. What varies is the application of those principles to the specific case of the being, according to his circumstances. A case could consist of a fast retread of the basic concepts. Just as you are reading LRH taped lectures and applying them. Even if the world is filled with the new orbs or natural clears or new viewpoints, there’s the rights of beings data, that they have to self determinedly continue, change or end this game. And the LRH 1 bridge is for them. And it starts with Book 1.”
1998: Karin Spaink reported on the trial of Zenon Panoussis in Sweden this week. The case concerns copyright violations of the NOTS materials. “There are seven Scientologists who flock together on one side of the courtroom. The only one who stands out is McShane himself. Next to him is one of Magnusson’s colleagues; he is to act as interpreter. Tarja Vulto is there: Swedish OSA. Immediately behind the lawyer/translator is an American, who will often lean forward when something interesting occurs, in order to catch the translator’s words as he relays them to McShane. Birgitta Dagnell, Swedish a.r.s.-regular and former Scientology member –; Anti-Cult, a.r.s.-regular and also from Sweden; Karsten, from the Dialog Centre in Copenhagen; and Joe Harrington from the US. And us, from the Netherlands. As it turns out, Ingrid Forsstrom is indeed presiding the court. This case concerns itself whether or not Z has violated the Temporary Restraining Order he was subjected to in 1996, for instance when he handed in copies of the NOTS to parliament, to the administrative court, and to the Court of Appeals. Magnusson stipulates that Z has violated the TRO. Z maintains he hasn’t; that besides, it is most unclear to which materials the term ‘the materials’ the TRO bar him from publishing exactly refer to, and moreover that he hasn’t published these NOTS after getting the TRO, but just provided the three institutes mentioned with copies. The case is a semi-penal one: while the alleged copyright infringement is a civil case, violating a TRO is not, but it could cost Z 50.000 crowns. Since this part of today’s session is surely dealing with actual quotes taken from ‘the material’, the doors will close and the audience is requested to vacate the room. Magnusson, McShane, the translator/lawyer, Z and the court are the only ones allowed to hear what Birgitta Alexandersson, the notary, has to relay. The notary/witness claims to have made a random selection, in this way arriving at seven NOTS from attachment 126, which she then proceeded to compare to RTC’s purportedly ‘originals’, and found that yes, they were the same. As it turns out, Z was able to challenge the notary statement. Many, if not most, of the NOTS included in attachment 126 are, erm, let me put it this way, mocked up. There are Borkified versions of purportedly original NOTS. There are Soul-Bro’ified versions of purportedly original NOTS. The court adjourns. Verdict due on June 8th. We’re outside the courtroom. Z restates his previous proposal. If RTC would admit to the NOTS having been legally published — and thereby subject them to all the privileges, rules and exceptions to copyright law — he would gladly admit to having committed copyright infringement. He is prepared to pay a symbolical tort for this infringement and both parties will pay their own legal costs. McShane flatly refuses.”
——————–
“I appreciate Shatner for being a survivor and roaring back to be virtually everywhere at once after his wife died and everyone had written him off as a hopeless drunk.”
——————–
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 June 13.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing June 16.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Sentenced to 7 years in prison.
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 due June 3.
— 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 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 puts off racketeering charges by appealing ruling in Masterson victims’ lawsuit
[TWO years ago] For Memorial Day: Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s farcical first command
[THREE years ago] Tom Cruise’s hit movie couldn’t come at a better time for his Scientology best bud
[FOUR years ago] Mike Rinder on the myth of the ‘reactive mind’ and how Scientology still ropes in new people
[FIVE years ago] What’s $20,000 between friends? LA Mayor Garcetti presents a Scientology gift to city
[SIX years ago] Scientology planning new series of books to rope in children?
[SEVEN years ago] Laura D’s attorneys answer Scientology’s latest delaying tactic with a legal blast of their own
[EIGHT years ago] She’s back! Leah Remini builds a case for Scientology aggression in tonight’s A&E special
[NINE years ago] It’s a miracle! Scientology put ‘more than 10,000’ people in these 1,000 chairs!
[TEN years ago] 20 questions about Scientology — with answers that get to the center of a dying movement
[ELEVEN years ago] Hey, IRS: Stunning photos inside the lavish personal offices of Scientology’s leader
[TWELVE years ago] Former Scientology Enforcer Marty Rathbun Examines His Past as the Church’s “Warrior”
——————–
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 3,279 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,774 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,289 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,839 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,829 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,215 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,710 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,014 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,883 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,437 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,778 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,345 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,264 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,432 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,014 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,273 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,310 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,026 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,590 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,905 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,080 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,762 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,099 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,953 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,068 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,430 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,839 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,235 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,113 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,678 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,189 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,445 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,553 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 29, 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
US trade court tells Trump to go choke on a TACO
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Reporter: Wall Street analysts have a new term called the TACO trade.. Saying Trump always chickens out on tariffs…
Trump: I kick out?
Reporter: Chicken out.
Trump: I gave the E.U. a 50% tax tariff. They called up and said, please, let meet right now. You call that… pic.twitter.com/lPQK9iZ70d
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 28, 2025
Trump: We have the hottest country anywhere in the world. I went to Saudi Arabia. The king told me, he said, you have the hottest comp— we have the hottest country in the world right now. Six months ago, this country was stone cold dead. We had a dead country. We had a country… pic.twitter.com/HA86A8UTgO
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 28, 2025
NEWS: A federal court just invalidated Trump’s ”Liberation Day" tariffs, ruling he exceeded his authority under IEEPA. The court said Trump can’t bypass Congress to set trade policy and that these tariffs are unconstitutional and void. pic.twitter.com/MaAQSOoub9
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) May 28, 2025
BREAKING: Elon Musk leaves the Trump administration after turbulent effort to slash government. https://t.co/zufg0NulfT
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 29, 2025
Aaaand he’s posting qanon memes again pic.twitter.com/4lwmeIhO9z
— Natalie Wynn (@ContraPoints) May 29, 2025
Baier: The Epstein thing, you dealt with Maria, you said, as far as you know he killed himself.
Patel: I'm telling you he killed himself. pic.twitter.com/umFNA6V7aM
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 28, 2025
There was a criminal standing right next to her at her swearing in pic.twitter.com/v7BjNAbRuF
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 28, 2025
I like that Dolly's is confirmed to be a man but further research needs to be done to confirm if she is Jewish or not. pic.twitter.com/YWHAkZ0Etr
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) May 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 May 29, 2025 at 08:00
May 28, 2025
LIVE: Joy Villa answers questions about her Scientology defection
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: We’ve been writing about Joy Villa for more than ten years, when she began appearing in Scientology magazines as one of its up-and-coming celebrities. On May 14, Joy went public with her defection from the church. And now, with help from Alex Barnes-Ross, we’re going to be talking to her during a live video today starting at 11 am Eastern. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“Where rock slammers have been undermining the tech and it is not fully known or used or is altered into unworkability one cannot expect Confessionals to be properly done or Expanded Dianetics to be known and properly applied. The joker is advertising his symptoms. He is also advertising an area of the org where there is enturbulation and down statistics as well as staff members being victimized. Therefore this is an administrative and technical indicator which cannot be overlooked and should be followed up.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
——————–
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
——————–
“Now, you’re a registrar and somebody is coming in, or you’re signing up PCs. (All of you have to wear a registrar’s hat at one time or another.) And you’re trying to get somebody to get some auditing, you’re a registrar, see? And there you are one fine day with a yow-yow-yow and a scream-scream-scream standing in front of your face: Seventy-five hours of auditing have been delivered — he feels terrible! He says, ‘Oh, I could kill everybody in the place,’ and he ought to go out and sue everybody, and he’s going to inform the government that so on and so on and so on and so on-yap, yap, yap, you never hear such a thing. Don’t worry too much about the threats, because the person totally lacks direction. Person will go halfway down the steps and change his mind and do something else, don’t you see? They’re incapable of carrying forward a program that has any cohesion or direction, see.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 28, 1963
——————–
“GOOD NEWS: The Governor’s Office of Calif is commending us for the Narco-non and Drug Abuse Campaigns and our effectiveness in this field. This is a second official one only days apart evidently. Also the Gov of Calif’s son is reported planning to join the SO.” — The Commodore, May 28, 1970
——————–
“I’ve had most of this stuff, and it’s broadly all there. Remote viewing I do when I’m in the body, otherwise I go there in person, i.e., in spirit. I just go. I don’t pass through space or cross time or any of that stuff. It’s like I want to be somewhere I’m there. And yes, all that other bullshit, essentially tech below Buddha, isn’t going to do shit except make you feel a bit better. You’re not going to start to really know until you do PDC and the OT levels. Not that you couldn’t run into bits of it on other auditing, but no one on the Grades is going to run into this stuff by accident. It’s impossible.”
1997: Grady Ward reported this week that Scientology has stepped up efforts to discredit him, this time with Dead Agent packs sent to his home town of Arcata, California. “I was informed by Rusty Stoob that the scientologists have launched an ad hominem attack upon me and my children, Adrian and Isaiah, over the internet, purportedly from one ‘Michelle Janney’ of El Segundo, California. The letter accuses me of writing ‘pornography’ and suggests that I am a danger to my children. A neighbor whose daughter attend Pacific Union had the pleasure of seeing the Arcata Police Department escort a private investigator who was ‘staking’ out our Vassaide neighborhood a few weeks ago.”
——————–
“I’m from S.F. and the Jonestown massacre happened on November 18, 1978 and the Moscone/Milk assassinations happened on November 27, 1978. So yeah, it was definitely a very strange and stressful time to be living in Frisco. It seemed like Armageddon. My father worked with a guy named Fred Lewis who lost 27 relatives at Jonestown. As far as a Jonestown-like event happening at Gold Base, I find it doubtful, but if the ‘perfect storm’ of mishaps, misadventures, miscommunications took place, like at Waco, it’s possible. I think Miscavige is more the mob boss type than the fanatical cult leader type. That’s a major factor.”
——————–
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 June 13.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing June 16.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Sentenced to 7 years in prison.
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 due June 3.
— 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 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] Ready to sign your life away, pilgrim? Get a load of this Scientology staff contract
[TWO years ago] Scientology’s latest fundraising brainstorm: Braveheart and big swords!
[THREE years ago] Chris Shelton interviews Katherine Olson, who only escaped Scientology’s Sea Org last year
[FOUR years ago] Ten Days That Shook The (Scientology) World: Dave and Danny’s very bad predicament
[FIVE years ago] Scientology’s hammy Grant Cardone and the political operator: A significant connection?
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s happy promotions can’t hide the cancer eating away at its core
[SEVEN years ago] Joy Villa makes it back to the White House, but on a sour note
[EIGHT years ago] Child deaths at a pop concert turn into the latest chance for Scientology to spread its propaganda
[NINE years ago] Will Scientology’s celebrities heed the call and show up for today’s big media center opening?
[TEN years ago] Former Scientologist found guilty of defrauding other exes — ALSO: 1998 film re-release
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology’s drug rehab system hit with tenth federal fraud lawsuit by Las Vegas attorney
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Gets Emotional: Claire Headley on the Tone Scale
——————–
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 3,278 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,773 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,288 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,838 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,828 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,214 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,709 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,013 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,882 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,436 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,777 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,344 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,263 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,431 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,013 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,272 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,309 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,025 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,589 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,904 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,079 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,761 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,098 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,952 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,067 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,429 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,838 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,234 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,112 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,677 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,188 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,444 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,552 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 28, 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
Who needs vaccines and Medicaid when you have these geniuses?
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump spent more time at his golf club yesterday than he did at Arlington National Cemetery pic.twitter.com/aWqdxyCEQK
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 27, 2025
Rudy says he thinks the reason Pam Bondi hadn’t released the Jeffrey Epstein files is because she’s “struggling with it” because “it could involve something that has big implications on our national security .. It has to be something very, very sensitive.” pic.twitter.com/QFVtGXjgtF
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) May 27, 2025
Right-wing operative James O'Keefe is out with a self-pitying documentary about how much his employees hated him.
O'Keefe illustrates his apology with a picture of John the Baptist getting his head cut off (2nd newsletter item). https://t.co/It3nZPo8O2 pic.twitter.com/EhROJIHM4W
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) May 27, 2025
Sooner or later they will make a QAnon AI that will tell them they are right about everything. For now it must be frustrating for these people to be told by Grok that they are wrong. pic.twitter.com/GJfntJJULo
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) May 27, 2025
If you were under investigation for using a chainsaw to cut off a whale’s head, maybe you shouldn’t then pose with a chainsaw… pic.twitter.com/8bZJU0LVKm
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 27, 2025
Popular MAHA account… pic.twitter.com/8gXeTf4svK
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 28, 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 May 28, 2025 at 08:00
May 27, 2025
How Scientology indoctrinates its most hard core soldiers
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: We know that recruiting for Scientology’s inner hard core, the Sea Org, is relentless. But after they’ve got you to sign the billion-year contract, how do they sink that hook so that you never want to leave? Val Ross describes the process, and brings the documents. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“In some cultural areas, wit and humor are looked upon as a healthy release. However, in the case of orgs, this was not found to be the case. Intentional destruction of the org or fellow staff members was the direct purpose. Therefore all executives, HCO personnel and Case Supervisors as well as Qual personnel and Staff Section Officers have a valuable indicator. Where they have a joker or degrader on their hands they also have one or more of the above four conditions in that person. This opens the door to handling such people. Properly assigned and then fully done conditions are the correct ethics handlings.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
——————–
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({});
——————–
“GUARDIAN OFFICE WIN: The D/GUS Office got a great big win and a commendation from the state for pulling off a coup for them. Got us off their bad hat list. And how. There is however no truth in the rumour that the FBI was presented to us to run. What would J. Edgar do for personal publicity? ” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 27, 1970
——————–
“WW has orders to heavily recruit Scn org personnel and handle posting and other personnel functions Last Feb PL. They have acked it. If EC WW will do this function well, the Scn network will increase. We are engaged heavily in keeping this network of orgs going. The circular action is for public to enter the Franchise and lower org network and move up to the higher orgs. Thus they get to SO orgs. And we have wherewithal to handle things. When that cycle breaks down, it’s grim.” — The Commodore, May 27, 1970
——————–
“Jiminii states he was ‘created’ (assuming an identity in MEST) 900 years in the future, and came here in 1950 into a body. Quite a new thetan or assumed point of view. LRH seems to have been here some centillion years. On the other hand, very big beings are here and their invalidative vibrations probably affect us. And don’t forget the entities that attach to the thetan here.”
——————–
1996: Scientology member Greta Van Sustern is in the news for ambulance-chasing the families of the Valujet crash victims. From the Pensacola News Journal: “Relatives of Valujet crash victims in Atlanta reported last week that they were being contacted with offers by the law firm of CNN legal analyst Greta Van Sustern. The packet, which arrived in the mail, included pictures of Van Sustern, the commentator who made her mark as color analyst at the O.J. Simpson murder trial. The packet said Van Sustern’s team would represent the victims for free in exchange for 25 percent of any money recovered from the airline. Taking on such a case could cost $100,000, the packet warns.”
——————–
“A Scientologist is a person who keeps buying bunk drugs that do nothing and he goes back to the dealer and tells him he didn’t feel anything and the dealer tells him everybody else says the stuff is the bomb and he must have done something wrong, so the dude buys some more and does it again and again and again. He’s a chump.”
——————–
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 June 13.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing June 16.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Sentenced to 7 years in prison.
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 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] For Memorial Day 2024: Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s bogus war injuries
[TWO years ago] OH JOY: Scientology has a fundraising survey for you, space pilgrims!
[THREE years ago] After the holiday weekend, Danny Masterson’s criminal rape case returns with a vengeance
[FOUR years ago] CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT GRANTS REVIEW OF ‘ARBITRATION’ RULING IN DANNY MASTERSON SUIT
[FIVE years ago] Miscavige scores: Ohio Gov. DeWine to send out thousands of Scientology pamphlets
[SIX years ago] On Memorial Day, Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s stolen valor really rankles
[SEVEN years ago] PRAISE XENU: We have more Scientology hip-hop, and even better – IT’S AUSSIE-FLAVORED
[EIGHT years ago] ‘Source’ magazine offers a glimpse into what goes on at Scientology’s Florida ‘mecca’
[NINE years ago] Is Scientology using Tommy Davis to get Aussie billionaire James Packer back in the fold?
[TEN years ago] John Coale, Greta Van Susteren, and the miracle of Scientology drug technology: A meditation
[ELEVEN years ago] Life after Scientology: The post-Sea Org baby boom
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology’s Drug Rehab Network Goes On the Offensive
——————–
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 3,277 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,772 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,287 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,837 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,827 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,213 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,708 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,012 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,881 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,435 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,776 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,343 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,262 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,430 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,012 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,271 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,308 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,024 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,588 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,903 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,078 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,760 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,097 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,951 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,066 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,428 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,837 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,233 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,111 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,676 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,187 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,443 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,551 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 27, 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
MAGA gold: Looks like it’s going to be another white boy summer
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Is this where all the Fort Knox gold went? https://t.co/VJXLc8pqQz
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 27, 2025
Trump just pardoned a corrupt sheriff who was found guilty of taking bribes in exchange for law endorsement badges.
Those who bought the badges used them to drive in emergency lanes, bypass TSA lines, and for other favors. pic.twitter.com/i3xiOitx3G
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 26, 2025
New Jersey GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea shared a tweet attacking the “snakes surrounding the president” after Trump endorsed his opponent. pic.twitter.com/ARwFUNVU8x
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 27, 2025
Trump’s reportedly sells his endorsements. It’s not about principle. It’s about profit. pic.twitter.com/pfpJkTzFCG
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 27, 2025
MAGA Rapper and friend of Byron Donalds says he is “proud to be white” and not a racist. pic.twitter.com/5or2tUIwiK
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 26, 2025
Latest MAGA rapper… https://t.co/Q4lWTNvYrU pic.twitter.com/qtadSnTsMH
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 27, 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 May 27, 2025 at 08:00
May 26, 2025
Memorial Day 2025: Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s bogus war injuries
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: As on past Memorial Days, we think it’s important to remind readers about Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s ‘stolen valor.’ Historian Chris Owen looks at Hubbard’s claims about being injured in war versus the actual record. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“For a number of years people have wondered when OT VIII would be released. Well, to tell you the honest truth, OT VIII has been in existence all those several years, and to it has been added a very large number of OT grades. None of them have been issued. Notes for all these grades are in existence. What I have been waiting for is 2 or 3 months of free time to go over these materials and write them up and make them available through Advanced Organizations. Now I will make a bargain with you. If you get all the tech straightened out and the orgs and flaps and emergencies off my lines and get your training in and your Word Clearing in and everything flying and this civilization even more thoroughly pointed in a civilized direction, you will buy me those 3 months’ worth of time so I will be able to afford the time to write up all these Advanced Levels I have researched. Do your job well and buy me these three months. Is it a bargain?” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
——————–
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
——————–
“Time is a temperature. I don’t know what that temperature is in Kelvin, but now that I know that time is a temperature, I can find it. And the moment I find the exact temperature, I could make any area, at any given instant, timeless or speed its time up. I know that sounds very strange. But this is a great discovery in physics. Only you know about it, but it is a great discovery in physics. It’s rather a staggerer. ” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 26, 1961
——————–
“MELBOURNE: We served a writ on Anderson, the ‘judge’ of the Melbourne Inquiry for legal faults. Ian Tampion there got lots of immediate raw public congratulations and good wishes. Dianetic Auditing is starting up there and the org will soon be reestablished. Some real good people are on the grounds.” — The Commodore, May 26, 1970
——————–
“I met a guy in Scientology that I used to know when we were on a spaceship just before coming to this planet. He didn’t go through the implant station like I did, and he was extremely OT, more than I. I lost most of my powers, but he was not or could not go exterior to his body and create anything magical and neither could LRH, either. These bodies just soak up a Thetan like a sponge since with all their automaticities they are 100 percent effect and a Thetan is 100 percent cause, so the two just snap terminals like a magnet. This explains a lot of it but, still, what happened to our powers? LRH could move objects with his mind, apparently, because a couple guys on Scientolipedia who were close to him said he put his hand in the air above a pencil and the pencil rose up to his hand so he could grab it. He told the guy that he had been working for 30 years to accomplish that. If that’s true, I don’t understand why he lost all his godlike powers of creating things out of nothingness.”
1995: Grady Ward reported this week that Eugene Ingram returned, by mail, the photographs stolen from his mother last week. Mrs. Ward apparently will continue her complaint against Ingram. “Since the postmark of the envelope (no return address) contains a postmark from Portland, OR (last three digits 721), the fraud becomes the federal crime of interstate transportation of stolen property, a base offense crime of 4 with a lot of possible sentencing ‘enhancements’ depending upon value and other coeval acts.”
——————–
“The ultimate goal of Hubbard’s bridge was to take all your money and then turn you into a slave once your money was gone. And if you did have enough money to make it all the way up the Bridge, the EP was hopefully insanity or suicide so you couldn’t sue Hubbard’s ass for fraud or spill the beans.”
——————–
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 June 13.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing June 16.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Sentenced to 7 years in prison.
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 due June 3.
— 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 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] TikTok battle between exes captivates the country — and has a Scientology angle?
[TWO years ago] Janis Gilham Grady and Mark Fisher: Taking you into Scientology’s abuses and its past
[THREE years ago] Continuing to chat with a Scientology celebrity: On ‘SP’ Danny Masterson, and more
[FOUR years ago] Scientology chiros make pilgrimages to Clearwater before heading to prison
[FIVE years ago] Scientology’s rising new anti-vaxx star, coming to a ‘re-open’ protest near you!
[SIX years ago] What California’s controversial new confessions bill means for Scientology
[SEVEN years ago] Karen Pressley on the madness of Sea Org life: ‘I no longer belonged to my dreams’
[EIGHT years ago] L. Ron Hubbard was no Bill Shakespeare, but here’s some of his early playwriting anyway
[NINE years ago] What you didn’t see on ‘I Am Cait’: Kate Bornstein and Caitlyn Jenner at Scientology HQ
[TEN years ago] Scientology denied: Karen de la Carriere stops a takedown attempt on videos at her channel
[ELEVEN years ago] The David Miscavige summons, and other dire news for Scientology’s drug rehab network
[TWELVE years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology Has Your Back!
——————–
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 3,276 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,771 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,286 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,836 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,826 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,212 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,707 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,011 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,880 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,434 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,775 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,342 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,261 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,429 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,011 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,270 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,307 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,023 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,587 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,902 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,077 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,759 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,096 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,950 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,065 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,427 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,836 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,232 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,110 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,675 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,186 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,442 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,550 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 26, 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 will get tough with Putin any time now, Q patriots
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});He’s gonna get tough on Putin any day now. Just you watch. Vlad finally crossed the line this time. https://t.co/nmndJ8Agje
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) May 25, 2025
Trump, expert on stealth technology https://t.co/CkaxL9diWE
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 24, 2025
Fox declares war on Kermit the Frog. https://t.co/jTLFxfUZ0x
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) May 24, 2025
— microplastics envelope filter (@DiabolicalSpuds) May 24, 2025
Why are we dealing with tariffs? Why are trade deals the big issue of the Trump Presidency? Why are the Andrenochrome Farms not being shut down? Why are the evil Deep State leaders not being exposed for their crimes? The Storm was about mildly better trade agreements?! pic.twitter.com/wQ8XZi8Z00
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) May 26, 2025
When not kissing Putin's boots our boy Jacob enjoys engaging in racism to let his audience know he's one of their guys. pic.twitter.com/oV2unrBk9O
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) May 26, 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 May 26, 2025 at 08:00
Tony Ortega's Blog
- Tony Ortega's profile
- 19 followers
