Tony Ortega's Blog, page 362
October 23, 2020
Leah Remini: No such thing as Scientology ‘arbitration’ — judges are being duped
“I wish people would stop using the word ‘arbitration.’ There is no arbitration in Scientology. There is no such thing at all.”
Leah Remini had some choice words last night about the judges who have accepted the Church of Scientology’s litigation strategy of shutting down lawsuits by forcing ex-members into “religious arbitration.”
It’s happened twice in recent cases and on Monday, a crucial court hearing will once again have a judge deciding whether to accept Scientology’s argument and force ex-members into the church’s internal star chamber. Scientology has asked Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Steven Kleifield to rule that four of the five people suing Danny Masterson and the Church of Scientology should be forced to submit to Scientology’s internal arbitration procedures and shut down the lawsuit. The plaintiffs are alleging that they were harassed by Masterson and Scientology after they came forward in 2016 to the LAPD with reports that Masterson had raped them in incidents between 2001 and 2004. Masterson, meanwhile, has been charged in a separate criminal case with raping three of the women who are suing him.
Judge Kleifield will be asked to decide whether even alleged rape victims, suing over harassment which they claim includes the poisoning of their pets, is merely a contract dispute that must be handled by the church internally and that the women have no recourse to sue in a court of law.
AdvertisementIn January, another Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Richard Burdge Jr, found for Scientology and iced the lawsuit brought by Valerie Haney, who today works as Leah’s assistant but at one time was Scientology leader David Miscavige’s personal steward and worked in his private quarters. Valerie alleged in her lawsuit that she became a prisoner at the secretive Gold Base because of what she knew about Miscavige, and she only got away from the base by hiding in the trunk of a car. For coming forward on Leah’s A&E series, Valerie was subjected to a fierce and frightening harassment campaign, which was documented by Leah’s show. But even though she was no longer an employee of the church, Valerie was still bound by the contract she had signed, Judge Burdge found. She would have to submit her complaints of kidnapping and stalking not to a court of law, but to Scientology’s own brand of arbitration, which features a panel of arbiters who must all be members of the church in good standing.
But even that is a lie, Leah pointed out in our conversation last night.
“They’re pretending that they have some kind of arbitration, but it is nothing of the sort,” she said, explaining that in court Scientology has admitted that although founder L. Ron Hubbard left behind millions of words on everything from how to staff buildings and recruit celebrities to how to wash windows properly, he never wrote up rules for how to hold an arbitration. So, the church admitted, it was adapting the rules Hubbard had written for a “committee of evidence,” which is something like a court martial.
“Look at the opening words on the page for the committee of evidence,” she told us, directing us to these lines…
“Scientology jurisprudence. The law made up by Scientology,” she said. “These judges haven’t taken the time to actually look at these materials to see that this has nothing to do with what independent arbitrators do. I don’t know how you can call yourself a judge and not actually have done any research in what you’re adjudicating. What the judges in these cases are doing is violating the rights of crime victims. Most of these people who are taking Scientology to court are doing so with the hope that what they have been subjected to will now be rectified by the court and have a just outcome. They are relying on these judges to be fair, to be just and what they are getting is just more injustice and being further traumatized.”
In a committee of evidence — Scientologists call them “comm evs” for short — Scientologists are put on trial for what the organization considers crimes. “Those of us who left Scientology are already ‘guilty’ under Scientology law,” Leah said. “Before we even walk into a comm ev, the committee members who are devout Scientologists are told, ‘this person is an SP,’ a suppressive person. In Scientology, a suppressive person is evil, a Hitler, a Dillinger type, a person who has no rights of any kind and should be destroyed. They will find us all guilty of crimes against Scientology and will then adjudicate that we all need to do more Scientology to save our souls. Period.”
A panel of Scientologists in good standing can’t find otherwise, Leah said. “Those of us who have left are guilty of Scientology crimes for just leaving Scientology. These women are guilty for reporting their rapes to the authorities, they are guilty for speaking out against their abusers. We are all guilty to all Scientologists for standing up for ourselves and others.”
We pointed out to Leah that when Tampa Federal Judge James Whittemore forced Luis and Rocio Garcia into arbitration (their case is on appeal), he said that his hands were tied and that he couldn’t examine Scientology’s rules for its internal justice procedures because it would be a violation of the organization’s religious rights.
“You can’t look at the rules because it’s a religion, and yet you’re forcing people to abide by those rules — because it’s a religion?” Leah scoffed.
“You’re considering the fate of people who have experienced violent crimes like rape and other horrific forms of physical and mental abuse, and on top of this the victims are being Fair Gamed by Scientology and their piece of shit celebrities, who of course defend the abusers, and you want these survivors who survived all of that to submit themselves to more abuse and go into a court of Scientologists? To have Scientology justice applied to them? To then be a victim of Scientology justice? Again? Do these judges even understand what Scientology considers to be crimes? Reporting your rape to the police is a crime in Scientology. Reporting the abuse you received in Scientology to the authorities is a crime in Scientology. So these women will be found guilty by Scientology. And any judge who puts up with this shouldn’t call himself or herself a judge.”
Leah says she has no idea if Judge Kleifield will take greater care in understanding Scientology’s game than did Judges Whittemore or Burdge.
“Scientology is making a mockery of the courts and has a history of doing so. Scientology is playing games with these judges, and the judge in Valerie’s Case looks like a complete asshole. Maybe it’s just time for him to retire. Clearly he is too tired to care for those who depend on him to care,” she said. “It’s that or just plain, utter stupidity — and this is coming from someone with an eighth grade education. Why, you ask? Because I was in a cult that said education wasn’t important. And these are people who are ruling in Valerie’s case? A woman who tried to commit suicide several times in Scientology? Where are her rights?”
Valerie Haney has asked the 2nd California Appellate Court for a writ of mandate in order to appeal Judge Burdge’s decision to force her into religious arbitration.
Advertisement“Where are all the victims’ advocate organizations? These women are being told they have to go crawling back to their abusers for Scientology justice, and that they can’t have their day in court. I just have to have to hope and pray that justice, real justice will eventually prevail.”
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SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks, the series axed by Seven News
In July the Australian Seven News network cancelled at the last minute a ten-part nightly news in-depth investigation of the Church of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks operations. All ten episodes were leaked to the Internet, and we (temporarily) posted embeds of the video segments and then collected all ten links in one place. Judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.
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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.
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“I heard about something the other day that made me feel rather bad. I dropped the I-76 or the Imperial Japanese Navy Trans-Pacific Submarine down into the mouth of the Columbia River, dead duck. And it went down with a resounding furor. And that was that. I never thought about it again particularly except to get mad at all the admirals I had to make reports to because of this thing, see? This was one out of 79 separate actions that I had to do with….My dad suddenly sprung on me the fact that my submarine had been causing a tremendous amount of difficulty in the mouth of the Columbia River….It’s got jagged steel sticking out at all ends and angles, and it’s a big submarine! …And the fishermen coming in there and fishing are dragging their nets around in that area, and it’s just tearing their nets to ribbons — they’ve even hired a civilian contractor to try to blow the thing up and get it the devil out of there — and has evidently been raising bob with postwar fishing here for more years than I’d care to count….I was asking my father for the address of the fishermen’s association up there to write them a letter of apology.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 23, 1956
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“Trump is fighting against the 12 guys that Ron decribed in Ron’s Journal 67. Ron had well spotted these SPs, and as you can see on the planet in the present they are still at work to crash everybody with the Covid, and establishing a worldwide government!”
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Past is Prologue
2005: New York Daily News: “Four years ago, Keith Henson, an electrical engineer, was convicted in Riverside County Superior Court of harassing members of the church. Prosecutors pointed to his picketing a Scientology film studio, and a Web chat in which he talked about aiming a ‘Cruise’ missile at the studio. Henson insists he was joking. But after being sentenced to a year in Riverside County’s jail, he says he wasn’t laughing when a law enforcement officer ‘said I was not likely to come out of jail alive.’ Henson fled to Canada. Last April, he tells us, a private eye working for the church tracked him down in Brantford, Ontario, and nearly plowed him down in an alley — just as he claims other private eyes have tried to run him off the road. Denied asylum in Canada, he’s now on the run. This week, he blew through New York. Scientology spokesman Ed Parkin calls Henson’s claims ‘absurd,’ adding, ‘he uses the media to create controversy and deflect attention from his own crimes.'”
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“When they landed on the Moon, the adults in my neighborhood were crying. I couldn’t understand it at the time.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to November 2.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Oct 19: Feshbachs still considering further appellate relief.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.
Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
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Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!
[Stacy Francis, Jason Dohring, and Anne Archer]
We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.
Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!
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 our weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Scientologist defendants plead not guilty as Medi-Cal fraud trial scheduled for Nov 21
[TWO years ago] In 1949, psychiatrists wouldn’t touch Dianetics — so L. Ron Hubbard invented one who would
[THREE years ago] Despite Scientology’s best efforts, a Bunker reader attended Saturday’s grand opening
[FOUR years ago] Vote for Xenu! Scientologists are looking to L. Ron Hubbard for advice on the coming election
[FIVE years ago] The technology of ‘ruining’ people: Jefferson Hawkins on Scientology’s opening pitch
[SIX years ago] L. Ron Hubbard explains to a friend the real reason he wrote ‘Dianetics’
[SEVEN years ago] LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES: Summary Judgment Hearing in DeCrescenzo Forced-Abortion Lawsuit
[EIGHT years ago] British Newspaper The Sun Sneaks Reporter into Scientology Annual Gala!
[NINE years ago] Scientology Targeted South Park’s Parker and Stone in Investigation
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Scientology disconnection, a reminder
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,098 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,602 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,122 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,142 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,033 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,340 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,208 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,982 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,786 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,102 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,668 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,587 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,755 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,336 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,597 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,635 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,348 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,873 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,403 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,963 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,103 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,423 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,278 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,397 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,753 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,056 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,162 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,564 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,436 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,019 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,514 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,768 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,877 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 23, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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
October 22, 2020
Could Marsy’s Law foil Scientology’s attempt to force rape victims into ‘arbitration’?
[At a 2008 rally, a marcher with a photo of Marsy Nicholas. AP photo.]
Another big day looms in the lawsuit filed by Danny Masterson’s rape accusers against the actor and the Church of Scientology, and it turns out that a question raised by one of our own commenters here at the Underground Bunker might actually have some effect on it.
Five people are suing Masterson, Scientology, and Scientology’s leader David Miscavige over what they allege has been a campaign of harassment since the women came forward in 2016 and 2017 to the LAPD with allegations that they were violently raped by the That ’70s Show actor in incidents that occurred between 2001 and 2004. They first filed the lawsuit in August 2019, and on June 16 Masterson was charged criminally with raping three of the women and is facing 45 years to life in prison. He’s scheduled to be arraigned on November 2 and has indicated he plans to enter a not guilty plea.
Masterson’s early attempt to derail the lawsuit failed when Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Steven Kleifield overruled Masterson’s demurrer two weeks ago. But Scientology’s big play, as it has been in other lawsuits, is to try and force the four plaintiffs who were members of the church — Chrissie Carnell Bixler, her husband Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and two women going by the names Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2 — into “religious arbitration.”
In two earlier lawsuits Scientology was successful at convincing judges that former Scientologists suing the church had to instead be forced into Scientology’s internal religious arbitration because of agreements they signed in order to receive church services. Luis and Rocio Garcia’s federal lawsuit in Tampa was shut down with this strategy, and they’re currently appealing the decision to the Eleventh Circuit. Valerie Haney’s lawsuit was also forced into arbitration earlier this year, and she’s petitioned for a writ of mandate hoping that a California court will grant her an appeal.
Scientology’s attorneys are showing signs that they’re eagerly anticipating a similar result in the Masterson lawsuit, and Judge Kleifield is scheduled to hear the matter on Monday.
AdvertisementThe attorneys for Bixler and the others filed oppositions that argued that subjecting former members of a religion to a “religious ritual” like Scientology’s internal arbitration (where the three arbiters, for example, must all be members of the church in good standing) is a violation of their religious freedom.
This week, Scientology answered that argument in replies (we have links for them below) which say that Scientology’s religious arbitration is not a “religious ritual” and that these former members are still subject to the contracts they signed, even after leaving the organization.
But there’s another argument we haven’t seen raised in any of the court papers on either side that was recently raised not by an attorney in the case but by one of our own commenters here at the Underground Bunker, who goes by the handle Ruby:
If the victims are compelled to arbitration, it would seem that the records of that procedure could be subpoenaed for the criminal case? And…if the arbitration (Committee of evidence) was being fair (cough cough), they should be calling Danny Masterson as a witness, as well as the chaplain who dealt with them. Of course we know that wouldn’t happen. The intertwining of these defendants can not be avoided, in my opinion.
We have heard from numerous court observers that this comment was spot on.
For help understanding why, we contacted an attorney who has a lot of success litigating against the Church of Scientology, Ray Jeffrey. Ray told us that this was a great argument, and he pointed out that now that Masterson has been charged with rape, his victims enjoy protections under California’s version of “Marsy’s Law.”
“It seems like it would be a good argument to make in the civil hearing that by trying to push the thing into religious arbitration, Scientology is violating the protections they have from Marsy’s Law now,” he says. “Trying to push them into religious arbitration is a form of intimidation. To get them behind closed doors? And perhaps with their rapist? I think they’re entitled to this protection.”
We don’t know if Judge Kleifield is actually going to rule on the arbitration motions on Monday. The plaintiffs’ attorneys have been asking for discovery — they’d like to take depositions, for example, to get information about the contracts that Scientology says the women and Cedric signed while they were Scientologists that might then be used to counter the arbitration argument. And at one point in a previous hearing, Judge Kleifield indicated that he has given time for limited discovery in similar situations.
So if he grants that request, not only would it give time for Brian Kent’s team to develop arguments about the criminal case providing protections for the women, but Masterson himself has asked for a stay in the case that will be heard in January which is likely to put the lawsuit on ice until after his criminal case is concluded.
A lot to think about on Monday, and we’ll be doing our best to keep up on what the judge rules.
Here are the replies that the Church of Scientology International and the Religious Technology Center filed this week ahead of Monday’s hearing…
CSI’s reply to opposition to its motions to compel arbitration
RTC’s reply to opposition to its motions to compel arbitration
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Scientology UK opens the books
Scientology’s organization in the UK has made its annual financial disclosure, which it has to do by law. Known there as the Church of Scientology Religious Education College Incorporated (COSRECI), Scientology gives up more information by law than it does here in the country where it was founded. We look forward to our financial wizards taking apart this information…
COSRECI Annual Account 2019 by Tony Ortega
Here are the overall numbers for previous years, in pounds.
1999 Income 5,704,655 Expenditure 5,951,708 Surplus (247,053)
2000 Income 8,610,042 Expenditure 7,501,045 Surplus 1,108,997
2001 Income 9,204,860 Expenditure 8,922,040 Surplus 282,820
2002 Income 8,353,743 Expenditure 6,477,851 Surplus 1,875,892
2003 Income 10,129,645 Expenditure 8,606,339 Surplus 1,523,306
2004 Income 9,822,963 Expenditure 10,243,242 Surplus (420,279)
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2005 Income 10,311,696 Expenditure 10,372,066 Surplus (60,370)
2006 Income 11,424,607 Expenditure 11,990,016 Surplus (565,409)
2007 Income 20,987,594 Expenditure 14,909,054 Surplus 6,078,540
2008 Income 12,958,196 Expenditure 17,515,645 Surplus (4,556,449)
2009 Income 12,341,616 Expenditure 10,703,331 Surplus 1,638,295
2010 Income 11,155,497 Expenditure 12,706,997 Surplus (1,551,500)
2012 Income 12,837,570 Expenditure 12,713,815 Surplus 123,755
2013 Income 12,535,163 Expenditure 13,738,269 Surplus (1,203,106)
2014 Income 10,805,637 Expenditure 9,966,943 Surplus 838,694
2015 Income 15,436,019 Expenditure 18,722,024 Surplus (3,286,005)
2016 Income 44,126,202 Expenditure 34,876,929 Surplus 9,249,273
2017 Income 51,338,464 Expenditure 43,729,719 Surplus 7,608,745
2018 Income 46,284,001 Expenditure 45,789,807 Surplus 494,194
2019 Income 30,196,981 Expenditure 36,408,647 Surplus (8,211,668)
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SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks, the series axed by Seven News
In July the Australian Seven News network cancelled at the last minute a ten-part nightly news in-depth investigation of the Church of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks operations. All ten episodes were leaked to the Internet, and we (temporarily) posted embeds of the video segments and then collected all ten links in one place. Judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.
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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.
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“You want to know what is wrong with the fellow? Let’s say that when he is very young somebody decides to take his tonsils out….Later on he meets some doctor who says, ‘Well, the reason you have ulcers is because … ?’ Actually, it was because one of the doctors during the tonsillectomy — this fellow’s earlier colleague — had an elbow in the patient’s stomach. I think doctors knew this all the time, by the way. I am sure they had this all worked out. The doctor leans his elbow on this young would-be writer’s stomach, and he grinds this elbow down while he is holding the patient. Later on the fellow has to be operated on for ulcers. You can make more money this way and send your children to better colleges.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 22, 1951
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“There are many blogs that publish a lot bad news about ‘Scientology’ when they are not really talking about Scientology at all, but rather about the CHURCH of Scientology and its suppressive ‘leaders.’ After reading some of those, it is such a pleasure to read about the great personal wins that people are having applying actual Scientology rather than the pretend stuff, e.g., GAT. Exposing the crimes of the Church of Scientology is a very important thing to do, but the wins that people are giving and receiving using the TECH will always be the more important story in the long run. The church will die thanks to those who bring the light of truth to expose its contra-survival acts. But people helping themselves and other people with the TECH and enhancing life all over the world are also important positive forces creating a better future.”
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1999: Bob Minton reported that the newly formed Lisa McPherson foundation is being blocked from renting office space in Clearwater, Florida. “We were informed this morning that MKV Realty, which owns the Sun Trust Building at 601 Cleveland Street, has refused to rent the space we intended to occupy to either the Lisa Foundation or me. The buck has been passed up to a gentleman named ‘Rusty’ who has yet to return my call. Ken Dandar will also speak to Rusty when Rusty is available.”
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“So when your certificates get canceled, whose job is it to track down all those engrams and body thetans and tell them they need to re-implant and re-attach themselves?”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to November 2.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Oct 19: Feshbachs still considering further appellate relief.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.
Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
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Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!
[Jenna Elfman, Giovanni Ribisi, and Greta Van Susteren]
We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.
Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!
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 our weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] DAVID MISCAVIGE, YOU HAVE BEEN SERVED
[TWO years ago] A call to arms for Scientology voters: ‘Religious freedom’ vs. the evil psychs!
[THREE years ago] Wally Hanks, Scientology ranch terror recently portrayed on ‘Leah Remini,’ dies at 70
[FOUR years ago] Who was responsible when Scientology finally paid Lawrence Wollersheim a lot of thin dimes?
[FIVE years ago] A Scientology childhood: What it’s like to grow up under the Hubbard spell
[SIX years ago] Tom Cruise and his Freedom Medal of Valor: Where’s the tabloid press?
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology Has No City Permit for IAS Gala or Other Events: Is It Keeping The Party Private?
[EIGHT years ago] Lewis Black Calls Times Square Anti-Scientology Demonstration “Best. Protest. Ever.”[NINE years ago] Scientology Transfusion: Commenters of the Week!
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Scientology disconnection, a reminder
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,097 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,601 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,121 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,141 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,032 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,339 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,207 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,981 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,785 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,101 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,667 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,586 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,754 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,335 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,596 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,634 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,347 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,872 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,402 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,962 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,102 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,422 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,277 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,396 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,752 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,055 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,161 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,563 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,435 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,018 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,513 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,767 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,876 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 22, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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
October 21, 2020
SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Aussies bow to Tommy Davis, but he can’t kill ‘dirt file’ story
[Bryan Seymour and Tommy Davis, a 2010 clip in ‘Scientology Black Ops’]
Well, it was fun while it lasted.
Yesterday we received a letter from attorneys for Seven News, asking us to take down the ‘Scientology Black Ops’ series.
Seven News had spent months putting together Bryan Seymour’s ten-part investigation of Scientology only to cancel it at the last minute before its scheduled July 14 premiere.
Two of the people who were filmed for the series, Leah Remini and her A&E costar Mike Rinder, told us they believed that the series was killed through the influence of actor Tom Cruise and former Scientology spokesman Tommy Davis, who both take a beating in the program. Remini and Rinder told us they believed that Davis and Cruise persuaded their friend James Packer (an Australian billionaire who was in Scientology from 2001 to 2006 and is still friendly with Davis) to lean on his close friend Seven News chairman Kerry Stokes to get the series axed.
However, beginning on August 31, we revealed that episodes of Scientology Black Ops were being leaked to the Internet. Eventually all ten episodes were leaked online, and we embedded those videos here at the Bunker.
AdvertisementThen, a week ago, we received a letter from Australian attorneys at Pikes & Verekers representing Tommy Davis, who wanted us to turn over information about the series and to pull down episodes two and four, which Tommy claimed were defamatory. We published the letter and did nothing.
But now we’ve received a letter from Addisons, representing Seven News…
Dear Sirs
Seven Network
We act for the Seven Network Australia (Seven), which you are presumably aware is one of Australia’s leading free to air television networks. Seven is also a leading content owner and producer.
Our client is aware that you have been ‘leaked’ a copy of its series titled “Scientology: Black Ops” (the Series) which is currently being published by you on your eponymous website, www.tonyortega.org.
Our client has not provided any authority for you (or anyone, in fact) to publish the Series which comprises its valuable intellectual property, including copyright.
Seven’s enquiries are continuing as to how and by whom this series was provided to you but confirms that without our client’s specific authority, publication of the Series continues to be a serious infringement of its intellectual property rights. Moreover, you should be aware that Seven has received complaints by persons featured in the Series threatening to sue for defamation. As publisher of the Series on your website you would be liable for claims from such parties.
Accordingly, we require you to cease publication of the Series immediately.
Please confirm that you will do so. In the meantime, our client reserves its rights.
Your faithfully
Justine Munsie
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As a result of receiving this letter, we wanted to tell our readers about the two things we’ve decided to do about it.
First, we are removing our embed links to the videos. We don’t think they are defamatory of Tommy Davis, we think they’re the truth, and they’re backed up by sworn court testimony. However, we’re one dude with a laptop in New York, and we don’t have the resources to take on a court fight in Australia over videos we did not produce.
Second, we are reminding our readers that after Seven News killed the series on July 14, but before the episodes began leaking, it looked like the public might never get to see this excellent series.
Leah Remini was very unhappy about that. She had been filmed for the series (as had we) so she knew what Bryan Seymour was going to reveal: Tommy Davis’s “dirt file” on legendary publicist Pat Kingsley, and his attempt to get Paul Haggis’s SAG/AFTRA confidential file by pressuring a former guild employee who was a Scientologist.
Leah revealed to us that she had written about these things for a chapter of her book Troublemaker that was never published. So, prompted by Seven News trying to suppress the material, she turned over to us that unpublished chapter and, after talking to her and editing the material, we posted it here on July 27.
Tommy Davis may not like episodes two and four of Scientology Black Ops, which tell that story of his underhanded work for the church in order to blackmail Pat Kingsley and dig up dirt on Paul Haggis, but the same story was already posted here on July 27 thanks to Leah Remini, and there’s nothing Tommy can do about it.
So, while we’re sure you’re disappointed that the video segments of Seymour’s excellent series will no longer be available at the Underground Bunker, we hope you keep in mind that the material that made Tommy angry, real angry, is still told in full at this web page. We hope you help us spread it far and wide.
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Mark Bunker: Should Clearwater partner with Scientology?
Says Mark: “The Clearwater City Council held two sessions so far to discuss priorities going forward. We started with a free-flowing conversation about Scientology’s impact our downtown and how we should move forward.”
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SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks, the series axed by Seven News
In July the Australian Seven News network cancelled at the last minute a ten-part nightly news in-depth investigation of the Church of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks operations. All ten episodes were leaked to the Internet, and we (temporarily) posted embeds of the video segments and then collected all ten links in one place. Judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.
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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.
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“Before we developed a good port PRO [Public Relations Officer] actions and good local area PRO actions, were very often in trouble. We were in trouble in the most remarkable ways. But it wasn’t really Scientologists that got us into trouble. The biggest amount of trouble that happened in Spain was a commercial licensed engineer who turned homo and was that way with hired Spanish hands who then went to the police and complained about this English engineer. And he was dismissed and the whole thing was handled. But it still sits in the office of information in Spain. See? Not as a handled situation but that there’s something, you know? And they’re having a lot of trouble lately with hippies. They aren’t counting the communists that they’ve got in their midst — Minister of Defense, Minister of Shipping, Franco’s first adjutant, second aide, Chamberlain — they aren’t counting these guys, they’ve gotta get these hippies. You see it has no political sense at all. If you knocked off every hippie in Spain you would not have strengthened its political position a minute.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 21, 1969
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“LRH said that ‘democracy’ in this prison planet is bullshit! Democrats are ‘Demonocrats’ = Tyranny by granting democracy to entities! Lets as-is that. Hopefully some Democrats vanish to source.”
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2002: Signonsandiego.com reported that Narconon has received permission from the planning commission to operate a facility in Warner Springs, California. “The Narconon center would be housed in a former motel and two houses off state Route 79. It would serve up to 30 people ages 18 to 25, and they would be treated by a staff of 15, three who would live at the center. Patients would pay $22,000 to participate in a voluntary six-month program. The project – which had many supporters at yesterday’s commission hearing – was approved in a 4-0 vote, with Michael York absent. But opponents vow to appeal the project to the Board of Supervisors.”
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“Do you really think a guy who texts ‘YSCOHB’ to people has the self awareness to realize that Kirstie is making his business look bad?”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to November 2.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Oct 19: Feshbachs still considering further appellate relief.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.
Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
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Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!
[Elisabeth Moss, Michael Peña, and Laura Prepon]
We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.
Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!
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 our weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] David Miscavige at Scientology’s IAS event: What he claims, and what’s really going on
[TWO years ago] Scientology and hurricanes: Providing storms of comic relief in one disaster after another
[THREE years ago] KID CORPS: Scientology’s internal documents lay out its disturbing ideas about children
[FOUR years ago] TOM CRUISE PENTHOUSE IN SCIENTOLOGY’S SPIRITUAL MECCA? WE HAVE THE PLANS
[FIVE years ago] Laura DeCrescenzo answers Scientology ‘religion’ gambit on eve of key hearing
[SIX years ago] Vance Woodward files motion to reconsider his dismissed lawsuit against Scientology
[EIGHT years ago] Sunday Funnies: Let’s Put Scientology Kids to Work!
[NINE years ago] Scientology and Forced Abortions: Testimony of an Enforcer
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Scientology disconnection, a reminder
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,096 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,600 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,120 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,140 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,031 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,338 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,206 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,980 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,784 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,100 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,666 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,585 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,753 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,334 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,595 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,633 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,346 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,871 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,401 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,961 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,101 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,421 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,276 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,395 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,751 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,054 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,160 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,562 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,434 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,017 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,512 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,766 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,875 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 21, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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
October 20, 2020
What Danny Masterson’s prosecutor revealed about the case in yesterday’s hearing
[Danny Masterson at his Sept 18 appearance, prosecutor Reinhold Mueller yesterday]
We know that the Danny Masterson affair is a complex one, and we’re doing our best to keep you up on all of its complex details.
Masterson, a Scientologist, is facing 45 years to life in prison for raping three women who were Scientologists at the time they were attacked but they aren’t Scientologists today. All three of the women are also suing Masterson in civil court along with two other people, one of whom was a Scientologist and one who wasn’t. Those five plaintiffs are also suing the Church of Scientology and its leader David Miscavige, but Miscavige is still evading service of the lawsuit more than a year after it was filed.
Two weeks ago Danny’s “demurrer” was overruled in civil court, and this week his other demurrer was overruled in criminal court. Next week four of the five plaintiffs in the lawsuit are facing the chance of being forced into Scientology’s internal “religious arbitration” and derailing a lawsuit that’s about to be put on ice anyway. And on November 2 Danny will be arraigned on the criminal charges but he won’t actually be in court when it happens.
It’s all very confusing, we know.
But we wanted to make sure that some very interesting details which happened in yesterday’s hearing do not get overlooked, because Masterson’s prosecutor dropped some major hints about where the criminal case will be going.
AdvertisementYesterday, Judge Miguel Espinoza, whose court handles arraignments, sent the parties to the court of Judge Eleanor J. Hunter to deal with the demurrer that Masterson filed last month.
We’ve pointed out that it’s unusual for a criminal defendant to file a demurrer at this point, before he’s even formally arraigned and has entered a plea. And the reason that defendants don’t often do this is because it costs a heckuva lot of money. Danny probably paid tens of thousands of dollars to his legal team of Tom Mesereau and Sharon Appelbaum to produce the document, which objected to the criminal charges by saying it had taken prosecutors too long to bring charges for incidents that happened between 2001 and 2003.
In yesterday’s hearing, Appelbaum cited case law and challenged the idea that Masterson should face charges on incidents that took place so long ago. And while she was doing it, she brought up the point that no aggravating factors are being alleged at this point. Danny is simply being prosecuted under California’s “One Strike Law” and facing a potential life sentence because there are multiple victims.
When it was his turn to respond, Masterson’s prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Reinhold Mueller, took apart Appelbaum’s analysis of the law and reiterated what he’d said in court filings, that it was clear the DA could bring charges at any time against someone if the potential penalty was life in prison. And because of the multiple victims, Danny is facing a potential life sentence under the strict One Strike law, also known as “667.61.”
But then, Mueller threw in something that really made us sit up and take notice as we reviewed video of the hearing. Here’s what he said…
Mueller: Defense counsel is saying that there’s nothing additional, or that we do not have to, People didn’t have to prove anything additional other than that there were additional victims. So in other words other aggravating factors under the 667.61 would be if there was tying or binding or victims was, were drugged or there was a firearm use, we would have to prove that in fact there was a firearm used or that there was tying and binding. Well, we do have to prove something here we have to prove that there were additional victims that were raped. That’s our burden of proof. So to say that we have nothing additional to prove it’s just, it’s not, it’s a little disingenuous.
(Emphasis ours.) If the media missed that message from Mueller yesterday, we assume that Mesereau and Appelbaum did not.
In our reporting of this case since 2017, we’ve told you about interviews we’ve done with witnesses and we’ve cited some of those factors: That the woman we refer to as Victim B (Jane Doe #1 in the civil case) alleges that when she fought back against Masterson as she was being raped, he brandished a firearm. And that a witness there that night at Danny’s Hollywood Hills home saw Masterson and a friend dragging Victim B back upstairs to Danny’s room when she was trying to get away.
And as for drugging, we’ve reported that each of Masterson’s victims reported being incapacitated in one form or another. Again, Victim B’s testimony is most clear on this point.
Let us hazard a translation of what Mueller told Danny Masterson in yesterday’s hearing.
“Danny, after you enter your not guilty plea and we move on to a preliminary hearing, I only have to prove that we have evidence that you raped two or more women. And that’s all. But after we get past that prelim, then we can start adding aggravating factors, factors that you know we know about, like brandishing a firearm, drugging women, and kidnapping in concert with your best pal at the party. And when we do, you’re going to wish you were only facing 45 years to life.”
And why would Mueller want to send such a message at this point? Let’s keep in mind that it’s at this stage, after the arraignment on November 2 and before the preliminary hearing, that the DA would raise the possibility of a deal, perhaps something in the 15 to 20 years range. And if Danny doesn’t take it, then the aggravating factors come on, and Masterson will be looking at some really serious time as the case moves to an actual trial.
Another way to think of this is, Mueller takes pretty much the opposite approach that the attorneys representing these women in the civil lawsuit have adopted. In that case, the Philly dream team led with a lot of noise and bluster, threatening to overwhelm the Church of Scientology with a slew of lawsuits and the best attorneys in the land. And ever since then, they’ve been playing defense as two of their three cases have been derailed or dismissed, and the many other lawsuits they promised never materialized.
Mueller instead takes the opposite tack, coolly and competently leading with a solid but modest opening salvo — rape charges regarding three women (remember, seven women came forward to the LAPD) — and with a hint yesterday that things are going to get a lot nastier for Danny as this case progresses.
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SOME OF OUR PAST REPORTING ON THE MASTERSON CASE
March 3, 2017: LAPD probing Scientology and Danny Masterson for multiple rapes, cover-up
March 8, 2017: Danny Masterson: Victim C gets support from a veteran actress
March 11, 2017: Scientology made Danny Masterson’s Victim B search past lives to explain being raped
May 9, 2017: Masterson hires Michael Jackson criminal defense attorney Tom Mesereau in rape probe
Nov 2, 2017: Read the threatening letter Danny Masterson’s attorney Marty Singer sent a victim’s husband
Nov 26, 2017: EXCLUSIVE: Scientology interrogated Danny Masterson and accuser, didn’t notify LAPD
Feb 14, 2018: PROSECUTORS PREPARE CHARGES CARRYING LIFE SENTENCE FOR DANNY MASTERSON
Apr 27, 2018: Strange days for a woman accusing Danny Masterson of rape — and for her rocker husband
July 8, 2018: Masterson witness fears for safety as investigation drags on and on
Nov 30, 2018: LEAH REMINI: Los Angeles DA Jackie Lacey, do your job already
Aug 14, 2019: RAPE ACCUSERS SUE DANNY MASTERSON, CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY, AND ITS LEADER
Jan 22, 2020: Cedric Bixler-Zavala blames Scientology for poisoned dog he had to put down yesterday
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Feb 3, 2020: Here’s Scientology actor Danny Masterson’s legal response to his rape accusers
Feb 10, 2020: Another dog poisoned: Bobette Riales says harassment worse since suing Scientology
Feb 26, 2020: SEVENTH victim comes forward to LAPD accusing Scientology actor Danny Masterson
Feb 29, 2020: Amended complaint filed against Danny Masterson with new stalking allegations
March 14, 2020: Danny Masterson’s victims speak out in sworn documents in lawsuit against Scientology
June 17, 2020: SCIENTOLOGY CELEB DANNY MASTERSON CHARGED ON MULTIPLE RAPE ALLEGATIONS
June 19, 2020: Records show that Danny Masterson is a woeful Scientologist — would he turn on the church?
June 23: 2020: The key thing about Danny Masterson’s ‘DJ Donkey Punch’ nick is why he stopped using it
Sept 30, 2020: Could Danny Masterson’s odd legal fight over his Hollywood house endanger his freedom?
Oct 11, 2020: Danny Masterson asks to halt civil lawsuit while criminal case is ongoing, as expected
Oct 12, 2020: Bijou Phillips on her husband Danny Masterson: A macho ‘Strong Island’ guy
Oct 16, 2020: Danny Masterson ‘accidentally’ outs Jane Doe accuser after judge told him not to
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Leah Remini podcast: Listener questions
Leah and Mike take listener questions this week and answer that eternal question we’ve been hearing now for years: What’s with Leah’s fingernails?
Says Mike: “We asked you for questions and you came through! Many more than we could possibly answer in a single episode. So, we will no doubt do more of these. Your question may have made the list this week. We covered a broad range of topics, from scientologists coming back after death, to the 411 on Leah’s fingernails.”
Here’s the episode…
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SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks, the series axed by Seven News
In July the Australian Seven News network cancelled at the last minute a ten-part nightly news in-depth investigation of the Church of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks operations. All ten episodes have now been leaked to the Internet, and we’ve collected all ten links in one place. Judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.
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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.
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“The whole theory of psychotherapy fell down and went boom the moment we discovered that we were not treating the first dynamic when we were running engrams. Psychotherapy went by the boards. It died. It turned up its heels, and it has now even ceased to give an odor.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 20, 1954
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“The invalidation and refusal to declare the Clear state is one of the most evil crimes I can think of. As can be seen, it causes no end of difficulties, no matter how you look at it. In fact, it can, on occasion, even be lethal. Fortunately, we have a good crew out here who know what they are doing with regard to the state, and how to sort it all out. The Tech is even able to handle situations where it’s been abused or incorrectly applied. Pretty nifty!”
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1996: Scientology this week purchased the assets of the Cult Awareness Network at an auction in federal court. The mailing lists and other sensitive files were apparently not sold. “The Cult Awareness Network, Inc.’s service mark and trademark rights, including rights to the use of the CAN stylized logo, were sold as part of a $20,000.00 purchase of CAN assets in the federal bankruptcy court. Steven Hayes, of the law firm of Bowles & Hayes, bought the assets. The purchase becomes final in seven days. Mr. Hayes will control the service mark and trademark rights at that time. It not clear yet whether Mr. Hayes, or others associated with him, could take action against organizations using the words ‘Cult Awareness Network’ in their name without his permission, or merely for the stylized CAN/Cult Awareness Network logo that appeared in the past on CAN’s literature.”
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“Hubbard was like 12 when he was in Asia. The only thing he was studying was jerking off.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to November 2.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Oct 19: Feshbachs still considering further appellate relief.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.
Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
——————–
Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!
[The Big Three: Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and Kirstie Alley]
We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.
Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!
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 our weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Scientologist anti-vaxx group fundraises on the idea its big California loss was a win
[TWO years ago] Scientology’s astounding pre-history in a new book you really need to read
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s Flag Building brain injury: In Clearwater, it’s déjà vu all over again
[FOUR years ago] Chris Shelton: What Louis Theroux missed about the Scientology experience in his film
[FIVE years ago] Two years after Scientology’s ‘Super Power’ debuted, it’s still a flop
[SIX years ago] Scientology is turning Larry Hagman’s house into a drunk tank for celebs
[SEVEN years ago] Next in the Garcia Fraud Lawsuit: Scientology Is Asked to Explain Its Arbitration System
[EIGHT years ago] 35-Year Scientologist Steve Poore Says Church Leader David Miscavige is “Scared to His Core”
[NINE years ago] Jesse Prince Back From the Brink; Scientology Petition Takes Off: It’s The Thursday Stats Roundup!
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Scientology disconnection, a reminder
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,095 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,599 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,119 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,139 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,030 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,337 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,205 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,979 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,783 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,099 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,665 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,584 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,752 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,333 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,594 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,632 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,345 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,870 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,400 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,960 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,100 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,420 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,275 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,394 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,750 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,053 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,159 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,561 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,433 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,016 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,511 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,765 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,874 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on October 20, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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
October 19, 2020
Danny Masterson’s attorneys back in court in rape case today while he’s in Wyoming
Danny Masterson’s attorneys will be in a Los Angeles criminal court this morning for his arraignment on rape charges, which was delayed last month.
If you remember the video of that previous court hearing, Masterson delayed entering a plea by filing a “demurrer,” a legalistic rejection of criminal charges. In the demurrer, his attorneys Tom Mesereau and Sharon Appelbaum argue that the three counts of forcible rape which he’s been charged with took place too long ago — 2001 to 2003 — to be within the statue of limitations, and so the case should be dropped.
But Assistant District Attorney Reinhold Mueller responded that the three cases are being charged under California’s “One Strike Law,” which is why Masterson is facing a possible sentence of 45 to life. And because the penalty is potentially a life sentence, by law the DA’s office can charge Masterson at any time, no matter how many years have passed.
Judge Miguel Espinoza is scheduled to rule on the demurrer this morning, and Mesereau indicated at the last hearing that if Espinoza overrules the demurrer, then Masterson will enter a not guilty plea.
AdvertisementAlso at that previous appearance Masterson waived his right to be present for this hearing and we don’t expect him to be in court today.
In fact, yesterday at his Instagram account Masterson posted a photo of himself and his daughter from Wyoming, captioning it, “The #grandtetons do not suck.”
Scientologists Kate Ceberano and Denice Duff responded with expressions of approval. And Masterson also received this endorsement from actress Taryn Manning, who played “Pennsatucky” on the series Orange is the New Black…
As far as we know, Manning is not a Scientologist.
The court hearing is scheduled for 8:30 am Los Angeles time, and we hope to get reports from an observer in the courtroom.
——————–
Bonus items from our tipsters
It’s that time of year again!
——————–
SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks, the series axed by Seven News
In July the Australian Seven News network cancelled at the last minute a ten-part nightly news in-depth investigation of the Church of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks operations. All ten episodes have now been leaked to the Internet, and we’ve collected all ten links in one place. Judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.
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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.
——————–
“The Eighth Dynamic is really infinity stood upright. And it simply means infinity. Now, you can come along and say, ‘Well, you also mean the Supreme Being?’ No, we don’t particularly mean the Supreme Being. How do we know that you aren’t, collectively, the Supreme Being. See? That’s probably much more closer to truth. There are gods around of various kinds. There are some wind gods over in India; there are various savage gods of one kind or another. But if you give them a good quizzing you find out that they’re just a thetan and they behave most remarkably like you would if you hadn’t thought that you ought to lay aside all the power you had, too.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 19, 1954
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“Scientology is a religion that the government has been trying to ban for ages because it creates independent thinkers. Kinda like Joe Rogan’s podcast, it wakes people up to mainstream media lies.”
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1998: Reuters and the Associated Press reported that key documents have disappeared from French government offices in Scientology-related matters. “A French lawyer pressing fraud charges against the Church of Scientology said on Wednesday that important documents in the case had gone missing and appealed to the Justice Ministry to find out what had happened to them. Olivier Morice, representing plaintiffs who charge that Scientologists illegally posed as doctors, said 1-1/2 volumes were missing from the 10-volume mass of evidence.”
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“A day without Kirstie is like a day without donuts.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to October 19.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Update required in federal lawsuit on Oct 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.
Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
——————–
Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!
[Alanna Masterson, Terry Jastrow, and Marisol Nichols]
We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.
Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!
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 our weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[TWO years ago] Richest Scientologist in the world is one of the donors behind offensive Arkansas radio ad
[THREE years ago] Raid in Hungary: Scientology’s Cold War tactics are colliding with 21st Century data privacy
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s biggest lie: That it will teach you to take control of your own life
[FIVE years ago] Would you buy a used car from this man? Scientology and refunds — a primer
[SIX years ago] Marty Rathbun on being ambushed at LAX by raving Scientologists: ‘It was insane’
[SEVEN years ago] SCIENTOLOGY DROPS A BOMB ON MONIQUE RATHBUN’S HARASSMENT LAWSUIT
[EIGHT years ago] When L. Ron Hubbard Rocked the World: The OT 8 Release!
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s “Disconnection:” Lori Hodgson, Ex-Church Member, Kept from Scientologist Son After Serious Wreck
[TWELVE years ago] Tom Cruise and Oprah at Katie’s Play: A Review
——————–
Scientology disconnection, a reminder
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,094 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,598 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,118 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,138 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,029 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,336 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,204 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,978 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,782 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,098 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,664 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,583 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,751 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,332 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,593 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,631 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,344 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,869 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,399 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,959 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,099 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,419 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,274 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,393 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,749 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,052 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,158 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,560 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,432 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,015 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,510 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,764 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,873 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on October 19, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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
October 18, 2020
The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 11: Gary Soter
[Soter is always the tall one in a Scientology lawyer scrum]
Calabasas, California attorney Gary Soter has turned up numerous times in our stories as a legal water carrier for Scientology. We couldn’t help picking him out in the New Braunfels, Texas courtroom when he was the tallest attorney in the room, towering over the rest of the lawyer scrum representing the church in its battle against Monique Rathbun. At one point, he showed a flash of anger that a reporter was taking photos in his direction, and he was quite intimidating. But there was nothing he could do about it, it was a public hearing after all.
It was also Soter who had Valerie Haney sign an agreement when she left Scientology, and it came up in her lawsuit that she felt frightened because Soter was accompanied by an armed guard. Scientology denied that this was true.
Soter tried to get attorney Ray Jeffrey in trouble by filing a bar complaint against him that was dismissed. And Soter also jumped into the breach to defend Scientology against Leah Remini and her claims that the church was interfering with her TV series.
But the thing that really set Soter apart as a legal soldier for Scientology was the way he tried to derail Leah’s A&E series just before it premiered in 2016 with a threat letter about Amy Scobee that was truly depraved, even by Scientology standards.
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[Amy Scobee, telling her story on the first episode of ‘Aftermath’]
In the premiere episode of Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, Scobee, a former Sea Org official, would reveal that she had been raped at 14 by a fellow employee at a Scientology mission in Bellevue, Washington. And then, in typical Scientology fashion, Amy was punished for being a victim, and was made to apologize to her former employees. In writing. (Even today, putting those words down, we are still amazed that this organization never seems to pay a penalty for treating people this way.)
With only days to go before that episode was scheduled to air, Soter sent in a detailed threat letter, telling A&E that Scobee was lying, that she was actually 16 not 14, and that she had been the “sexual aggressor” in the incident, and that it was limited to her shoving her hands down an older man’s pants.
That letter, Amy told us, was full of lies. She provided specific details to us about the incident which happened in the summer of 1978 when she was 14 years old, that it involved oral sex and intercourse, and that every member of the staff at her mission knew all of those details — because, according to Scientology policy, she was forced to write out those details and then get every staff member to sign it. In other words, Scientology would have documentation backing up what Amy was saying.
But even if, for argument’s sake, we accepted what Soter was saying, that Amy Scobee was a 16-year-old girl that summer, it’s still amazing that Scientology asked him to claim that this child was the “sexual aggressor” in a rape, and that Scientology would threaten to sue A&E for airing a show about it.
But those are the kinds of things you need to be prepared to do once you agree to be one of David Miscavige’s enablers.
A&E, of course, went ahead with that premiere episode, which proved to be a huge hit for the network.
And check it out, Gary, your revolting letter got you on the list.
The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology
11: Gary Soter
12: The city of Clearwater, Florida
13: Google and other tech titans
14: The Los Angeles Times
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15: Jeffrey Riffer
16: James Packer
17: Louis Farrakhan
18: Mark “Marty” Rathbun
19: Wally Pope
20: Gensler
21: Parents who subscribe to ABCMouse
22: Graham Norton and other celebrity strokers
23: The apologist academics
24: Rebecca Dobkin and other low-level PI grunts
25: DirecTV and filmmakers buffing Dave’s channel
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Advertisement
SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks, the series axed by Seven News
In July the Australian Seven News network cancelled at the last minute a ten-part nightly news in-depth investigation of the Church of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks operations. All ten episodes have now been leaked to the Internet, and we’ve collected all ten links in one place. Judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.
——————–
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.
——————–
“We have learned that it does no good in America to advertise. It doesn’t do any good to advertise. We get everybody we get by word of mouth. You understand, I’m merely talking on percentiles. Something like three out of fifty or three out of twenty-five come in because of ads. That is our average for all over the country.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 18, 1956
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“2.0 and above is where survival kicks in, and it’s way above 1.1 which is much or most of the Left. 2.0 is as high a tone as will impinge at all on the Left. It is the proper tone to adopt to drain the swamp. Trump has to come down from his chronic tone of action, 20.0, in order to communicate at all with the swamp dwellers. Study your materials. Find out who you really are. But we still love you. So I suggest for an amends project when you get up to ‘liability’ as an American, that you watch 50 or more ‘walk away’ videos, then make one of your own.”
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2000: “M” reported that Scientologists protesting at his workplace attempted to be hit by his car as a set-up for him to be arrested. “I came driving my vehicle around the corner, and as I pulled into the driveway, at the last minute, I saw this guy just standing there. I had to brake really hard to avoid hitting him, and my tires ‘chirped’ as I did this. He then stepped out of the way, and I proceeded to park and go into the office. He and another Scientologist were hanging around the office, handing out some of their negative literature. I then went outside and videotaped the two of them. I told them that it wasn’t a good idea to be standing in driveways, that it was dangerous. The second Scientologist made a remark to his friend that essentially expressed that he was disappointed that I hadn’t hit him.”
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“I asked vaLLarrr the Sci troll one time if any new OT levels were released, and they didn’t include Hubbard’s handwriting on some level, would s/he consider them genuine and s/he said ‘no’.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to October 19.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Update required in federal lawsuit on Oct 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.
Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
——————–
Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!
[Catherine Bell, Chick Corea, and Nancy Cartwright]
We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.
Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!
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 our weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Duggans abandon scheme, give $48.8 million in AbbVie stock directly to Scientology
[TWO years ago] Read the ‘disconnection letter’ from a brother telling his sis — Sylvia DeWall — so long forever
[THREE years ago] Scientology slut-shames Mimi Faust after destroying her family because … it’s a church!
[FOUR years ago] Trademark lawsuit against Scientology’s drug rehab network settles weeks before trial
[FIVE years ago] Countdown to Friday: ‘Scientology’s Dirty Tricks’ on the menu in Sydney
[SIX years ago] Tom Cruise shows up with his Scientology ‘Freedom Medal of Valor’ in London
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology Drug Rehab: New Evidence in the Disturbing Case of Richard Teague
[EIGHT years ago] A Yoga Master’s Question For Scientology OT 8’s: Can You Show Cause Over Matter?
[NINE years ago] Scientology Petition Going to the Wire: Will Obama Be Forced to Say Something?
——————–
Scientology disconnection, a reminder
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,093 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,597 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,117 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,137 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,028 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,335 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,203 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,977 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,781 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,097 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,663 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,582 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,750 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,331 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,592 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,630 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,343 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,868 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,398 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,958 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,098 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,418 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,273 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,392 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,748 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,051 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,157 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,559 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,431 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,014 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,509 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,763 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,872 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on October 18, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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
October 17, 2020
SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tommy Davis threatens to sue Aussie network over axed series
[‘I’m angry. Real angry.’]
We get some pretty interesting mail here at the Underground Bunker.
Take this week’s winner, for example.
Pikes & Verekers
Lawyers
Level 2
50 King Street
Sydney 200014 October 2020
Mr Tony Ortega
The Underground Bunker
BY EMAIL tonyo94@gmail.comNOT FOR PUBLICATION
Dear Sir
MR TOMMY DAVIS
Our ref RT:JE:200651We act for Mr Thomas William Davis, widely known as “Tommy Davis”.
AdvertisementAs you are no doubt aware, the trailer for and 10 episodes of a proposed series of documentary programs intended to be broadcast in Australia by the Seven Network entitled “Scientology Black Ops” (the Series) have been published on your website “The Underground Bunker” at the address https://tonyortega.org (your website).
Each episode of the Series available on your website includes the logo “7news.com.au”.
Your website claims that the Series “has been leaked to the Internet”.
Episodes 2 and 4 of the Series are defamatory of our client and he is considering bringing proceedings in Australia for damages for defamation.
Our enquiries of Seven News (Operations) Ltd and Seven West Media Ltd (the Channel Seven entities) and their lawyers made:
1. 24 September 2020 (to the Channel Seven entities) and
2. 6 October 2020 (to their lawyers)as to how the Series came to be published on your website made 24 September 2020 (to the Channel Seven entities) and 6 October 2020 (to their lawyers) as to how the Series has been published in full on your website have not produced a reply.
From the above facts, our client believes that the Channel Seven entities, or their servants or agents, have provided you or your servants or agents with the Series in full in order that it be published on your website. It also appears that the Channel Seven entities own the copyright in the Series and not you.
So that our client may properly consider his rights and whether he should commence the foreshadowed proceedings and against whom, we request that you forthwith provide to us copies of:
1. Any communications between the Channel Seven entities or any of their servants or agents on the one hand and
a. you or any of your servants or agents or
b. persons or entities responsible for the publication of The Underground Bunker/tonyortega.org websites in the period 1 July 2020 to datewhich:
Advertisementi. provide the Series in digital or other form;
ii. refer to the Series.2. Any agreement that you have with the Channel Seven entities in relation to the Series.
3. Any communications from the Channel Seven entities or any of their servants or agents to you or any of your servants or agents which record any:
a. claim that the publication of the Series on your website is a breach of their copyright; and/or
b. requests by any of the Channel Seven entities that the Series be taken down from your website.Further, our client requires that Episodes 2 and 4 of the Series be immediately taken down from your websites in order to prevent further damage to his reputation.
In the circumstances, our client requests full and timely cooperation from you with these requests. If we do not receive a substantive response from you by 4pm on Monday 19 October 2020 our client will commence court proceedings against the Channel Seven entities to obtain the information and documents sought, above.
Our client otherwise reserves his rights.
This letter is not for publication.
Yours faithfully
Robert Tassell
Partner
Advertisement
Just so we’re sure we understand…
If we don’t pull down Episode 2 and Episode 4 of Scientology Black Ops, Tommy Davis will sue the Aussie television network that screwed over Bryan Seymour and the other people who appeared in the series?
Um.
Promise?
——————–
Jon Atack ropes in your proprietor
One of the great successes of the Underground Bunker was securing the services of Jon Atack for a series of columns during the early years of this website. Author of one of the best books about Scientology, ‘Let’s Sell Them a Piece of Blue Sky,” Atack provided us with amazing insights. These days he’s making good use of YouTube, and he asked us to join him for a chat. We were happy to oblige.
——————–
SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks, the series axed by Seven News
In July the Australian Seven News network cancelled at the last minute a ten-part nightly news in-depth investigation of the Church of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks operations. All ten episodes have now been leaked to the Internet, and we’ve collected all ten links in one place. Judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.
——————–
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.
——————–
“Everybody is a southpaw earlier on the track, and they’ve shifted over in desperation to the right hand. Well, this southpaw in space opera came about — para-Scientology — came about where the individual carried his gun on the left-hand side of the body and drew it and used it with the left hand (the blaster and so forth). And you’ll find that people are very, very unwilling to use their left hands. They just don’t want to — don’t want to use that left hand and — because it kills people. Just as simple as that. And when people get killed their emotional kickback and so forth, is telegraphed through on the back blast and it makes one feel bad and one goes on down Tone Scale on a — on the overt act-motivator mechanism.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 17, 1953
——————–
“I think Trump might be an angel, or an alien with some of the powers you guys imagine for an OT. He certainly is a ‘Big Being.’ I keep catching glimpses of a column of white light 10 feet across coming down from above surrounding, protecting and empowering him.”
Advertisement
——————–
2002: Reuters reported that a second Scientologist will plead guilty in the Reed Slatkin investment scam. “A man who allegedly tried to obstruct a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into EarthLink Inc. financier Reed Slatkin has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges, authorities said on Tuesday. Daniel W. Jacobs is charged with conspiring to obstruct an SEC investigation into Slatkin, who pleaded guilty in April to 15 charges of fraud and conspiracy for bilking nearly 800 clients out of $600 million in an elaborate Ponzi scheme.”
——————–
“I’m still amazed considering the subject of this forum when I read folks wondering about the efficacy of homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic medicine etc. People, assume everything’s a scam or magical thinking and work it back from there.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to October 19.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Update required in federal lawsuit on Oct 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.
Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
——————–
Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!
[Erika Christensen, Ethan Suplee, and Juliette Lewis]
We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.
Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!
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 our weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] He freed key documents from Scientology’s rehabs, and now he can talk about it
[TWO years ago] Scientology tried to ruin her. Now, Sylvia DeWall has a message for her former friends and family.
[THREE years ago] On tonight’s ‘Leah Remini,’ reality star Mimi Faust takes on Scientology’s harm to family
[FOUR years ago] Scientology finally uses trillions of years of wisdom for something useful: The perfect burger
[FIVE years ago] When Scientology makes you a villain, you understand that it rules its members by fear
[SIX years ago] Scientology leader David Miscavige gets in just under the wire in NAFC lawsuit
[SEVEN years ago] Starting Today: Jefferson Hawkins Helps Us Get Our Scientology Ethics In!
[EIGHT years ago] Texas Blues: David Miscavige Forsakes The Largest State in the Lower 48
[NINE years ago] Scientology Mailbag: We Hear it from Church Members
——————–
Scientology disconnection, a reminder
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,092 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,596 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,116 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,136 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,027 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,334 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,202 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,976 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,780 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,096 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,662 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,581 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,749 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,330 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,591 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,629 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,342 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,867 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,397 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,957 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,097 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,417 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,272 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,391 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,747 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,050 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,156 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,558 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,430 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,013 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,508 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,762 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,871 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on October 17, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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
October 16, 2020
Danny Masterson ‘accidentally’ outs Jane Doe accuser after judge told him not to
[Danny Masterson and his attorney Andrew Brettler, with his boss Marty Singer]
On Saturday, we downloaded a court document and were shocked to see what it contained: The real name of one of the “Jane Does” suing Danny Masterson and the Church of Scientology.
The document had been put into the court record by Masterson through his attorney, and over the next few days we watched the docket to see how long it would remain public and what was being done to remedy it.
What unfolded really troubled us. But we figure the best thing to help our readers understand what happened is to show you the full timeline…
August 2019: Danny Masterson and the Church of Scientology (and its leader, David Miscavige) are sued by four women who say they’ve been harassed since coming forward to the LAPD in 2016 and 2017 with allegations that Masterson violently raped them in incidents between 2001 and 2004. Two of the woman suing Masterson are named in the lawsuit (Chrissie Carnell Bixler and Bobette Riales). The other two, however, use the names Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2 in order to protect their real identities.
February 3: Masterson files a response to the lawsuit (a “demurrer”) that calls it a publicity stunt and demands that the Jane Does “sue in their real names.”
AdvertisementFebruary 28: The women file an amended complaint, adding new stalking and harassment allegations to their lawsuit.
April 30: Masterson responds to the amended complaint with , again arguing that the Jane Does identify themselves publicly.
June 16: Masterson is charged criminally for raping three of the four women suing him, and is facing 45 years to life in prison under California’s strict “One Strike Law.”
August 24: In their opposition to Masterson’s demurrer, the women point out that since Masterson is now facing life in prison for raping them, there’s even more reason for the Jane Does to remain anonymous.
August 28: Replying to their opposition, Masterson’s attorneys argue at even more length that the Doe plaintiffs should identify themselves, writing that they “cannot have their anonymity cake and eat it too.”
October 6: Judge Steven Kleifield overrules Masterson’s demurrer, and specifically points out that a demurrer is not the proper venue for arguing over the anonymity of the Jane Does. For now, the women will remain unidentified.
Thursday, October 8, 5:38 pm: Andrew Brettler, Danny Masterson’s attorney and an associate at legendary Hollywood attorney Marty Singer’s firm Lavely & Singer, files a motion to stay the lawsuit on behalf of the ‘That ’70s Show’ actor. The document reveals that Jane Doe #1 had tried to get Masterson to sit for a deposition, which Masterson opposed, and now he is asking for the lawsuit to be put on hold while he’s being prosecuted criminally. Masterson asks for Jane Doe #1 to be sanctioned $9,150 plus attorneys fees and costs for trying to depose him and putting him in this situation. Along with the motion, Brettler also files a declaration which includes an exhibit, a letter written by him dated September 24 complaining about Jane Doe #1’s request for information. In the letter, the real name of Jane Doe #1 is included.
Friday, October 9, 3:20 pm: Brettler, in an email, says that the first chance he can get before a judge and ask to fix the ‘inadvertent’ error is on Tuesday morning October 13 (Monday is a court holiday) and in another court (Judge Kleifield is not available, apparently). Brettler files his request for a hearing with the court of Judge John P. Doyle. (If that name is familiar, it’s because in 2016 Judge Doyle had to recuse himself from the Laura DeCrescenzo lawsuit because he has cousins at Scientology’s UK headquarters, Saint Hill Manor.) Jane Doe #1’s attorneys file nothing themselves on Friday. In Brettler’s email, he indicates that her attorneys had consented to Brettler handling the issue.
Saturday, October 10: The declaration containing Jane Doe #1’s real name becomes available on the court’s public electronic docket. The Underground Bunker obtains copies of both the motion and the declaration, and sees Jane Doe’s name listed.
Sunday, October 11: The Underground Bunker writes a story about the motion, and posts a copy of it. We do not, however, include a copy of the declaration with Jane Doe #1’s name. We also send an email to Jane Doe’s attorney, Brian Kent, making sure he’s aware of the breach and asking him what Masterson’s attorneys are saying about it. We get no reply.
Monday, October 12: The court is dark, and the declaration with Jane Doe’s name is available on the public docket going into a third day.
Tuesday, October 13: Brettler indicates in another email that they will have to wait another day to get the matter before Judge Doyle.
Wednesday, October 14, 8:30 am: Brettler’s request can finally be heard in Judge Doyle’s court. With both sides agreeing to fix the error of Jane Doe’s name, there’s little for the judge to do but agree. Judge Doyle signs the order. The document, however, remains on the public docket all day.
Wednesday, October 14, 6 pm: The declaration with Jane Doe’s name is finally removed from the electronic docket, six full days after it was initially filed by Andrew Brettler, and during nearly five of which it was available to the public on the docket.
AdvertisementBrettler’s “mistake” unmasked Jane Doe #1 after months of arguing in court that she should not be identified.
And in the six days that she was named, her own attorneys didn’t make a single filing or demand sanctions.
They still haven’t even asked for a protective order.
——————–
SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks, the series axed by Seven News
In July the Australian Seven News network cancelled at the last minute a ten-part nightly news in-depth investigation of the Church of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks operations. All ten episodes have now been leaked to the Internet, and we’ve collected all ten links in one place. Judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.
——————–
“The fellow who says, ‘Well, all right, all right, so they’re fighting in M-ghanistan. I can’t do anything about it.’ You’ve suddenly — you’ve suddenly had him admit that he couldn’t, he couldn’t have the space of M-ghanistan. And now, this is the biggest trick that your real entheta boys use. They get people to go around admitting they can’t have any — can’t do anything about things.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 16, 1953
Advertisement
——————–
“Do you think President Donald Trump is an OT? He must know that focusing on beingness by donating his havingness altruistically makes him even more powereful. The other side has witches practicing magic against him, yet he seems to grow in power. I support him at Tone 40. I shudder to think what Liberty we might lose to practice our beliefs if the communists come into power. It is the same press they control that works to destroy Scientology as works to destroy President Trump.”
——————–
1999: An affidavit filed in the Lisa McPherson civil case was posted to a.r.s this week. The declaration by Robert Vaughn Young supports Jesse Prince’s declaration that high-level Scientology officials would have been informed about Lisa’s treatment, which led to her death in 1995. Some excerpts: “At issue in this case is the command structure of Scientology and the issue of who might have known what or issued orders regarding the incarceration of Lisa McPherson. The organization is seeking to keep the controversy isolated to the Clearwater organizations, but this is not how Scientology has ever operated.”
——————–
“The only sexual magick Crowley had came from an opium pipe or a syringe loaded with smack that let him keep it up all night. In street parlance it’s called ‘dope dick’.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to October 19.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Update required in federal lawsuit on Oct 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.
Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
——————–
Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!
[Stacy Francis, Jason Dohring, and Anne Archer]
We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.
Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!
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 our weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Tom Cruise at the IAS gala with his kids Connor and Isabella? We think it’s likely.
[TWO years ago] Growing up in Scientology, and growing together outside of it: An appeal
[THREE years ago] Crashing a ‘Mace-Kingsley’ event in Pasadena to get some answers about Scientology and kids
[FOUR years ago] Our story last week about Narconon deaths kicked up a fuss — and news of two more deaths
[FIVE years ago] Scientology on trial in Belgium: An update from our man in Europe
[SIX years ago] The Garcias answer Scientology’s ‘International Justice Chief’ with an affidavit by Mike Rinder
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology Asks for Protection in Texas; ALSO: Lawrence Wright a Finalist for Nat’l Book Award
[EIGHT years ago] Rumors That Tom Cruise is Breaking with Scientology: “Bullshit With a Capital B”
——————–
Scientology disconnection, a reminder
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,091 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,595 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,115 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,135 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,026 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,333 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,201 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,975 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,779 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,095 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,661 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,580 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,748 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,329 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,590 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,628 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,341 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,866 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,396 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,956 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,096 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,416 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,271 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,390 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,746 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,049 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,155 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,557 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,429 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,012 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,507 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,761 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,870 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on October 16, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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
October 15, 2020
Scientology rehab: A new Narconon horror story that will remind you of all the others
[Narconon Warner Springs]
In July we posted another nightmare story from yet another family that was duped by Narconon, Scientology’s bogus network of rehabs.
They are almost all exactly the same. A family desperate to find a safe place for a loved one is convinced to put down tens of thousands up front to send them to a facility they have been told will provide individualized drug counseling in a safe environment with medical staff on call.
And time after the time, the family finds only after their loved one is struggling at the facility that it’s really a Scientology operation, there is no drug counseling, there is no medical staff, and the bizarre activities, like shouting instructions at ashtrays, is Scientology processing.
They then find us, finally having done some research on the place they have sent a son or daughter, and to their horror find that families have been harmed for decades by this operation, and many of them have sued.
Well, it’s happened again, depressingly. We heard from a distraught mother who, only after sending her son to the Warner Springs “Narconon Fresh Start” in Southern California found our July 2 story, confirming her worst fears.
AdvertisementWhen we asked for details of what happened, she sent us this account. We can only hope that a few families in the future bother to do an Internet search and find stories like ours before falling victim to the same scam….
My son is 38 years old and has struggled with drugs since he was in his twenties. Over the last four years it got worse and he was in an out of jail, had felony drug drug charges and was facing seven years in prison.
I tried everything and finally the judge ordered him to drug court for 18 months or he would go to prison. My son graduated and did very well and then relapsed and it was bad again. The drug he’s on is very mind-altering and it’s awful. I was at the end of my rope, afraid for my safety, his, and any innocent person that might get in the way.
Out of desperation I called an 800 hotline for people with addictions. Fresh Start is the first one I came across. Brett Yates recommended them and said they had a 75 percent success rate and talked about how my son would die if I didn’t get him help. I was told they were holistic and had medical staff available 24/7 and would be safe and didn’t use any drugs to detox the students.
They convinced me to have one of their interventionists come in and try and get my son to fly to California with him to the facility. The interventionist fee was $2,500 plus expenses. Josh Penn, the Fresh Start administrator, is the one I talked to mostly. He also told me that if I did not get my son there that he would probably die. He said he uses Matt Kinzer as an interventionist. He is the one that came to see us and try to convince my son to go.
He didn’t go with Matt but Josh convinced my son to go the the facility. The next day he was on a plane. I was told that they did not accept payments and that they had a few banks they dealt with to get approved. I was approved for the loan in five minutes. The cost was $33,000. No refund, and if the student leaves the facility they have six months to return at no cost. I was approved and the money was in my checking account the next day.
My son was there in the detox for about five days and then on to another location in Huntington Beach for a few days and then on to the facility. My son started a sauna program and did that for about a week, five hours a day. He told me that they practice Scientology there and that he wanted to send me a letter and they gave him a really hard time about sending a letter to me. Instead of them letting him mail it he had to overnight it, costing him $27.
He was there on his birthday and I sent him a package, which he did get. However, my sister also sent him one and he never received it. She just now got it returned to her home and it was a different package, so they opened it and some things were missing. His birthday was Sept 14 and she just received the package yesterday, Oct 13.
My son said that there were bugs everywhere and that the counselor that picked him up from the airport said that the interventionist gets drunk and high with his clients while he takes them to Fresh Start. Roger was one of the counselors that picked him up and provided updates to me every day on my son. Every day it was the same thing: he’s relaxing and doing great. My son said the staff was rude and he had awful roommates and it was very depressing and he would rather go back to jail then to stay there. He actually walked out, took a cab two and a half hours to the airport and flew home.
I later found out that the so called “certified counselors” were actually graduates of the program and not even certified at all. He said they had him talking to door knobs and the whole place was very bizarre. Josh told me the facility was very professional and the staff was very caring.
I feel like this place just preyed on my weakness, sadness, and desperation as a parent to get help for her son. They refuse to refund any of my money, saying there is a “no refund” policy. Basically, they are making $33,000 off of me and my son is not even there. I contacted Josh and he told me the same thing everyone else did, they don’t practice Scientology or any religion. I confronted him regarding all the lawsuits in the past and he just simply said they were dropped and it was all false. He provided me with a phone number to call to request a refund and I spoke to Donna. She was very nice. She said at one point that they would probably just charge me for the expenses while he was there and refund the rest but that did not happen. She told me three different times that the executives at Fresh Start refuse to give any refund and highly encouraged him to return to the facility.
It’s very sad and disheartening that there are companies out there and people who prey on others. I hope there is someone out there that can help me and others who have suffered the same fate as my family has. I have reached out to several attorneys and am waiting to hear back. This company needs to be held accountable for their actions. I hope some day they meet their maker and they have to answer for their actions.
——————–
SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks, the series axed by Seven News
In July the Australian Seven News network cancelled at the last minute a ten-part nightly news in-depth investigation of the Church of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks operations. All ten episodes have now been leaked to the Internet, and we’ve collected all ten links in one place. Judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.
——————–
“Why do people get so upset with a toothache, and why do they have this big nerve? The reason is that this happened again and again and again, and every time this happened, the theta facsimile would be used for new design. The things that appeared around the lips of these shells evidently appeared on the top side first, because there was more shelter, and then they appeared on the bottom lip. Every time these things would get disrupted they would say, ‘Next time we have got to have a tougher outer skin!’ And the next time they would make one, but in the meantime they got this sand — engram after engram after engram. Somewhere along the line you occasionally find a worm boring in there. Dentists are actually in the valence of these worms!” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 15, 1951
——————–
“The three songs that always struck me as straight off the Whole Track were Van Halen’s Running with the Devil, Edgar Winter’s Frankenstein and Led Zep’s Kashmir.”
——————–
1996: Scientology purchased an ad in Thursday’s New York Times, comparing the current situation in Germany with Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. German and U.S. officials and Jewish leaders all condemned the ad. From Reuters: “The advertisement, headlined ‘Practicing Religious Intolerance’ and ‘Germany Then and Now’ above the eagle and swastika insignia of Hitler’s Third Reich, described Germany as the only country in the world that systematically discriminates against Scientologists. In recent months, German officials have said Scientology should be banned or at least placed under covert surveillance. Scientology is not considered a religion in Germany and the government says it exploits the gullible for profit. ‘You may wonder why German officials discriminate against Scientologists,’ the advertisement said. ‘There is no legitimate reason but then there was none that justified the persecution of the Jewish people either.'”
——————–
“Scientology may be circling the drain but there’s no shortage of crazy waiting in the wings. It’s going to be a long uphill battle to get to the top and stop the billions of minds waiting in line to go down that slippery slope called ‘magical thinking’.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to October 19.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Update required in federal lawsuit on Oct 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.
——————–
Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!
[Jenna Elfman, Giovanni Ribisi, and Greta Van Susteren]
We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.
Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!
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 our weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Xenu-giving: We check the crowd at Scientology’s biggest org on a day of thanks
[TWO years ago] US Sheriffs, dead or alive — Scientology is happy to use them for self-promotion
[THREE years ago] David Miscavige is gambling on Birmingham for Scientology success, and who knows why
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s latest drama in Russia: The mystery woman who infiltrated an org
[FIVE years ago] Louis Theroux’s ‘My Scientology Movie’: A hilarious take on an unfunny bunch
[SIX years ago] A perplexing tale about Bob Duggan, the richest Scientologist in the world
[SEVEN years ago] Chicago’s On Fire: Jason Beghe and Christian Stolte Send Their Regards to the Bunker
[NINE years ago] Scientology Effervescence: Commenters of the Week!
——————–
Scientology disconnection, a reminder
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,090 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,594 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,114 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,134 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,025 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,332 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,200 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,974 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,778 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,094 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,660 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,579 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,747 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,328 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,589 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,627 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,340 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,865 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,395 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,955 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,095 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,415 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,270 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,389 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,745 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,048 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,154 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,556 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,428 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,011 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,506 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,760 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,869 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on October 15, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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
October 14, 2020
Sea Org stealth candidate Brittany Ruiz: This is Scientology, so of course it gets even worse
[Brittany Ruiz, her husband Javier, and Laura DeCrescenzo]
On September 26 we told you how intrigued we were by the idea that a former Sea Org official, Brittany Ruiz, was running for city council in McMinnville, Oregon.
It’s rare for Scientologists to run for public office, but this was especially interesting, because there is plenty of evidence of Ruiz’s involvement not only helping to run a major Scientology facility (the Advanced Organization of Los Angeles), but she also has a social media footprint demonstrating what a hardcore enforcer she was even after leaving the Sea Org.
It was also surprising that Brittany would run for office when she was connected to some of Scientology’s darkest recent moments. We’re talking about Leah Remini’s path to leaving Scientology: Leah was motivated, she told us, in part because of the sudden disappearance of two major figures in the church, David Miscavige’s wife Shelly Miscavige and Barbara Ruiz, a Sea Org official who had run the ‘Writers of the Future’ contest.
Barbara was married to Javier Ruiz, another Sea Org figure, who today is married to Brittany Ruiz and lives with her in Oregon, where they have a consulting business, Ruiz Partners. If Brittany really wanted to be a city councilor in that town, couldn’t she let us know what had happened to her husband’s previous wife?
Brittany and Javier didn’t get back to us. But we were curious if the local press there in Yamhill County had written anything after our piece, and we weren’t disappointed. Jodie DeJonge, managing editor of the Yamhill County News-Register, did a detailed, balanced piece about Ruiz on Friday (it’s paywalled) that brought up her history in the church.
AdvertisementRuiz did not respond to questions about whether Ruiz Partners does business with the Church of Scientology or its offshoots. She also did not respond to questions about a diploma from Chemeketa Community College she included on her candidate filing with the city, but that the college could not confirm. She did not list the diploma or any college degree in her voters’ pamphlet statement.
She earlier said she’s bothered by the mischaracterization of her ties to Scientology, describing it as “regurgitated baloney,” and said many comments in local social media include information that’s “not verified or confirmed.
“A lot of it is conjecture and slander. It hurts me about the vitriol and the nasty comments against me and my husband,” she said. “I’m a supporter of religious beliefs, but it doesn’t have a place in government.”
Oh really? Conjecture and slander?
OK, well, let’s take a look at the documented court record, shall we? And thank you to the reader who reminded us about some of our previous reporting on Javier Ruiz that we didn’t include in our last story on Brittany and her political run.
In 2013, a woman named Laura DeCrescenzo had to go all the way to the US Supreme Court in order to force the Church of Scientology to return to her the documents in her private files as a longtime Sea Org worker. It was a major victory for her that she forced the church to turn over tens of thousands of pages from her files, and we managed to get our hands on much of it as we covered her lawsuit against the church, which she had first filed in 2009.
Those records documented that Laura had begun her work in the Sea Org in 1990 at only 12 years old, and she was put on a schedule of 90 hours of work each week, for pennies an hour. Yes, 90 hours a week for a 12 year old girl.
She was from New Mexico, but was working and living in Scientology’s Los Angeles headquarters and, you will not be surprised to hear, she got homesick and missed her mother.
Again, she was 12 YEARS OLD at the time.
Among the records turned over by Scientology in a lawsuit that had gone all the way to the US Supreme Court were documents written by her supervisor, a “Supercargo” by the name of Javier Ruiz. From our 2013 article about those records…
Laura’s homesickness that first year in the Sea Org was also described in a report written by “Supercargo” officer Javier Ruiz, who told Laura “that people who want to leave the Sea Org have done bad things or have crimes that they are withholding.”
Six months after leaving home Laura missed her parents even more, but “Javier Ruiz had told me that my mom’s questions about me coming home were antagonistic to the Sea Org and Scientology.”
Her files include a report written by Ruiz, which criticizes the dedication of a 12-year-old.
Here, see for yourself that Laura, in a court declaration, names Javier as one of the officials who made sure she snitched on her own family if they expressed any doubts in the Sea Org…
Advertisement 
And here’s the report written by Javier Ruiz, in his own handwriting, that became an official record in a lawsuit in Los Angeles after the Church of Scientology tried and failed to keep from turning over this document with a failed petition to the US Supreme Court…
Dear [redacted]
This is some data on Laura Diekman.
She originated last week that she wanted leave the SO. This, she said, was based on her missing her [redacted].
Laura has not been doing well since she has been on post. She has not taken full responsibility for the area under her.
Today I went over why people blow with her. She is going to writing OW’s and we’ll take it from there. Apparently her [redacted] has been putting alot of “ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO BE THERE” stuff on her lines. There maybe a PTS sit to handle as the “reason” that she wants to take off is to “help” her [redacted] around the house.
I wanted this data known and will get in comm with you on it.
Thanks, [redacted]
Again, we want to make sure you understand the situation here. A Scientology Sea Org official, an adult man, is writing up a report on a 12 year old girl because she is not taking “full responsibility” for being separated from her family and working 90 hours a week in Scientology’s indentured servitude.
AdvertisementScientology argued in this lawsuit that because children even as young as 12 are considered “ministers” in the church, they can treat them any way they like.
Laura was suing Scientology for subjecting her to this kind of abuse, which also included coercing her to have an abortion at 17. For nine years she fought the Church of Scientology in this lawsuit, and finally in 2018 with just days to go before a trial was finally scheduled to begin, Scientology leader David Miscavige threw in the towel and wrote a big check to make the case go away.
But the court record remains. And it’s not based on “conjecture.”
If Brittany Ruiz really wants to hold public office, shouldn’t she answer some questions about her husband’s role as the “supercargo” who enforced discipline on indentured 12 year old girls at Scientology’s Los Angeles headquarters? And shouldn’t she recount what her responsibilities were as the commanding officer of AOLA?
Come to think of it, is the Technology Association of Oregon, which lists Javier as one of its board members, aware of his past as a Scientology supercargo?
There’s so much to think about for the people of Yamhill County.
——————–
Bonus items from our tipsters
Get your wallets out, UK friends!
——————–
SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks, the series axed by Seven News
In July the Australian Seven News network cancelled at the last minute a ten-part nightly news in-depth investigation of the Church of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks operations. All ten episodes have now been leaked to the Internet, and we’ve collected all ten links in one place. Judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series.
——————–
“I don’t think God wants to communicate with anybody myself. I’m — some people I know, and so forth — I know some of the things I have to say, I don’t think he would want to communicate with me. I know an awful lot of people that, boy, he’d run if he thought he had to communicate with them.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 14, 1953
——————–
“Lesbian Maoists are exporting war for China. (Instead of being put in FEMA camps, as recommended in Science of Survival.) George Soros funds the lesbian Maoists (BLM) burning the USA.”
——————–
2001: The St. Petersburg Times reported that a community group is asking that a street be renamed in honor of former Clearwater mayor Gabe Cazares. “‘We’ve had this in mind for some time, and we feel it’s time,’ said Edward Quinones, the chairman of Uno Federation Community Services, a non-profit group based in Clearwater. ‘We think it’s fairly obvious in this area, with such a large Hispanic population, that this would be appropriate.’ Uno’s board suggested that former Clearwater Mayor and County Commissioner Gabe Cazares, a Mexican-American, would be a good person to name a road after. Uno’s board also proposed that a major road such as Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard be considered.”
——————–
“So my mom being constipated and my dad poking me in the eye with his dick is the reason my life is shit? Thanks Ron, I knew it was their fault somehow, but I thought it had something to do with bad genes.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to October 19.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Update required in federal lawsuit on Oct 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.
——————–
Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!
[Elisabeth Moss, Michael Peña, and Laura Prepon]
We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.
Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!
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 our weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] David Miscavige made the scene in England: But how about his best Scientology bud?
[TWO years ago] Detroit going Ideal! Scientology throws its invite-only party in Motor City today
[THREE years ago] Coming to grips with Scientology’s most vile secret, which was hiding in plain sight
[FOUR years ago] Older than Pythagoras, and guaranteed to raise your IQ: What Scientology promised in 1954
[FIVE years ago] ‘MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE’: Louis Theroux’s doc premieres tonight at the London Film Festival
[SIX years ago] Former Scientologist indicted in financial scheme that victimized other ex-church members
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology Payback: Revenge of the Videographers
[EIGHT years ago] Marty Rathbun Reveals New Details in Nazanin Boniadi Story, Other Scientology Bombshells in New Book
[NINE years ago] Scientology Hates Clean Ice, Part 2: Another Target, and the Web as Weapon
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Scientology disconnection, a reminder
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,089 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,593 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,113 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,133 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,024 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,331 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,199 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,973 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,777 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,093 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,659 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,578 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,746 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,327 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,588 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,626 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,339 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,864 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,394 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,954 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,094 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,414 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,269 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,388 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,744 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,047 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,153 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,555 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,427 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,010 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,505 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,759 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,868 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on October 14, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
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