Tony Ortega's Blog, page 38
May 10, 2025
AUDIO: Scientology’s David Miscavige presents plans for ‘L. Ron Hubbard Hall’
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Thanks to Mark Bunker, we now have some audio from Scientology’s L. Ron Hubbard Birthday Celebration held in March. And in particular, the moment when church leader David Miscavige reveals plans for the final piece to turn a Florida city into Scientology’s Vatican. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“An R/S or rock slam is defined as the crazy, irregular left-right slashing motion of the needle on the E-Meter dial. R/Ses repeat left and right slashes unevenly and savagely, faster than the eye easily follows. The needle is frantic. The width of an R/S depends largely on sensitivity setting. It goes from one-fourth inch to whole dial. But it slams back and forth. It is actually quite startling to see one. IT IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER METER PHENOMENA. Recently auditors arriving on Flag were found not to know what an R/S was but were calling dirty needles, dirty reads, rocket reads, body motion and even ticks as R/Ses. That comes from never having been trained on what an R/S is and never having seen one. R/SES ARE UNIQUE IN APPEARANCE. On the other hand, far more serious is the fact that auditors have many times seen R/Ses, didn’t mark them down and didn’t report them! This is a High Crime as it injures society, the org and the person himself.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
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“The FB, the FAO and the FSO presented me with an enormous KEY TO THE PLANET to celebrate 9 May, the 21st Anniversary of the publication of “Dianetics the Modern Science of Mental Health.” THANK YOU! A party was proposed but was considered too little notice and everyone too rushed. The presentation was appreciated. These fantastic stats also came up on 9 May. It was quite an anniversary.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 10, 1971
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“NOTICE: We are extending our stay in this port until Wednesday 12.5.71 so that we can complete a heavy campaign to strengthen PRO Area Control. A Dinner Dance is being held at a top local hotel on Tuesday night for shore VIPs, Contractors and business associates.” — Lt. N.F. Starkey, Captain FSO, May 10, 1971
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“I want to clarify something. All those who say that the Clear Theta Clear does not exist and that L. Ron Hubbard is a liar need to go to a psychiatrist. Why? All gifted children are Clear Theta Clear. Including me. All the children of God are Clear Theta Clear, because they were created in the image and likeness of God, says the bible. Genesis 1:26. Including Me. Now if you don’t have the ability to use your inner power, it’s not our fault.”
2000: An anonymous poster described the annual Dianetics Day event, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the book Dianetics. “The most relevant news was that Miscavige was absent. This is the first time since 1989 that I saw an event without Miscavige. The master of ceremonies was Heber himself! The event went on for about 2 hours talking of the usual ‘big expansion’ around the world. The PR was overwhelming and the video was filled with graphs going up the ceiling and beyond. As an example of the PR tricks that were used there were the stats of Solo NOTs (OT VII) well done hours. As sure you all knows ALL the OTs VII of the planet had to redo that Bridge level. In PT all the OTs VII are again auditing themselves on OT VII using the tech improvement that Golden Age of Tech brought in 1996. In 1997 it was said that NO one of the OTs VII had gained the real EP of that level and the OTs had to redo their courses to really learn to use the meter and the other solo-auditing techs before redoing their OT VII auditing. Then the event talked longly about new place of expansion like Bangla Desh and Hungary. In Hungary was born the first class V org of the East. When Scientology enter a country first it expands because it delivers only div 6 services, but the ‘hard-sell’ and ‘nothing else matters’ attitude the trend reverses and the expansion stops.”
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“The gambling analogy for Scientology is more appropriate than the drug one. At least with drugs you actually get something real for your money — the fact it may be really bad for you is a different story. In Scientology all you get is air and worthless slips of paper, just like the lottery.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due May 14.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing May 12.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Pre-sentencing conference was held April 4. Sentencing hearing scheduled for May 5.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief due June 3.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
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After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Scientology summit: Meeting up with Apostate Alex in Los Angeles
[TWO years ago] What in the world is Scientology attorney Kendrick Moxon up to?
[THREE years ago] Scientology celebs in hot water: Danny’s not the only Masterson brother facing legal issues
[FOUR years ago] Ahoy, thetan: Ready to fondle empty bottles on Scientology’s cruiseless cruise ship?
[FIVE years ago] On Mother’s Day, the moms who suffer and defy Scientology’s cruel ‘disconnection’ policy
[SIX years ago] More signs that things are really going totally great for the Church of Scientology right now
[SEVEN years ago] How much do the Don Rogers letters shake up early Dianetics history? Two experts weigh in.
[EIGHT years ago] Nazanin Boniadi’s FBI testimony: Cast as Tom Cruise’s girlfriend by Scientology
[NINE years ago] Phil and Willie’s excellent adventure: Taking on Scientology’s ‘disconnection’ policy in L.A.
[TEN years ago] Ryan Hamilton files his 28th fraud lawsuit against Scientology’s drug rehab network
[ELEVEN years ago] Jamie DeWolf: I’ve found the last memoir of the son of Scientology’s founder
[TWELVE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY FILES TO REMOVE GARCIA ATTORNEYS FROM FRAUD LAWSUIT
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,260 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,755 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,270 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,820 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,810 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,196 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,691 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,995 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,864 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,418 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,759 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,326 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,245 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,413 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,995 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,254 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,291 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,007 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,571 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,886 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,061 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,743 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,080 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,934 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,049 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,411 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,820 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,216 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,094 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,659 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,170 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,426 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,534 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on May 10, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Trump scoffs at libturd media: ‘We’re going to make a fortune with tariffs’
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});5 things Trump did this week:
1. Dined with a Proud Boys leader
2. Said he “doesn’t know” about upholding the Constitution
3. Announced he will reopen Alcatraz
4. Appointed Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as an interim U.S. Attorney
5. Kept the Epstein files safe another week pic.twitter.com/UUZUWUROqE
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 10, 2025
Holy shit ICE arrested the Mayor of Newark. https://t.co/esGL7GDjzn
— Fred Wellman (@FPWellman) May 9, 2025
Stephen Miller says they are “actively looking at” suspending the writ of habeas corpus, which is only allowed when the US has been invaded or during an insurrection, which would not allow people to challenge their incarceration in court if they are arrested and detained. pic.twitter.com/vK3ELIMoYj
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) May 9, 2025
Trump says “only smart people understand” his tariff plan pic.twitter.com/YPpw5v3w8b
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 9, 2025
So no more recalls of products due to safety issues or deaths? Bye bye consumer protections. https://t.co/y0cPTxia8k
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 9, 2025
Community Note on MAGA claiming the Pope is one of them pic.twitter.com/RE1I5Q8zJj
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 9, 2025
FBI embraces QAnon; Democrats respond by offering them more fundinghttps://t.co/yqS6AF0MHT
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) May 9, 2025
the trump white house personally intervened to get a proud sex trafficking pedophile, who is a raving antisemite, out of prison. Personally ensured it happened at the highest level of the state department
media could not care less https://t.co/pkCD1LxFRD
— The Notorious S.E.B. (@bigseb31213) May 9, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 10, 2025 at 08:00
May 9, 2025
Dianetics at 75: Scientology’s bible, endorsing child molestation since 1950
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Dianetics, which turns 75 today, is a vile book. In it, L. Ron Hubbard imagines that most of our problems are the result of unfaithful women and uncaring mothers having rough sex. Scientology doesn’t want you to know that until you buy a copy. And here’s the worst thing in it. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“A couple of years ago some auditors were solving high TA problems by putting hand cream on the pcs’ hands when they were calloused and talcum powder on a pc’s hands when they were too wet. Since no research had been done they were censured. Research has now been done on this matter of dry and wet hands. Apparently when a person has taken certain medicines or chemicals, or uses detergent soaps or is in contact with certain chemicals (such as those in some furniture polishes) the ordinary skin oils vanish. These oils are needed to make an electrical contact with the cans. When these oils are absent, there is no adequate electrical contact and the ‘TA is high.’ When a person is deficient in certain minerals or vitamins such as magnesium or B Complex, his hands can be excessively wet. Either of these two conditions in hands can produce an incorrect TA position.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
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“The US in a Masterpiece has officially stated it has no responsibility for its money. They can say that twice. The scoop is that genius Nixon’s Federal Reserve Board lowered bank rates in the US, causing US investment money to flee to Europe. Nazi bankers caught the ball so deftly tossed to them by their US agents and began a smash attack on the dollar. Exchange is still 3.8 francs to a dollar in Switzerland. It should be 4.3. Costing us our shirts. We don’t dare deposit and lose. Somebody in the US Federal Reserve is working very hard for his Iron Cross First Class.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 9, 1971
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“ALL CREW: Please submit to me knowledge reports on any injustices that you may know about. Injustices must be righted. Thank you.” — Lt. Cmdr. Diana Hubbard, May 9, 1969
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“LRH got to the point where he was able to perceive what is actually happening here and in the local (galactic) area and so I would not dismiss any concerns about SPs taking over here. I like to look at it from the viewpoint that sowing a seed on one planet would not be sufficient. What if it did not grow and was thwarted before it could turn into a tree? Not every acorn becomes a mighty oak. I would go out and do what every oak tree does. Sow thousands of acorns. And LRH is a lot smarter than I. And as for being welcome in other areas, Well, when you get to OT I think that is a different matter. You can go where you bloody well like. ESPECIALLY if you have training and experience in your repertoire. This planet may or may not be fucked (to coin a phrase) but the Galaxy isn’t.”
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1999: The St. Petersburg Times reported that the city of Clearwater is modifying a plan to raise donations for the public library due to concerns over Scientology. “Imagine entering the new Clearwater Public Library sometime in the future, taking a book off the shelf and settling into a chair in the L. Ron Hubbard reading room. While I made up that scenario, it is just such a fear that has perplexed the Clearwater City Commission. On the one hand, the commission would like to encourage generous contributions to its proposed public library; on the other hand, the commission fears that some of those contributions will come from the Church of Scientology, which will then demand some public recognition of its gift. Commissioner J.B. Johnson suggested ruling out a whole class of potential contributors: churches. ‘We should not be accepting money from religious organizations, whether it’s the Scientologists or the First Baptist Church,’ he said. Commissioner Bob Clark expressed concern about Scientology participation as well. ‘It’s unfortunate, but it’s a fact of life, just as in other parts of the world something else would be inflammatory.’ Hallam’s proposed policy is reasonable: Acknowledge gifts with a ‘discrete engraved plaque mounted on or near the gift.’ That way, donors would be recognized but all of the plaques would be similar and no one gift would dominate the others. She would rule out naming buildings after any donor, and she would shy away from grandiose forms of recognition. But even a plaque referring to the Church of Scientology is sure to embarrass some and anger others. Given the church’s past behavior, such reactions are understandable. City commissioners decided Thursday that they would rather collect less money for the new main library than allow controversial groups that make large donations to be recognized prominently. The Church of Scientology was not mentioned at the televised meeting, but commissioners have said they are uncomfortable with the church being named in a visible way on the library’s walls. They voted unanimously to accept money from anyone but to recognize donors only discreetly on a small plaque instead of naming rooms or areas after large contributors. A handful of Scientologists attended the meeting but did not speak and declined to comment after the vote. Pat Jones, a church spokeswoman, said in a statement Thursday night that the church did not want to comment specifically on the policy. But the statement said, ‘If the Church of Scientology itself makes a contribution to aid in its construction it will do so … without any desire for or expectancy for credit.'”
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“David Miscavige is a South Philly street punk: rude, lewd, and crude. He wants to be Vito Genovese but he’s John Gotti instead. All flash and bravado with no real depth or vision.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due May 14.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing May 12.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Pre-sentencing conference was held April 4. Sentencing hearing scheduled for May 5.
Civil litigation:
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
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After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] ‘Dianetics’ is 74: Isn’t it time L. Ron Hubbard’s hoax got pulled from libraries?
[TWO years ago] Former London staffer tells his story: ‘Abuse is fundamental to Scientology’s very nature’
[THREE years ago] How Scientology’s ardent followers prove their loyalty with blind (or near-sighted) obedience
[FOUR years ago] The Scientologist and the superstar hacker: A stock market fable for our times
[FIVE years ago] Dianetics at 70: Scientology’s bible, endorsing child molestation since May 9, 1950
[SIX years ago] Death in the Timor Sea: The darkest war secret of Scientology’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard
[SEVEN years ago] Early witness Don Rogers on Hubbard and ‘prior lives’: ‘Nothing but a parlor hypnosis trick’
[EIGHT years ago] Danny Masterson hires Michael Jackson criminal defense attorney Tom Mesereau in rape probe
[NINE years ago] 66 years ago, L. Ron Hubbard transubstantiated from pulp writer to god among men
[TEN years ago] Scientology answers Garcia motion: We are definitely a bona fide worldwide religion!
[ELEVEN years ago] Ryan Hamilton adds Colorado in new lawsuits against Scientology’s rehab network
[TWELVE years ago] Search Warrant Affidavit: Scientology’s Atlanta Drug Rehab Billed $3 Million in Insurance Fraud
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,259 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,754 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,269 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,819 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,809 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,195 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,690 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,994 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,863 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,417 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,758 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,325 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,244 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,412 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,994 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,253 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,290 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,006 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,570 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,885 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,060 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,742 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,079 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,933 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,048 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,410 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,819 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,215 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,093 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,658 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,169 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,425 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,533 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 9, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Q patriots not happy with choice of an American and Trump critic for new pope
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});The new Pope isn’t very MAGA… pic.twitter.com/twA989QUN9
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 8, 2025
Looks like QAnon might not be happy with our new Pope. pic.twitter.com/G0NuJZvlHX
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) May 8, 2025
Pirro is the 23rd former Fox employee Trump has named to his administration.
She's wildly unqualified to be DC's top prosecutor and was been described by her former executive producer as a "reckless lunatic."
Gonna thread some of her lowlights. https://t.co/z7wjcFw4VQ
— Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) May 8, 2025
Trump is now suggesting an 80% tariff on China. pic.twitter.com/ocUf49g1F8
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 9, 2025
Chaos erupts in Massachusetts neighborhood as ICE drags away mom—clinging to her baby.
The crowd asked ICE to show an ID or warrant for the arrest—agents replied, "We don’t have to show you anything."
Local police then arrested the teen daughter of woman ICE had just detained… pic.twitter.com/94DOsJ7cqQ
— LongTime🤓FirstTime👨💻 (@LongTimeHistory) May 8, 2025
I talked to about the Trump 2.0 cabinet, which is essentially a very large brain worm with smaller brain worms protruding out of it, and which speaks in a language only comprehensible to other brain worms.https://t.co/IwHjdIQz07
— Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd on blu sky) (@rothschildmd) May 8, 2025
Kash Patel said under oath that he was not familiar with Stew Peters, someone whose show he had been on 8 times. Is there literally anyone who believes he was telling the truth when he said that? https://t.co/AOo3HEXbcV
— James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) May 9, 2025
Huffman: I even offered an amendment to rename the entire planet trump just to underscore the absurdity of their sycophantic boot licking. pic.twitter.com/gHQLtQiYrU
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 8, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 9, 2025 at 08:00
May 8, 2025
Dianetics 75: What the Nobel physicist got out of Scientology’s bible
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: As we count down to the 75th anniversary of Dianetics tomorrow, we’ve heard from readers about various reviews written soon after the 1950 appearance of L. Ron Hubbard’s magnum opus, the book that led to Scientology. But for us there is one review that towers above the rest. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“Religion exists in no small part to handle the upsets and anguish of life. These include spiritual duress by reason of physical conditions. Ministers long before the Apostles had as a part of their duties the ministering to the spiritual anguish of their people. They have concentrated upon spiritual uplift and betterment. But where physical suffering impeded this course, they have acted. To devote themselves only to the alleviation of physical duress is of course to attest that the physical body is more important than the spiritual beingness of the person which, of course, it is not. But physical anguish can so distract a being that he deserts any aspirations of betterment and begins to seek some cessation of his suffering. The specialty of the medical doctor is the curing of physical disease or non-optimum physical conditions. In some instances he can do so. It is no invasion of his province to assist the patient to greater healing potential. And ills that are solely spiritual in nature are not medical. The ‘psych-iatrist’ and ‘psych-ologist’ on the other hand took their very names from religion since ‘psyche’ means soul. They, by actual statistics, are not as successful as priests in relieving mental anguish. But they modernly seek to do so by using drugs or hypnotism or physical means. They damage more than they help. The minister has a responsibility to his people and those about him to relieve suffering. e has many ways to do this. He is quite successful in doing so and he does not need or use drugs or hypnotism or shock or surgery or violence. Until his people are at a level where they have no need of physical things, he has as a duty preventing their spiritual or physical decay by relieving where he can their suffering. His primary method of doing so is the ASSIST.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
——————–
“The nitty-gritty of the West German raid on the dollar is to be found in a proposal to form a World Central Bank that ‘adjusts all the worlds currency.’ This is about the most cold-blooded effort at world domination I’ve ever seen. A country that surrenders its currency surrenders its sovereignty. It was Nazi banking expertise that saved the Third Reich and opened the door to WW II. What we DON’T need is Nazi control of all nations. Along with that goes psychiatric control, gas chambers, obliterated ‘impure’ minority groups. Heil Hitler. For the sake of German Scientologists of which there are now many, and the rest of the world, the new Nazi resurgence must end before it winds up in another blood bath.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 8, 1971
——————–
“FB: The FB including CS-G did a splendid fast job on the program to beef things up in event of a hostile UK ‘Enquiry’ finding release. Some Enquiry! Never called on us to testify on anything. Its secretary, Miss Lee, was a member of Smersh! Correction: Sir Joseph is the Minister of Social Services. He has it now. When the cabinet okays it maybe it will be out.” — The Commodore, May 8, 1971
——————–
“LRH said that he had devised plans to survive a last effort by the SPs to end up taking over this planet. I don’t know if those plans were the underground bunkers like the one in Trementina or California that protect the technology for future generations. I would suppose those bunkers were to protect the tech against nuclear war. Now it seems that the danger of nuclear war was taken care of. So, if now the underground bunkers have to protect the tech materials from hordes of Democrats joining and supporting the ranks of BLM and Antifa, then I would say that that is an improvement on the situation of the planet. Nuclear war downgraded to BLM/Antifa/Dem hordes running around California intent on destroying every vestige of civilization.”
1998: Lawrence Wollersheim released a filing to the Court of Appeals asking them to uphold the judgment of the lower courts, and allow him to finally collect. “Nearly twelve years ago, Respondent Lawrence Wollersheim, having already braved six years of litigation in this case, endured a five month circus trial and finally prevailed. A unanimous jury awarded him a multimillion dollar judgment against the Church of Scientology of California. By the time of his victory, as he would later learn, a years-long campaign to divest CSC of its property, income and authority was nearly complete. Although the Honorable Ronald Swearinger, who presided over the 1986 trial, would characterize that series of asset-depleting maneuvers as ‘mere jiggery, pokery,’ they have nonetheless been an important part of Scientology’s drive to ensure there would be ‘Not One Thin Dime for Wollersheim. A protracted appeals process resulted in the judgment becoming final in 1994, and Mr. Wollersheim began collection efforts. In ultimately moving to amend the judgment to add CSI and RTC as defendants and judgment debtors, Mr. Wollersheim submitted a total of 40 exhibits and 19 declarations. As the six-page Order amending the judgment confirms, the trial court gave proper and thoughtful consideration to all the admissible evidence that was before it; appellants’ indignant assertions of ‘fact’ contrary to those found by the court below are almost universally incompetent, since they are based primarily on the statements of CSC’s president, Neil Levin, whose declaration demonstrates his utter lack of personal knowledge. In the end, RTC’s and CSI’s assignments of error are impotent and do nothing to undermine the fact that the amendment of the judgment in this case is more solid and thoroughly supported than any in California’s reported decisions. There is no basis to disturb the trial court’s well-documented findings that the defense of this case against CSC was financed and controlled through RTC and CSI. Neither appellant has been deprived of due process. Nor does either of them even claim to have been prejudiced by the passage of time since the judgment was entered. For all the foregoing reasons, Respondent Lawrence Wollersheim respectfully urges the Court to affirm the Judgment.”
——————–
“They sent me a notice for jury duty last year and I scrawled across it ‘I am a Scientologist and we do not recognize your authority in this sector of the galaxy.’ They sent me a notice back about having to get a letter from my clergyman and to bring it down to the court. I threw that in the garbage.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due May 14.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing May 12.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Pre-sentencing conference was held April 4. Sentencing hearing scheduled for May 5.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief due June 3.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
——————–
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Rock ‘n’ roll was their fame, Scientology was their game
[TWO years ago] Alanna Warren: What a Scientology PI report looked like when I was following Mike Rinder
[THREE years ago] YouTuber takes a deep dive into Teami Blends and its connections to Scientology
[FOUR years ago] With lawsuit in limbo, Danny Masterson accusers still trying to serve David Miscavige
[FIVE years ago] Scientology’s mystery sandwich: A ‘church’ where deception is a sacrament
[SIX years ago] New York Scientologist chiropractor pleads guilty in $80 million Medicare scam
[SEVEN years ago] Witness to Dianetics: For the first time, the letters of key Hubbard ally Donald H. Rogers
[EIGHT years ago] DRONE FLYOVER: Scientology’s Int Base and its hilltop camouflaged ‘Eagle’s Nest’
[NINE years ago] Giant certificates and other weirdness from Scientology in our weekly online review
[TEN years ago] A voice from inside the Church of Scientology: Yes, the ‘Survival Rundown’ drives you insane
[ELEVEN years ago] OREGON SENATOR RON WYDEN ASKS IRS FOR SCIENTOLOGY REVIEW
——————–
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,258 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,753 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,268 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,818 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,808 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,194 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,689 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,993 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,862 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,416 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,757 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,324 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,243 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,411 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,993 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,252 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,289 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,005 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,569 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,884 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,059 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,741 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,078 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,932 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,047 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,409 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,818 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,214 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,092 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,657 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,168 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,424 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,532 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 8, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Libturd satanists begin national ID nightmare at airports: Where’s the Q patriot outrage?
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Marjorie Taylor Greene is now selling “Gulf of America” hats for $42.
MTG pushed House Republicans to vote on her bill and is now selling hats off it. pic.twitter.com/XcIWbDRzzG
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 7, 2025
Anyone else remember how Republicans used to claim national ID would usher in the antichrist’s mark of the beast? pic.twitter.com/34EehhffA7
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 7, 2025
The whole point of the Illuminati game is that it is impossible to win. At some point you will do A Bad Thing and reveal you're part of the Illuminati. So welcome to Team Evil, Elon! pic.twitter.com/21yCzzOBrw
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) May 7, 2025
NEW: Data reveals @elonmusk has delivered 0.25% of promised federal spending cuts
Musk initially promised $2 TRILLION in annual spending cuts.
He's on track to deliver $5 billion. And that's being generous.
— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) May 7, 2025
Trump has appointed Siggy Flicker — who has previously tweeted in support of QAnon and written, "Q Rocks!!!" — to the Board of the Holocaust Memorial Council. pic.twitter.com/a7WxdUVr6e
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) May 7, 2025
The AI Slop Presidency
🔗 https://t.co/ZttxnROeKIhttps://t.co/ZttxnROeKI
— 404 Media (@404mediaco) May 7, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 8, 2025 at 08:00
May 7, 2025
Scientology snubbed by Denver suburb after TV news asked about ‘proclamation’
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: With the Dianetics 75th anniversary coming Friday, Scientology has been looking for suckers to issue proclamations about the 1950 book. The church did manage to ensnare a couple of gullible small towns in its scheme. But one Denver suburb came to its senses just in time! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“An assist is not a substitute for medical treatment but is complementary to it. It is even doubtful if full healing can be accomplished by medical
treatment alone and it is certain that an assist greatly speeds recovery. In short, one should realize that physical healing does not take into account the being and the repercussion on the spiritual beingness of the person. Injury and illness are PREDISPOSED by the spiritual state of the person. They are PRECIPITATED by the being himself as a manifestation of his current spiritual condition. And they are PROLONGED by any failure to fully handle the spiritual factors associated with them.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
——————–
“I saw a little fellow once, about 110 pounds, pick up a grand piano and shove it out of a burning house. He never pushed a barbell in his life. Of course, when he got out on the lawn; he wondered who brought the piano out. He just produced enough energy at that moment and overcame enough gravity and threw enough postulates out the window so that the piano would dematerialize in the living room, and rematerialize in the front lawn. And he says, ‘I wonder who brought that piano out?’ Now, if he had arduously trained himself so as to eat Wheaties, why, he would have, of course, left the piano right where it was.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 7, 1954
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“UK ENQUIRY: The ‘Findings’ of this enquiry have been handed over to Sir Joseph in House of Lords. This means very early publication. Past signs are that they will not be viciously unfavorable. We are busy working to handle any possible repercussion. It may be a week or so yet before they hit the UK press. This cycle is far from conclusive. We made a last minute breakthrough on the WHO that began all this and keeps busy hounding us. This breakthrough puts the initiative in our hands. Instead of trying to find out WHO has been hitting Scientology we now find we are moved right over, on target, of WHO is responsible for East-West upsets and the atomic war threats and the economic crises. Whetever the UK ‘enquiry’ says, the end of the war is well in view.” — The Commodore, May 7, 1971
——————–
“There’s countless factions of Scientology out here in the field operating apart and if we continue this way, then divided we fall. That was by design as well because the SPs know we have THE most powerful tech that can put an end to them. There are tens of thousands of us Scientologists out here in the field and we need to get back together and form up into a Planet-Clearing machine that would make LRH proud. We need to audit this nonsense out and apply PTS/SP tech and get this world out of the soup it is in. LRH said that the purpose of the Sea Org is “To get in ethics on the planet and eventually this universe”. Didn’t happen. Why? Because we didn’t take him serious enough. So – once again we are the only way out for this planet. If we don’t form up and get organized now, we will have lost BIG.”
1997: Graham Berry, acting on behalf of Lawrence Wollersheim, asked the court in San Luis Obispo to appoint an independent executor for L. Ron Hubbard’s estate this week, replacing Scientologist Norman Starkey. The court rejected the request on an ex-parte basis, asking Berry to give Scientology 30 days to respond to any filing he makes. “Graham reported there were about 12 high-ranking RTC leaders that he was aware of, including the usual lawyers and OSA guys. They appeared panicky, livid and highly ‘enturbulated’ and his impression was that they were going to try to simply bully everyone and get the motion striken from the court records when it is introduced. The whole deal on the LRH estate fraud and skimming of money from it was a deep dark secret for a long time, and the recent panic about it is a reflection that the right nerve has been struck.” Scientology’s new “media office” issued a statement on the filings. “This is a transparent extortion attempt by copyright infringers. Everything alleged in this ex parte petition has been brought up in the past and thrown out by authorities — including the coroner in San Luis Obispo and the courts — as completely and utterly unfounded. Graham Berry and his client, Larry Wollersheim, have NO CLAIM whatsoever on Mr. Hubbard’s estate, and they know it. They have been making outrageous claims for two years attempting to extort millions of dollars from the Church. We are turning this latest matter over to the District Attorney to investigate for extortion, fraud and conspiracy on the part of Berry, his client and other ‘experts’ — all offering paid-for testimony. Graham Berry’s frivolous ex parte petition, as expected, was thrown out by the judge in San Luis Obispo earlier this afternoon. Additionally, the judge reprimanded Mr. Berry severely, warning that he would sanction him if he ever brought such an ex parte motion again. The Church will now take all appropriate and needful actions to put an end to such malicious and scandalous extortion endeavors as those perpetrated by Berry.” Graham Berry’s letter to Scientology lawyer Monique Yingling following the hearing included some of the startling facts that have not been widely known about the death of Hubbard and the status of his estate. Graham also commented on the strong reaction to the filings by Scientology. “[T]he Coroner’s report and the attached ‘Toxicology Report’ found traces of the psychiatric drug Vistaril in Mr. Hubbard’s blood stream and his own doctor, Gene Denk, stated to the Coroner that he had prescribed and administered a number of drugs to Mr. Hubbard which included Vistaril (a psychiatric drug usually administered in combination with other hypnotic, psychotic and sedating narcotics and restricted drugs) and that Mr. Hubbard also had a ‘long history of chronic pancreatitis’ which is primarily caused by alcoholism. Finally, I remind you of something else that I advised the Court. Something is very wrong when approximately 12 people turn up for a simple ex parte petition. Especially, when these people include senior church executives, a lawyer who flew in from Washington, D.C., a lawyer who flew in from Denver, Colorado, and expend such obvious effort and expense in trying to stop proceedings regarding a dormant estate, which they claim was properly administered, and then to request the Court that it strike the ex parte moving papers and prevent Mr. Wollersheim and Factnet, Inc. from proceeding with their request for substantive relief by way of regularly noticed motion.”
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“Hubbard just took ‘astral projection’ and redefined it as ‘exteriorization’.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due May 14.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing May 12.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Pre-sentencing conference was held April 4. Sentencing hearing scheduled for May 5.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief due June 3.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
——————–
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Here’s David Miscavige’s opposition to Jane Doe 1’s appeal of his sneaky legal maneuver
[TWO years ago] A Scientology childhood: Jon Atack talks to ‘Bad Cadet’ author Katherine Spallino
[THREE years ago] You just dropped tens of thousands on Scientology: Could you be any more excited?
[FOUR years ago] The nanny task list from a Scientology couple that is driving Twitter insane
[FIVE years ago] Tom Cruise in orbit: Why it makes sense for NASA to launch Scientology’s space cadet
[SIX years ago] JURY AWARDS $11 MILLION OVER DEATH OF SCIENTOLOGY REHAB PATIENT
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology celeb Joy Villa takes down her ‘testing the waters’ for Congress web pages
[EIGHT years ago] Even in Mexico, Scientology bullies people with hired muscle — but for now strikes out
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s hypnotic suggestion: What’s true for you is what’s true for L. Ron Hubbard
[TEN years ago] Guest post: 20 reasons the Church of Scientology is a cult and a fraud
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology’s plans for the KCET studios in Los Angeles finally taking shape?
[TWELVE years ago] OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR SIGNS LAW AIMED AT SCIENTOLOGY DRUG REHAB
——————–
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,257 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,752 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,267 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,817 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,807 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,193 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,688 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,992 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,861 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,415 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,756 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,323 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,242 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,410 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,992 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,251 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,288 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,004 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,568 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,883 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,058 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,740 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,077 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,931 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,046 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,408 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,817 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,213 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,091 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,656 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,167 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,423 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,531 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 7, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Canada not for sale, Carney says to Trump at White House
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Reporter: Mr. President you had said that Canada should become the 51st state..
Trump: I still believe that but takes two to tango, right? I'm a real estate developer at heart…
Carney: As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale. We’re sitting… pic.twitter.com/0CFanczfDS
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 6, 2025
Trump continues to treat Canada with derision pic.twitter.com/9ck6WIgh73
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 6, 2025
Here's what Hegseth was focused on today pic.twitter.com/1KMK3FqYd8
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) May 7, 2025
Art of the Deal pic.twitter.com/onnpK7IP58
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 6, 2025
"Very Busy" Trump Skipped White House Cinco de Mayo Event
Trump greeted athletes and signed executive orders, but Hispanic attendees were left with cupcakes and canned speeches across the street https://t.co/0QFN7KFaip
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 6, 2025
Republican congressional candidate Kandiss Taylor claims her political opponents “want to give billions of dollars to NASA to do fake space travel.” pic.twitter.com/mXVNteMmUG
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 6, 2025
NEW: Tulsi Gabbard, now the US director of national intelligence, used the same easily cracked password for different online accounts including a personal Gmail account and Dropbox over a period of years, leaked records reviewed by WIRED reveal. https://t.co/3ZHc5xfy5N
— WIRED (@WIRED) May 6, 2025
Some in the online right have criticized FBI Director Kash Patel for commemorating Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day (which has been nationally recognized since at least 2021), claiming Patel was pushing a "DEI" day. pic.twitter.com/eZVKayfBeg
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) May 6, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 7, 2025 at 08:00
May 6, 2025
Missing family in Scientology? Check out these new photos for your loved ones
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Over the years when we’ve posted Scientology’s photos of Sea Org members, it helps families get some information about missing loved ones. And now we have another set of photos for readers to pore over and identify pawns in Dave’s indentured navy. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Nearly every ‘Dog Pc’ has out lists or incomplete chains or is not being run on what needs to be handled. In other words they are simply problems in repair which modern tech handles easily. The drug case who is audited on grades but has had no Drug Rundown is an example of misprogramming. The C/S can get many loses and the whole HGC go into a bedlam where you have auditors refusing to audit. Their reasons given are false. The real reasons involve fast F/Ns and bonuses or out TRs, metering, Code breaks and tech. The D of P has a right, and so does Tech Services, to assign pcs to such and such auditors in the sequence listed without a lot of pick and choose by the auditors. A C/S has a right to get his programs completed.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
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“In order to understand the third dynamic completely, you would have to understand that a thetan is confused about who is who. His basic confusion, who is who, is manifest under this: He can duplicate himself. He can put himself out there in space and be as alive out there and where he is too, at the same time, as where he is. He can duplicate himself; in other words. One thetan that can be, then, two thetans. And each one of these thetans have all the characteristics of the original thetan. And then these two thetans can duplicate themselves and have all the original characteristics of themselves but be somebody else too. So we get into valence trouble. This is one of the basic capabilities. The second we introduce duplication, however, we introduce space. So the second a thetan began to be somebody else and himself; too, there was space in the matter.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 6, 1954
——————–
“The gradual improvement of world stats is done by constant attention to DATA and gradually putting things right. Any breakdown occurs when it does because of failed or unrun missions, failure to observe and report, failure to carry out overall Flag intention. The important point is that we are gradually winning on all fronts in a world that ought to have a fence around it and seems to be dedicated to self-destruction. When you can advance into that you really have to be somebody! Any you have to know what you’re doing.” — The Commodore, May 6, 1970
——————–
“We have now entered the twilight zone. This is not a cutesy zone where interesting things happen. No, this is the zone where SPs have taken over the entire world and are just now starting to make things very suppressive for us. LRH said in HCO PL KEEPING SCIENTOLOGY WORKING, ‘This is a deadly serious activity. And if we miss getting out of the trap now, we may never again have another chance.’ I’m not one to take lightly LRH quotables because he is the smartest person I have EVER known, and, as you can tell from that quote and from what is happening in the world right now, he is on the money – as usual. We lost control of this planet because we failed to clear the R6 bank to the point where the world would calm down. We could have done it when we had a chance. Of that I am certain. It wasn’t DM’s fault. It was OUR fault because we LET him take over and because we were too busy having fun and enjoying freedom and being too complacent with our huge wins and knowing that nothing much can happen to us at this point because we are free. Well we’re far from free. And how about your friends and family? Don’t their lives matter?”
——————–
1996: A message was posted this week by “craigory,” with personal memories of the basement of the Ft. Harrison hotel. This in the wake of cult member Brian Anderson’s denial that the building even has a basement. “I was there as a student in 1976, and several other times in later years. At that time, there were dark, grungy rooms under the Fort Harrison which I had frequent access to. They were used for folder archives, to store pc folders that were not currently needed. There were also doors into other rooms under the Ft. Harrison which were constantly guarded, and access to which was closely monitored. Being the curious sort, I asked a couple of staffers what was down there, and they told me that people on the RPF were lodged down there while they did their amends. At least some of these basement rooms were later opened up and remodeled. When I was last at the Ft. Harrison around 1983, those rooms were in use as the internship courseroom, but the space used for the courseroom was by no means as large as the entirety of the Ft. Harrison. So there was a lot of space down there which was only partially taken up by the courseroom. There were also other places in the Ft. Harrison where people could be kept incommunicado. I have personal knowledge of a small storage room (about 6′ X 8′ X6′) off a stairway leading out of the galley in which a sea-org member who had had a ‘psychotic break’ was kept for several weeks while they hoped she would become sane enough that they could release her to her family without causing too much of a flap. I was a close friend of the lady who was assigned to bring the captive her food and spend a very few minutes each day with her. She was not allowed ANY company at ALL, except for these brief visits. I wasn’t around long enough to know the ultimate outcome of that particular instance of captivity, but from other stories I have read, her period in the ‘dungeon’ was not so very unusual.”
——————–
“Scientologists are the Kings and Queens of semantic pedantic literalistic obfuscating weasel word games.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due May 14.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing May 12.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Pre-sentencing conference was held April 4. Sentencing hearing scheduled for May 5.
Civil litigation:
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
——————–
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Val Ross: How Scientology kept me from fleeing abuse until it was almost too late
[TWO years ago] Scientology PI comes forward: I was stalking Mike Rinder, Amy Scobee and many others
[THREE years ago] Danny Masterson’s new moves in rape case: Asks to dismiss one victim, separate the other two
[FOUR years ago] Can’t someone ask Erika Christensen a real question about Scientology?
[FIVE years ago] Scientology has thrown millions at Ireland in recent years, and here’s the amazing result
[SIX years ago] Scientology and Nation of Islam figure picks worst week to rail against measles vaccine
[SEVEN years ago] In Hollywood and in Italy, Scientology is making all your dreams come true!
[EIGHT years ago] Ah, the reveries of 1950: When Dianetics was in full bloom
[NINE years ago] When Anonymous had Scientology in a panic: A new document has us nostalgic for 2008
[TEN years ago] Bob Duggan, the richest Scientologist in the world, is going to love our nifty new drawings!
[ELEVEN years ago] Leaked footage of Scientology leader David Miscavige in Sydney
[TWELVE years ago] Investigation of Scientology Drug Rehab Program in Georgia Shifts to Credit Card Fraud
——————–
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,256 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,751 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,266 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,816 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,806 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,192 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,687 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,991 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,860 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,414 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,755 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,322 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,241 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,409 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,991 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,250 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,287 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,003 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,567 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,882 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,057 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,739 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,076 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,930 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,045 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,407 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,816 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,214 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,090 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,655 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,166 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,422 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,530 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 6, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Libturds just can’t appreciate the golden age coming out of Mar-a-Lago
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Scanlon: The Gulf of Mexico was so named over 500 years ago. If we want to update that name to reflect our current culture, maybe we should call it the Sea of Emoluments—you know, the place where we can board the Ship of Fools and navigate from a State of Ignorance to the… pic.twitter.com/toLI4K5lJu
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 5, 2025
Devin Nunes is one of the top 10 highest-paid CEOs in America, and he has done nothing to earn it.
"Trump Media’s SEC filings say the company paid Nunes $47,640,469 last year, when its revenue was $3,618,800." https://t.co/RIBHeuTctM
— Seth Hettena (@seth_hettena) May 5, 2025
NEW: NEW: GlobalX, the company doing many deportation flights for ICE, has been hacked. Hackers claim to have stolen flight manifest information and flight details, and have also defaced the website pic.twitter.com/s0EQ9n2oFy
— Jason Koebler (@jason_koebler) May 5, 2025
Everything Trump says requires endless study to decode what his true intentions are. When Trump babbled about going to Fort Knox to see the gold we had endless speculation about the gold being stolen. Now we have to figure out his “real reason” for reopening Alcatraz pic.twitter.com/FDRY8Eh9A5
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) May 5, 2025
SCOOP: The Trump administration is “decommissioning” a Department of Justice office that been at the center of dismantling transnational organized crime networks, drug cartels and human trafficking ringshttps://t.co/r1a6j99ndn
— Jason Leopold (@JasonLeopold) May 5, 2025
It is truly amazing how every famous person alive is a serial killer and yet no evidence of their crimes is ever found. pic.twitter.com/n16qu0czzp
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) May 6, 2025
MAGA people are so weird on Cinco de Mayo pic.twitter.com/1x8A8No22b
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 5, 2025
More Mar-a-Lago fashion pic.twitter.com/4A2DSxppDb
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 5, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on May 6, 2025 at 08:00
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