Tony Ortega's Blog, page 41
April 25, 2025
Michele Fiore is 3rd Scientologist Trump has pardoned (that we know of)
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“The whole field of psychotherapy was dishonest from the days of witch doctors to psychiatry. Falsified data came from lack of knowledge of the mind. This made its practitioners DISHONEST. We do not and must not follow that fatal road. The technology we have WORKS to definite positive predictable results. Results are obtained if the auditor has honestly studied and understood his materials and honestly applies them. Falsifying study leads to falsifying meters and this gives bad results on pcs. HONEST use of the materials and the meter gives an honest result.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
——————–
“The fact that a bank has been built and maintained and added to works against just achieving higher levels of beingness in the process of livingness. And that is all that prevents it. And this was quite revelatory to me. You’d say this is not much of a point and it’s true enough, it isn’t much of a point. It’s one of these elementary things that doesn’t change around the basic concepts of Scientology any. But it does this, it does this: it puts a different complexion on this universe; and it puts a different complexion on what you might care to do; and it puts a different complexion on your future for the next two hundred trillion years. See, this changes that. Your concept that the only thing you could do is get to a point where you could get totally out of this universe, or something like that, if you had such a concept — the only way you could ever win is to just get away from all this MEST and space and so forth — those concepts are, apparently, invalid. Which is a very hopeful happy note. I feel like a certain Pollyanna idiocy taking over, you see?” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 25, 1963
——————–
“NEWS ITEM: Phil Wearne, whose instigation of the infamous Melbourne inquiry began the Anzo attacks and who later confessed and fully documented his lies and guilt, died recently in Sydney. Cause of death not known here. Sooner or later it seems to kill them.” — The Commodore, April 25, 1970
——————–
“This girl was being sec-checked and didn’t want to disclose that she had another body on another planet that another LRH was opening up Scientology on. She attested all the way to OT 30 and with floating needles and floating tone arms when they stopped it and caved her in by telling her to start at OT 1. She says she can’t do OT 1 because it violates policy, meaning you can damage your case by doing OT levels a second time, after you’ve already completed it before. So she hunts everything LRH wrote and finds the time track of theta tapes where LRH actually says there is another LRH on another planet doing Scientology. Now question is, why the commands for locating your other timelines are on the tapes and why they never put them on the gradation chart and deliver these processes? And she would be willing to take me off track so she could have a verification to try to prove she has another body on another planet where another LRH is doing Scientology and her attest to OT 30 being valid.”
1999: A preliminary hearing was held in Dennis Erlich’s copyright violations case. “Yesterday was my pretrial conference in San Jose. Federal judge Ronald Whyte presided. The scienos wanted all my witnesses removed. We had asked that material they had collected to Dead Agent and Black PR me and my witnesses from a confessional setting be banned from trial. The scienos asked Whyte to exclude ‘any reference to the practices or beliefs of Scientology, its history, the background or meaning of the copyrighted texts, Erlich’s own involvement with Scientology, and any testimony by any witness that has any relationship to Scientology.’ Whyte indicated he needed to know how the texts were used in scn and would welcome testimony, evidence or witnesses to that end. He made it clear that he was not going to use the trial to judge the merit or fraudulent nature of scn. Evidence Relating to Alt.Religion.Scientology. Whyte said he would need to see the ongoing discussions in order to determine the context of the alleged posts and the threads in which they allegedly occurred. Since some of the material deals with Fair Game and treatment of Espees, Whyte’s invitation for evidence and testimony about how the texts are used in the cult covers this. Harold asked the court to set a date for when the OT material and NOTs material had to be refiled – not under seal – and bedlam ensued at the scieno table. Whyte had unsealed the case and ordered to refile all their sealed filings, unsealed. Whyte lifted the 1997 protective order sealing the material in this case (the court file) because it was based on the bogus trade secret claims made by the scienos at that time. He also opted to maintain an open and public courtroom throughout the trial and declare the exhibits containing the courses at issue are not confidential at trial. In another order he bifurcated the case into a court trial on the scienos’ copyright claims, and a jury trial (not yet scheduled) for my counter-claims. Whyte also gave a clear indication that he wanted the case to settle before trial and ordered us to a settlement conference in front of Judge Fogel next Thursday. And he would, by that same day, be able to tell us if the trial was going to go forward on May 4th so we could inform all the witnesses that they’d be testifying. Whyte also denied the scienos’ motion to close the courtroom and trial to the public. On a sadder note, based on the theory that it would have been gathered eventually in discovery anyway, Whyte intends to allow the admission of evidence allegedly gleaned during the unconstitutional 7-hour raid the scienos perpetrated on me in February 1995, despite the fact it was obtained illegally.”
——————–
“I think it’s called the ‘If you become rich & famous, all is forgiven’ tech.”
——————–
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 April 25.
— 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] Trophy life: A rare look inside the family of a wealthy Scientology ‘whale’
[TWO years ago] Opening statement a big improvement for prosecution at Danny Masterson retrial
[THREE years ago] When Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard revealed how crazy your afterlife will be
[FOUR years ago] Scientology social media: Salvaging the planet by draining one bank account at a time
[FIVE years ago] Calling all patsies: Scientology tries desperately to keep its isolated members busy
[SIX years ago] VIDEO: Danny Masterson accusers face down Scientology ploy at Denim Day rally
[SEVEN years ago] Former Scientology mouthpiece Tommy Davis has a new look and a new friend in his life
[EIGHT years ago] Someone forgot to notify the Dept. of Defense that Scientology is the world’s coolest religion
[NINE years ago] One of the best examples ever that Scientology can only be understood from ex-Scientologists
[TEN years ago] Jon Atack announces a five-day Toronto conference on Scientology to take place in June
[ELEVEN years ago] Video Vault: The universe is yours to duplicate, Mr. Hubbard!
[TWELVE years ago] FED COURT DENIES SCIENTOLOGY REQUEST: Decision on Religious Arbitration Coming Soon?
——————–
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 3,245 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,740 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,255 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,805 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,795 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,181 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,676 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,980 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,849 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,403 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,744 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,311 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,230 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,398 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,980 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,239 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,276 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,992 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,556 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,871 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,046 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,728 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,065 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,919 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,034 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,396 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,805 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,203 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,079 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,644 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,155 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,411 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,519 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 25, 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
‘Vladimir, STOP!’ Art of the deal? Trump reduced to begging on social media
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump campaigned on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine in 24 hours. Now he’s publicly begging Putin to stop. pic.twitter.com/iAJXxecJtG
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 24, 2025
Trump is upset at the new, devastating Fox News poll pic.twitter.com/vyF3MtyGpM
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 24, 2025
Trump appears to tell his sons to fire his company’s lawyer who went to Harvard pic.twitter.com/zL89ObcM4a
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 24, 2025
Today is Day 13.
Still 0 deals. pic.twitter.com/bFBoaIQNgU
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 25, 2025
Trump begins selling “Trump 2028” hat. Price: $50. pic.twitter.com/gc0Aq77UqM
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 24, 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 April 25, 2025 at 08:00
April 24, 2025
Oh look, Scientology held another ‘Writers of the Future’ thing for some reason
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: A few science fiction types have admitted to feeling conflicted about Scientology’s ‘Writers of the Future’ contest, which brings them to LA for a week of pampering before the very expensive award event itself. But as long as the Miscavige money is flowing, who cares, right? [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“A meter is a meter. Meters are used to measure water, natural gas, and many other things. An E meter is used to measure a pc. If you rig a meter up so as to falsify its reads you get a wrong result. You could rig up a water meter so it read that twice as much water had flowed and then sit around and wonder all week why the swimming pool never filled up. The ACCURACY of a meter depends upon its being honestly set up and honestly used. The HONESTY of the auditor determines his results.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
——————–
“The first time you ask your preclear, ‘Now let’s go out across the country until we find a sawmill running. All right, now step into the buzz saw.’ He’s going to say gulp. It’s going to astonish him. But you’d be surprised what happens to him when he finds out he can do just that. He’s going to realize all of a sudden that there he is. He can be anything. Well, if he can be anything then he can have an unlimited number of viewpoints. If he can have an unlimited number of viewpoints, then he can know anything, can’t he? Well, if it’s written down, he can certainly be in the middle of a book at the library and read it. Well, that’s very easy. Or if somebody knows it at that time, he can go pick that somebody’s brains. That’s right. Read somebody’s mind.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 24, 1953
——————–
“It is NOT hygienic to leave damp towels flung DOWN on bunks when they should be hung UP to air; it is NOT hygienic to have dirty sheets left on unoccupied bunks. It is NOT good to have those areas emmesty and NOT squared up and looking decent and clean. Therefore, all occupants of men’s and women’s dorms may expect a thorough inspection tomorrow forenoon, Saturday.” — W/O Bob Prior, April 24, 1970
——————–
“To knowingly reg for money when you are not qualified to properly deliver materials is fraud, plain and simple. I am asking for $5,000 for the L11 I thought I was purchasing from someone I thought was qualified but is not. Just the fact that he is so controversial says something. The controversy was all before me. I trusted someone who is untrustworthy and now he laughs at me. What does that say? We are talking ethics here. Don’t sell things you can’t deliver. I don’t care how cheap, that’s not the point this is spiritually altering material. It doesn’t belong in the hands of people untrained to deliver. It’s not an argument of cost or ‘oh he gives good deals.’ The fact that he did wheel and deal so easily made me suspicious because an auditor should know their worth. I should have made a better decision based on that red flag. I accept that I continued with him on the L but I assumed he was qualified. If I am representing Spiritual material I wouldn’t rob you. Know what you are buying, look at certifications, research everything you can before laying down money because in the end just like with me. They laugh at you and create lies and justifications of their thievery. That’s what thieves do. Who in their right mind delights in playing detrimental games with people?”
——————–
1998: Bob Minton posted the text of his address to the Cult Information Service this week. “I am involved in a controversy with the Church of Scientology over the most fundamental right in a democracy–the freedom to speak. Scientology hypocritically cries that theirs is a persecuted religion attacked by bigoted and intolerant critics. Further, Scientology’s mantra, repeated ad-nauseum throughout their paranoid and delusional history, continues to be that those individuals and governments who dare criticize their anti-social goals, tactics and civil rights abuses of their own members are engaged in some grand conspiracy to destroy Scientology. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am just one of many persons working actively to force much needed reform on Scientology. These reforms must acknowledge that all of us, Scientologists especially, have an inalienable right to criticize, oppose or scrutinize practices and tactics used by their organization which we view as contrary to the respect and dignity required towards our fellow man. Without these most basic rights, there certainly cannot be religious freedom, or in fact any freedom, in our democracy. This is an organization that literally cowers at the truth. Scientology claims to be able to create supernatural powers and enable people to confront any situation except one — the truth about their organization. Perhaps Jesus has an explanation for this anomaly that can be found in (John 3:20-21) when he warned: ‘For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved [exposed and rebuked]. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.’ Standing up to the Church of Scientology has been an incredibly enlightening and enriching personal experience — a test of my character at every step of the way. I’ve gotten to know many former scientologists, and clearly they are some of the nicest people I’ve ever known. While in scientology, these very same people were taught to lie and betray and acquiesce to having their own rights taken away from them. This proves to me that even an organization as totalitarian as scientology cannot strip away innate human goodness, and gives me hope that we will get to know many more former scientologists as our actions continue in the coming weeks and months.”
——————–
“You can’t even receive auditing if you’re engaged in other ‘spiritual’ practices like meditation. The whole ‘other religions are OK with us’ is demonstrably false.”
——————–
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 April 25.
— 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] Why doesn’t Scientology want you to see its wealthy donors, including Grant Cardone?
[TWO years ago] How will today’s opening statements in the Danny Masterson retrial differ?
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s saddest celebrity, Eddie Deezen, committed after latest arrest
[FOUR years ago] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 1: The Feds
[FIVE years ago] Raising money in the time of the virus: Scientology will always find a way!
[SIX years ago] It’s an anniversary of shame for Scientology: Will they go for a repeat?
[SEVEN years ago] Scientologist pair running for office double down on their denials about church involvement
[EIGHT years ago] Nan McLean in 1973: Rare Scientology documentary goes online, and it rocks
[NINE years ago] Texas Supreme Court asks for Monique Rathbun’s response to Scientology’s petition
[TEN years ago] Scientology opens a new ‘Ideal Org’ in Basel this weekend — nearly a year after its last one
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology’s drug rehab hit with another lawsuit; Laura D asked to turn over computer
[TWELVE years ago] Claire Headley Tells Us How to Keep Scientology Working
——————–
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 3,244 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,739 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,254 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,804 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,794 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,180 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,675 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,979 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,848 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,402 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,743 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,310 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,229 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,397 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,979 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,238 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,275 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,991 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,555 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,870 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,045 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,727 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,064 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,918 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,033 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,395 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,804 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,202 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,078 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,643 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,154 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,410 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,518 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 24, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Q patriots don’t mind the economy being cornholed, but what about chemtrails?
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Scharf: We want to focus on merit. Not things like disparate impact theory, the whole diversity, equity, and inclusion cult.
Trump: We have been in that jungle a long time. pic.twitter.com/gW5YlZ4N9t
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 23, 2025
Trump to install large flagpoles at White House Tesla dealership https://t.co/mQs3Axe5vI
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 23, 2025
Not planning to stop. Just less days per week. pic.twitter.com/gJQqkAxr3t
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 23, 2025
Damn, the Twitter algorithm is almost so bad that spending every waking hour of the dwindling years I have left to live staring my monitor and reading microblog posts written other people who are desperate for influence and attention is starting to seem like a waste of time.
— Travis View (@travis_view) April 23, 2025
Ex-Fox News Producer with History of Racist Posts Sworn In at Department of Labor
Connor Clegg once mocked Asian tourists and launched a disgusting tirade against a parking officer https://t.co/EhdU9mRuCY
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 24, 2025
FBI: Americans aged 60 and older reported losing almost $3 billion to crypto fraud last year. In total, Americans reported being scammed out of around $9.3 billion via crypto, out of a total $16.6 billion in total reported losses that year. pic.twitter.com/xupom9DeUn
— Molly White (@molly0xFFF) April 23, 2025
The Chemtrails Truthers were always going to have it the worst cause their conspiracy theory is omnipresent, it can’t be denied that it’s happening under Trump and there is no way it will ever stop. They get to suffer for forever in a prison of their own making. pic.twitter.com/WKJpKMw20b
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) April 23, 2025
As I’ve said, the chemtrails thing will one day turn into real-world tragedy.
This is one group, but there are more. They are egging each other on in dark corners of the internet.
I used to think it was funny, too, but I no longer do. There is a real threat here. pic.twitter.com/L5padXvAih
— KC-10 Driver ✈️ 👨✈️ B-737 Wrangler (@MCCCANM) April 23, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 24, 2025 at 08:00
April 23, 2025
New records show Scientology still hogging US ‘religious’ visas
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Nearly a decade ago we learned that Scientology was applying for a stunning percentage of this country’s special visas for religious workers. Now, a new records dump from the government shows how much this small ‘church’ continues to rely on foreign workers to staff its bases. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The commonest sources of low TA are overwhelming auditor TRs or wet sweaty hands. The subject is not open to experimentation. If a pc’s TA is low or high and you don’t correct it with the usual remedies mentioned above, the pc goes into the soup. GOOD AUDITORS KNOW THEIR TECH AND USE IT TO REMEDY HIGH AND LOW TAs. GOOD AUDITORS DO HONEST WORKSHEETS AND HONEST AUDITING. BE A GOOD AUDITOR.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
——————–
“Here we have this fellow now and he recognizes this principle and he’s on the destroy end of the curve, you see. He recognizes that a nothingness should exist where that body is. But he doesn’t know why a nothingness should exist — he doesn’t know anything about communication or duplication — he just knows that the best thing to have where that body is, is nothingness. So he goes and blows his brains out. And if the society insists he has too many responsibilities to go blow his brains out, why, then subterfugenously he lowers himself under the wheels of a taxi cab or steps on a third rail or lands himself, and some people haven’t quite nerve enough to make the good clean job of it, so they keep making themselves sick. And that’s psychosomatic illness. That’s all there is to psychosomatic illness, it’s a covert effort on the part of the thetan to make nothing where the body is. But it is an effort which is balked by the society to such a degree that he knows he can’t quite get away with it. So he still goes on with this faint impulse which is just make the body sick, don’t reduce it to zero.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 23, 1954
——————–
“OTL DK has lost several important mail packets from the 24 March run. We find that OTL had just changed Supercargoes. The new one Connie (Campleman) Stevens was logging her first mail. The DK Post Office or the WW post office or Connie has lost several packets. This flap was not reported by Wayne Alkire to Flag and was not given proper attention by Susan Pomeroy. We now, by phone, have the packet numbers still lost and Aides must make them up again for the next courier. This of course calls for a severe reshuffle of lines and personnel. We must be very accurate on mail slips, relays and posting. A fantastice scramble can occur and the work of a lot of executives can be messed up or destroyed. Comm Evs are being convened on S. Pomeroy, W. Alkire, and C. (Campleman) Stevens. Mail routing will be changed.” — The Commodore, April 23, 1970
——————–
“LRH was the basic engram, and he was carrying the cruel tactics and spirit of the Anglo-Saxons. Therefore there was no need to seek for any enemy outside, because LRH’s attitude and the complicity of his followers was enough to explain the ultimate failure of the Church of Scientology.”
——————–
1997: Jeff Jacobsen reported that the most recent Freedom newspaper gave details about a recent Scientology celebration and PR spin on the case of a woman who fled the Ft. Harrison hotel to jump into the bay. “Freedom newspaper issue 11 has a story ‘An evening celebrating the birthday of L. Ron Hubbard’ which is pretty interesting. David Miscavige was MC for the 3500 attendees. The article is noteworthy in that it gives NO figure to show that the church is expanding; only the claim that church is one ‘of the most vital and rapidly growing religions on earth.’ They don’t mention that they have claimed 8 million members since 1991. Some figures DM did give were; 3.8 million kids are now literate, 250,000 people gotten off drugs, 76,000 firms use Hubbard management tech, 53 million people furnished with the Way to Happiness. Also, they claim 17 million hits on their web pages since opening, and 7.5 million hits in the last 2.5 months. Dan Sherman is working on a bogus biography of Hubbard that again touts the idea that he was a war hero. A new church in London England and Florence Italy are now open. ‘Thought Police’ in Clearwater? which is about the woman who on March 1 ran out of the Ft. Harrison hotel at 5am. This article claims that the police saw her and decided to get involved so they could *deprogram her* from Scientology! ‘Her time there [at the police station], in essence, amounted to an unsuccessful attempt to ‘deprogram’ her from her religion.’ This article also states that Detective Tom Miller ‘helped members of the former CAN to stage a ‘demonstration’ in Clearwater in March 1996.’ This is bogus. The police were talking to both sides and trying to strike a deal wherein the police would have no problems that day. Detective Miller NEVER told us what to do or even made any suggestions. He was there for us to tell him what our plans were.”
——————–
“What got me here was a lifelong interest in the weird and macabre, combined with a sister who joined the cult in 1980. In 2008 I heard about a video on YouTube that featured Tom Cruise taking about Scientology. I started following the comments by the anons and Scilons, and I realized I really didn’t know as much about Scientology as I thought I did, so I got busy.”
——————–
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 April 25.
— 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] Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s ill-fated 1932 pirate cruise, in news clippings
[TWO years ago] Scientology issues pics of LRH Birthday event, when David Miscavige was dodging service
[THREE years ago] How Scientology turns you into an unthinking soldier, defending the indefensible
[FOUR years ago] We still get asked about Scientology mouthpiece Tommy Davis, so here’s your update!
[FIVE years ago] Philly lawyers suing Danny Masterson don’t want Scientology to have their home addresses
[SIX years ago] Brad Pitt’s Scientology adventure: The sauna, the auditing, the… lizard?
[SEVEN years ago] It’s only April, but we already have a leading contender for Scientology mother of the year!
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology loves to gladhand Florida politicians, even though it usually has little effect
[NINE years ago] Why Scientology’s inability to pay its tax bill in Montreal is not a sign that it’s struggling
[TEN years ago] See ‘Going Clear’ star Hana Whitfield describe L. Ron Hubbard in a leaked 1997 interview
[ELEVEN years ago] NARCONON EXPOSED: Scientology’s flagship drug rehab facility is struggling, records show
——————–
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 3,243 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,738 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,253 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,803 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,793 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,179 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,674 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,978 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,847 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,401 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,742 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,309 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,228 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,396 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,978 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,237 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,274 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,990 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,554 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,869 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,044 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,726 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,063 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,917 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,032 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,394 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,803 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,201 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,077 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,642 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,153 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,409 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,517 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 23, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
What’s the tariff on China today? Who knows!
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump continues to blink on tariffs https://t.co/Ovrd6SzYnE
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 22, 2025
Didn’t Trump say he would help persecuted Christians? Why is he making it hard for Afghan Christians to avoid being deported to their deaths? pic.twitter.com/mN9mtvdGyq
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 23, 2025
Trump Dangles $5,000 DOGE Checks in Fundraising Emails
Trump hints at personal rewards in exchange for support, but no guarantees are made https://t.co/PFP2i0xwJN
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 23, 2025
Breaking:
A federal judge in Maryland mostly overrules the Trump admin's "specious" discovery objections in the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case.
Blistering language about their "mischaracterization" of SCOTUS, "arbitrarily cramped reading" of her order, and more throughout the… pic.twitter.com/HMo8WTy6Ku
— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) April 22, 2025
Trump is now selling the “Gulf of America” hat he wore to golf on Easter. Price: $50. pic.twitter.com/7Z2p3oLaku
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 22, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 23, 2025 at 08:00
April 22, 2025
A Scientology attorney, his secret work for the church, and his Paris legacy
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: A new leaked document describes 30 years of secretive work by an attorney for Scientology, and whether to keep paying him such a huge salary. It’s a fascinating look at how David Miscavige assesses the worth of someone who had been doing his dirty work for years and years. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“There is an infinity of wrong ways to get a pc to read between 2.0 and 3.0 on an E-Meter. One method would be to shoot him. Dead bodies read between 2.0 and 3.0. Another way is to throw the trim knob off. Yet another wrong way is to use HAND CREAM to make the TA go lower and call ‘F/Ns’ at 4.0 on an actual read. An auditor who is not very expert is apt to find strange ways to do things because the usual is beyond his skill. A GOOD auditor handles low and high TAs with HCOB 24 Oct 71R and Addition 12 Nov 71RA and this HCOB “False TA,” C/S Series 53 and the Hi-Lo TA Assessment.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
——————–
“We find our people, as we process them, further and further along on this curve of create, through survive, to destroy. And when we get well past survive, we get to an individual who can think in no terms but suicide. He tries to kill himself and those around him. He would not even dream of getting, you might say, out of the body. All he can think of is being in the body and destroying things. He has bought the physical universe. Well, we try to process this individual. We normally find him in sanitariums, and so forth, because he’s no longer able to promote the biological line; and we find his anxiety on the subject of sex very, very great, but it’s very destructive. It’s not the type of sexual activity that would lead to an unending stream of protoplasm. Quite on the contrary, it would be a type of sexual activity which said ‘The unending stream of protoplasm must now end,’ which is to say homosexuality, other misconducts. And we’d find him over on the physical universe side of the ledger over here. And he would be very involved with rocks and solid masses of various things. He’s really left the biological line.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 22, 1954
——————–
“The VIP Party was a huge success, Governor, Lord Mayor and all. Div VI must receive full cooperation on set ups and drills, however. We are at our best in Billing and Drilling. It’s been an awful long time since I heard the rush and pound of feet getting a drill drilled. Guest drill is just another drill. The Supercargo is reponsible for having a well drilled ship. The smartest ships ever were the heavily drilled Enchanter, Avon River and the pre-Melilla RSM! So WE DRILL 1700 to 1800 DAILY HEREAFTER, at sea or in port Supercargo and Ship LRH Comm Take note please.” — The Commodore, April 22, 1970
——————–
“Can there be more than one reincarnated or returnee LRH on Earth? Can there be several returnee LRHs on Earth and other returnee LRHs in other planets? Apparently yes, according to what LRH said in this taped lecture series, History of Man or Time Track of Theta tapes and in his books. In them LRH explains how it has been found that several theta lines merge to become one and later separate, how they become one individuality and later choose to become several. Also, in another taped lecture, LRH explains how thetans have three stages of track: the early track with thetans as spheres of light, next track as war of universes, and the final track with thetans trapped in meat bodies. In another line, there are accounts of ETs performing ‘soul merging’ operations with electronics means to merge an ‘out of body’ identity or thetan, with the thetan of another person with a body. This being described by abductee Dan Burisch. I say this to explain why we should not discard the Freezone story of Capt Bill Robertson stating that LRH at the moment of his death assumed the identity of Galactic Patrol Commander L Ron L. Ray and why we can also have the case of finding reincarnated or returnee LRHs on Earth, and even find LRH on the next Galaxy, Andromeda, where he said he would go after death.”
1996: An update was posted concerning Bonnie Woods and Ron Lawley, both UK critics under legal attack from the cult. “Bonnie Woods now has 1 libel suit from Narconon, 1 counter suit from COSRECI, 1 libel suit against COSRECI and now COSRECI have brought another libel suit against Bonnie and Richard for the distribution of the FUSS leaflet. This was the leaflet handed out outside orgs around the UK in July of last year, asking people to watch the Big Story TV programme. I [Lawley] am still waiting for my hearing before the Court of Appeal regarding whether I have ‘locus standi’ which will decide whether I, as a bankrupt, have the right to defend the appeal against me being given the NOTs materials, as was ordered by Judge Sumner. The hearing date could be any time now so we just sit and wait. I am helping Bonnie and Richard get through these 4 libel actions. Sometimes I spend 30 hours a week on the paperwork and the hardship fund covers expenses for all our cases. So please thank people once again for the assistance which will enable all these cases to come to court. At the moment I see no reason why we should lose. So thanks again to all SPs everywhere.”
——————–
“At least two thirds of the people who showed up on the top five anti-Scientology vids on YouTube from 2008-2010 representing themselves as Scientologists were in fact FAKE. And I was usually the person who busted them.”
——————–
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 April 25.
— 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] Val Ross: Midnight terror in the career of a Scientology spy
[TWO years ago] A warrior’s journey in and out of Scientology
[THREE years ago] When L. Ron Hubbard assigns you to the deep: A slice of Scientology in new book
[FOUR years ago] Why Danny Masterson’s attacks on Leah Remini aren’t helping him in court
[FIVE years ago] Even a pandemic can’t stop Scientology from tracking you down, apostate!
[SIX years ago] Where is Scientology dying most Ideally? Could it be our neighbor to the north?
[SEVEN years ago] Everything — even Scientology — is up to date in Kansas City, and here’s who’s responsible!
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology denied twice in wrongful death lawsuit as parents grieve for Tabatha Fauteux
[NINE years ago] Another depressing piece of evidence that Scientology advocates splitting apart families
[TEN years ago] Scientology: Making fools of your local elected lunkheads since 1952
[ELEVEN years ago] The Garcias take one more shot at Scientology before their fraud suit will live or die
[TWELVE years ago] GARCIAS RESPOND TO SCIENTOLOGY: YOU’RE A BIG RIPOFF
——————–
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 3,242 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,737 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,252 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,802 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,792 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,178 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,673 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,977 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,846 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,400 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,741 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,308 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,227 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,395 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,977 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,236 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,273 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,989 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,553 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,868 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,043 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,725 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,062 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,916 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,031 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,393 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,802 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,200 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,076 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,641 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,152 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,408 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,516 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 22, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Who made off with the puppy-killer’s purse and $3,000 cash?
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Kristi Noem, appointed as Homeland Security–can't even find her purse. pic.twitter.com/5mbGcfYew0
— Jeremy H🇺🇸 (@jeremyfromga) April 22, 2025
Pope Francis died this morning. This is Marjorie Taylor Greene’s response: pic.twitter.com/jGKxI07pB0
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 21, 2025
On her podcast today, anti-vax figure Sherri Tenpenny said that she texted Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "as soon as he was nominated for" HHS secretary about "get[ting] our hands around that vaccine schedule and get[ting] rid of so many poisons." https://t.co/comoX0q4jR pic.twitter.com/LGYHXFFU9r
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) April 21, 2025
Several MAGA accounts are falsely claiming a 2023 pride celebration photo was how Biden decorated the White House for Easter last year.
This is how the White House was decorated for Easter in 2024. pic.twitter.com/eeAPkIAEjE
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 21, 2025
BREAKING: The gunman who killed 23 people in a racist attack at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, has pleaded guilty to capital murder in a state district court. https://t.co/Ojrs0ay22L
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 21, 2025
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 22, 2025
This is MAGA pic.twitter.com/5fwSLs2ma5
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 21, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 22, 2025 at 08:00
April 21, 2025
Scientology ads in London were to be replaced by ads from ex-Scientologists
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: The Times reported that three ads Scientology placed in the London Underground were to have been replaced this morning with new ads from ex-Scientologists. But so far, the new ads are not in place. Did Scientology throw a wrench into these plans? We’re trying to find out. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“Tests show that footplates do not read on the meter. The use of footplates is thereby cancelled. Some pcs (rare) take mistaken pride in being able to push the TA up by straining or tensing. By just moving into the body the TA can be sent up by an otherwise exterior pc. Some pcs also take a road out by ‘getting an F/N at will.’ They have various tricks that do this, the main one being to ‘think of something else’ and get an F/N. Any of these (rare) pcs are manifesting out-of-sessionness. They aren’t in session. The definition of in session is ‘interested in own case and willing to talk to the auditor.’ Remedy that and they cease such tricks.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
——————–
“The road into this universe is successive unawarenesses. And the road out is successive awarenesses. But not just bare-breasting your chest to the whole universe. No, you have to find out why the individual didn’t want to be aware at those points, and he didn’t want to be aware because he solved it. Well, what’s this solution? Well, that was yesterday’s problem. Yesterday’s solution, problem, solution, problem, solution — they’re all the same line of cat. He got himself into trouble by solving himself into trouble. And when he has solved himself all the way into trouble totally, he’s here, and he’s the fireman down in the stokehold. And therefore there are no lower levels of subconscious for you to explore; there are only upper levels of awareness.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 21, 1964
——————–
“We’re having a VIP function aboard at 1900 tonight. The Mayor, Harbour Master, news photographers and approx 20 others are invited. Just like crew became so expert at handling in February. Everyone’s agreement and assistance will be much appreciated.” — Lt. Barry Watson, Pub Exec Officer, April 21, 1970
——————–
“John McMaster failed to see that in this planet (a floating insane asylim) most of the population is PTS to a very few SPs, and upstat people are fairgamed continually. Protectors of the Earth are continually shot to death (R2-45) and innocent children are put into pedophile rings where they are raped and murdered. On the contrary, the ethics system at the Flagship Apollo rewarded hard working and effective people and punished down statistics and SPs with fairgame, R2-45 and chain locker punishments. LRH had the viewpoint and task to create an empire. John McMaster didn’t. Are you starting to get a clue yet?”
1995: A new affidavit was posted this week, that of Hana Whitfield. Her stories of life in the RPF are chilling. This should be used as a standard reply when the RPF is made to sound like summer camp. Here’s how Hana sums up her experiences in Scientology. “I was in Scientology for 19 years from March 1965 to August 1984. The majority of those years, particularly the last 10 were filled with great emotional, mental and physical trauma. This experience as the most humiliating and degrading one I’ve ever experienced. I still suffer from frequent nightmares, emotional distress and severe headaches because of it.”
——————–
“Most people have never heard of the guy who invented the mouse. But a lot of them have heard of L Ron Hubbard. This is why I drink.”
——————–
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 April 25.
— 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] Jane Doe, like Leah Remini, asks for judge in Danny Masterson lawsuit after Miscavige stunt
[TWO years ago] Did prosecutors leave a Danny Masterson fan on the retrial jury?
[THREE years ago] More proof that Hollywood is over Scientology: Netflix openly mocks it with billboard
[FOUR years ago] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 2: Monique Yingling
[FIVE years ago] City of Inglewood: Brian Statler shouldn’t have resisted arrest and forced us to shoot him dead
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s mad real estate splurge has real consequences for its indentured workers
[SEVEN years ago] Hana Whitfield’s book excerpt: L. Ron Hubbard’s amidships meltdown over ‘Xemu’ and OT 3
[EIGHT years ago] Bunker reader Dee Findlay stole the show as Clearwater stood up to Scientology last night
[NINE years ago] How Lisa Marie Presley became Scientology leader David Miscavige’s worst nightmare
[TEN years ago] Marc Headley reveals the embarrassing technological secrets of Scientology
[ELEVEN years ago] Convicted of fraud by France’s highest court, Scientology still pursues creative appeals
[TWELVE years ago] Sunday Funnies: The United States of Scientology
——————–
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 3,241 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,736 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,251 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,801 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,791 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,177 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,672 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,976 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,845 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,399 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,740 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,307 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,226 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,394 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,976 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,235 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,272 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,988 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,552 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,867 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,042 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,724 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,061 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,915 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,030 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,392 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,801 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,199 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,075 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,640 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,151 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,407 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,515 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 21, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Trump celebrated Easter the Q patriot way, with a wedge from the bunker
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump attending Easter church service just like he said he would pic.twitter.com/h8EwBlh0by
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 21, 2025
Another Easter post from Trump pic.twitter.com/34T2QLHj0s
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 20, 2025
Everyone deserves due process. These rights are either unalienable and God-given as we were taught or they aren’t. pic.twitter.com/ctDWoiyB8V
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 20, 2025
Easter was getting too much attention so Trump started posting about his fake MAGA holiday pic.twitter.com/Q0FPcyzf2x
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 20, 2025
The ads just keep on getting better here on X: The Everything App. pic.twitter.com/oz9yoXZtXC
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) April 20, 2025
Oh thank goodness it’s only been 8 years of trap setting now we can finally get to the big payoff. pic.twitter.com/JU9Zsbq8b5
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) April 20, 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 April 21, 2025 at 08:00
Tony Ortega's Blog
- Tony Ortega's profile
- 19 followers
