Tony Ortega's Blog, page 43
April 15, 2025
The transcript: Read along as judge denies Scientology doc’s legal ploy
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: We’ve obtained a transcript of the April 1 hearing when notorious Scientology doc David Minkoff’s attorney argued he should be dropped from the Whitney Mills lawsuit because the experts saying he caused her death were not alt-medicine quacks like him. it’s entertaining reading! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The pain is concentrated on the left upper molar. You audit it in vain. Toothache persists. Look at the pc’s mouth. Has the RIGHT upper molar ever been pulled or injured? Yes. That’s how the left molar began to decay. The right upper molar was pulled. The pain (especially under the pain-killer on the right side only) backed up and stopped on the opposite side. Eventually the left upper molar, under that stress, a year or ten later, caves in and aches. Mysterious as it wasn’t injured. Mysterious as the opposite molar is long gone, doesn’t hurt anymore. When a toothache does not resolve in auditing, audit the opposite tooth on the other side. You can actually do it by count of teeth.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
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“Don’t, by the way, think I’m utterly mad when I talk about this, because I am afraid that the very, very best and most conservative churches of the land would rather be found dead than to disagree with me on the fact that man does have a soul. And the quest of an auditor, in working with a preclear, is to discover and rehabilitate that soul and actually help the individual to find out where heaven is. If we use those terms, of course, it becomes very comprehensible, in a past frame of reference. But heaven isn’t what you think it is, and hell is right here….But isn’t it strange that whenever I talk to somebody about this, they are much more willing to accept this concept than they were willing to accept such things as prenatal engrams and so forth. The most violent reactions I get from people, ordinarily, ‘You mean I HAVE lived before and I WILL live again?’ And you say…’Yeah, and the race has lived for an awful long time, and you could probably do so-and-so and so-and-so, and step out of your body and soar off to Venus if you wanted to.’ Used to be I’d say to somebody…’There’s such things as prenatal engrams and a child records when it’s in its mother and so forth.’ And they’d say, ‘Yak yak yak yak yak yak yak yak.’ No agreement on the line. But people are agreeing with me on THIS in the most unexpected quarters, unexpected quarters. Most people are atheists because they know that the way it was drawn up and presented to them wasn’t the way it is. That’s why they’re atheists. So don’t have any great fear about this theta track and theta beingness, or even in relaying it to people, because you’re in for some surprises. They’ll sit there and they’ll say, ‘Is that so! Tell me more.’” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 15, 1952
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“CORFU: It may be of interest that ‘Major’ Forte the British Consul in Corfu who messed the area up with lies is about to be sued by us in Corfu for libel and slander proven by his own testimony.” — The Commodore, April 15, 1971
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“I would say Hubbard’s Bridge was incomplete, with lots of unrepaired loose ends (he was notorious for interfering with his C/Sing and solo running new processes, according to old timers) coupled with the fact that it’s hard to know of a terminal where his previous time track would be validated. This is made worse by people who clearly are not LRH claiming publicly to be. I have heard of this effect in non-Scientology fields amongst the ‘past life’ crowd where everyone seems to have been Cleopatra, Henry VIII, etc, but then this poses a serious problem where if either of these individuals show up for real, they are going to face substantial invalidation both internally and externally.”
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1997: Internet news site The Drudge Report cited sources that Scientologist Tom Cruise will be making an anti-psychiatric movie with director Stanley Kubrik. “The DRUDGE REPORT has learned that actor Tom Cruise is not only getting $20 million dollars for his acting role in Stanley Kubrick’s new fuss film EYES WIDE SHUT, he’s also been guaranteed 20% of the film’s receipts. A strong source closely involved with the project says Cruise is earning every penny. ‘Stanley is sending him to hell and back,’ a Burbank snitch explains. The film involves sexual role playing, heroin addiction and intense mind games between a psychiatrist, his wife and his patients. The film is more than 7 months into production, with wrap and release dates yet to be determined There are many at WARNER BROS. that fear it will be dropped in NC-17 condition.'”
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“The only thing standing between Scientology being viewed in the same light as FLDS, Peoples Temple or Branch Davidians by the general public is Tom Cruise and the rest of the celebs.”
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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 April 25.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Pre-sentencing conference was held April 4. Next hearing scheduled for April 14.
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] The new season of Scientology TV is here! Can an NFL legend finally get someone to watch?
[TWO years ago] VIDEO: Scientology’s post-pandemic comeback starts right here, space cadets!
[THREE years ago] Calif. supremes want reply from DA to Danny Masterson’s bid for review in rape case
[FOUR years ago] Kirstie Alley’s daughter: ‘Everyone’ is ditching Los Angeles for Clearwater
[FIVE years ago] ‘Rona blues: Court delays, Shelly on the menu, and more Scientology nonsense
[SIX years ago] L. Ron Hubbard: Scientology will thrive when medical doctors are reined in
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology’s space opera ideas aren’t just for the upper levels, as one key early book shows
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology is No. 1 with No. 2! Or, how the Church of David Miscavige stinks up Clearwater
[NINE years ago] Scientology rips apart families with its ‘disconnection’ policy — but why?
[TEN years ago] Another leak of outtakes from 1997’s ‘Secret Lives’ — Scientology’s finance ‘dictator’
[ELEVEN years ago] Jefferson Hawkins helps us understand Scientology’s L Rundowns!
[TWELVE years ago] We Need Your Help, Scientology Watchers
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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 3,235 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,730 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,245 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,795 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,785 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,171 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,666 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,970 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,839 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,393 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,734 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,301 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,220 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,388 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,970 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,229 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,266 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,982 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,546 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,861 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,036 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,718 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,055 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,909 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,024 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,386 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,795 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,193 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,069 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,634 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,145 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,401 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,509 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on April 15, 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 weep as Trump plans killer concentration camps in El Salvador
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});BREAKING: In a White House meeting with Trump, El Salvador's president says he won't release a wrongly deported Maryland man back to the U.S. https://t.co/phVkofEeWN
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 14, 2025
The president is telling another world leader he's going to start deporting native-born Americans, and to build more concentration camps for the inflow. This is shocking, even for Trump. I'm sure MAGA will tell us that it was just some jokey chit chat. It's not. https://t.co/clnLoL0pkB
— Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd on blu sky) (@rothschildmd) April 14, 2025
Some in the far-right internet are angry at the Trump administration saying that the enforcement of Real ID will begin in May, claiming it is part of the "New World Order" and will turn the United States into the "Communist Chinese Party." https://t.co/81yOqpcZfL pic.twitter.com/LTjHNXaeNj
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) April 14, 2025
JUST IN: CIA confirms that when it scanned Director Ratcliffe's phone for Signalgate messages, they were gone. https://t.co/C6xzLek5x6 pic.twitter.com/5p1SYmDl8V
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) April 14, 2025
Father of Daisy, the second little girl to die of measles in Texas, tells Robert F. Kennedy Jr-founded anti-vaccine group, Children's Health Defense, that he doesn't regret not getting her vaccinated, and won't vaccinate any future children.
CHD turns it into propaganda. pic.twitter.com/tHxFxd29Af
— Brandy Zadrozny (@BrandyZadrozny) April 14, 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 15, 2025 at 08:00
April 14, 2025
More sneaky ways Scientology is buddying up with your local heroes
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Scientology never stops trying to weasel its way into positions of influence with ‘opinion leaders,’ especially with government figures and first responders. We have some additional examples of that which have come up recently that we wanted to highlight for you. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“There are two sides to the body. As you learn in Touch Assists, if the right hand is injured you include also the left hand. Body nerves conduct pain. The two sides of the body interlock. Pain gets stopped in the nerves. If the right elbow is hurt the LEFT elbow will have echoed the pain. Example, you find a pc with a pain in the left elbow. You try to audit a left elbow chain. It doesn’t fully resolve. If you ran injuries to the RIGHT elbow, suddenly there’s a somatic going through the left elbow! It gets well. This is the sympathetic nervous system. The right ear, injured, also gets echoes with a somatic in the left ear. You audit the right ear only. Pc comes up with a sore left ear!” — 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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“In the Western world there’s not even a Tradition of philosophy. There’s no Tradition of — what equivalent Western word is there for a guru? There isn’t, and yet an Indian wouldn’t know how to go through his day without knowing this word, guru, somehow or another. You get the idea, see? We did a survey in Washington, DC about 1955 which was a very intriguing survey. Because I wanted to know, I thought these birds would realize that the psychiatrists were — let’s put it in a more elegant sense than it deserves — that the psychiatrists were cutting into their racket. So we got ahold of all the ministers in Washington, DC on the idea that they might have some sensibility with regard to all this and asked them if they thought this was the case. No, No. Any time one of their congregation showed the least signs of becoming nervous, they instantly rushed him to the electric shock machine. Seventeen hundred and eight ministers out of seventeen hundred and ten were wildly in favor of the mental hospital and the electric shock machine as soon as possible. Why, the poor dopes! They didn’t realize that that religious ecstasy was the only thing which kept them whizzing. If anybody had suddenly stood up in their congregation and said, ‘I embrace the Lord,’ or something like that, they would have said, ‘Dr. Sparks, would you please send a wagon over right away, quick.’ See? In other words, the whole field of religion had been eaten up in this particular direction which I thought was rather amazing.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 14, 1964
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“Several people are nominated to the Never-be-a-smuggler Club. Turning on bright lights, flashing flashlights toward the beach, opening up unnecessarily on the radio all disqualify one from being an Expert Smuggler. Such club members wind up in calabogos (jail) on suspicion. Pausing off the port as we did is not very good practise. Thanks to the guys who opened the cattledoor. They should however use lifelines when working so. And please can’t we oil all these reluctant hinges some calm day? Anyway our telex traffic was all good news. You can get off mail you see.” — The Commodore, April 14, 1969
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“Just a couple of days before I completed New OT V, I was amazed on how I reacted on a person who decided to totally invalidate and degrade me in a status meeting. I was totally exterior, not being affected at all and actually seeing that the other members weren’t even really listening to him. I just gave him an acknowledgement and he sat down. And the meeting continued as if nothing happened. Normally this would have been dramatic and I wouldn’t sleep for days wondering what the others thought. Now, as a New OT V, I can attest that that event actually never happened; it just died and faded away. It is not part of any universe or any track. It is erased.”
1996: A fascinating and troubling list of promises made to a Sea Org recruit was posted this week. “According to inside information, the major governments of the world were very close to collapse due to the sinister and artful maneuvering of an evil group of plotters (almost certainly dominated by the very inventors of evil, the PSYCHS), known as the NEW WORLD ORDER. By joining right away, my acquaintance would have the privilege of strengthening the only group that could possibly pick up the pieces. My acquaintance, not yet a high school graduate, was told he would be able to continue his schooling after signing his billion-year contract. Instead, I’m told he was discouraged from continuing any non-Scn (‘WOG’) education and sent to take a test for a state certificate of minimum proficiency. [He] was promised Scn ‘auditing’ and training to the highest levels, otherwise known as the ‘Bridge to Total Freedom.’ The ‘Bridge’ usually winds up costing paying public hundreds of thousands of dollars, but Sea Org members are not charged for it unless they leave. [T]he recruiter also promised minimum wage and livable berthing. My acquaintance say he received about $11 per 70 plus hour week and had to live packed in with a dozen or more young men in a smelly, squalid room. My acquaintance became dissatisfied after a short time and announced he was leaving. ‘Routing out’ took another four months or so, during which time he had to continue putting in 12 or more hours of menial labor per work day. He couldn’t just leave without permission because if he did, he faced the strong possibility of being declared a ‘suppressive person,’ whom other members of the CoS would not be allowed to communicate with. He continued working as a virtual slave (in my view) until he completed his ‘security check’ (mandatory confession of misdeeds) and was finally allowed to leave.”
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“Brand new account created just for this idiotic hit and run. These people couldn’t troll if their lives depended on it.”
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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 April 25.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Pre-sentencing conference was held April 4. Next hearing scheduled for April 14.
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 founder L. Ron Hubbard’s nightmare year, 1951, told in news clippings
[TWO years ago] The Bad Cadet: New book looks at Scientology in a coming-of-age story
[THREE years ago] Scientology propaganda masterpiece: Grant Cardone’s COO coughs up $1.1 million
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s founder said Mars was inhabited, & now a Scientologist helps run Perseverance!
[FIVE years ago] Scientology logic: Blame the media for fake virus news while promising superhuman powers
[SIX years ago] L. Ron Hubbard defines religion for you skeptical non-Xenu believers
[SEVEN years ago] Another Scientologist runs for office in Nevada — but her campaign says she’s not a member
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology invited local business owners to its Clearwater celeb party. Well, except one.
[NINE years ago] GARCIAS BACK IN COURT AFTER SCIENTOLOGY MAKES ARBITRATION IMPOSSIBLE, THEY SAY
[TEN years ago] Announcing a new video series — The stories of young Scientologists not told in ‘Going Clear’
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology litigation always has surprises: A new wrinkle from Narconon’s attorneys
[TWELVE years ago] Writers of the Future Live-Blogging! Black Tie Not Required
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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 3,234 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,729 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,244 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,794 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,784 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,170 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,665 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,969 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,838 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,392 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,733 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,300 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,219 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,387 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,969 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,228 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,265 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,981 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,545 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,860 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,035 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,717 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,054 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,908 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,023 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,385 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,794 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,192 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,068 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,633 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,144 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,400 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,508 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 14, 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
Fittest president ever, golf champion, trade warrior, the winning is endless
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});AOC: That is the story that Republicans tell—not mine, but all of ours—when they say a waitress or a working person is unqualified to serve in Congress. But the truth is, many of us are far more qualified to understand what real life is actually like than any of them ever will… pic.twitter.com/S0i11UgQjz
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 14, 2025
It took fewer than 100 days before this president left us with empty shelves. https://t.co/ovtWE4JnBo
— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) April 14, 2025
This is the 3rd weekend Trump, while at his Florida properties surrounded by his supporters, has posted images of his administration bombing people in other countries. pic.twitter.com/6qRlXN36hS
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 13, 2025
It’s more like he’s punching himself and Xi is just watching and laughing pic.twitter.com/gbrNPrsvz2
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 14, 2025
The reason why there is no plan is because Trump doesn't have a plan. Trump feels like America is being ripped off and there is no trade deal that can be made that can make him feel like he's not on the losing end of it. https://t.co/2fuFMRM0EP
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) April 13, 2025
Trump’s medical report claims he weighs 224 pounds pic.twitter.com/o5mGAtpT4d
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 13, 2025
Trump taking phone calls with Elon Musk in front members of his golf club pic.twitter.com/R815XWQocG
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 14, 2025
Well don’t just talk about it, go climb the ice wall and show us yourself. pic.twitter.com/XjEDA0R7xq
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) April 13, 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 14, 2025 at 08:00
April 13, 2025
Apostate Alex: The tide is turning against Scientology with UK officials
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: A year ago they labeled him a ‘vexatious bully,’ and refused to turn over public records to him. But Alex Barnes-Ross tells us he’s getting a different kind of reception now from UK officials as a result of his persistent efforts to educate them about the threat of Scientology. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Inevitably, when any new approach or process is released, some will instantly assume that all ‘older’ (actually more basic) data has been cancelled. There is no statement to that effect. It is not guessed that this will be assumed and so we could lose an entire subject. We did in fact lose Dianetics for a decade and all but lost Scientology in the following ten years. A subject can be reorganized and made more workable. That was done in 1969 for Dianetics. BUT IT HAD NEVER BEEN UNWORKABLE!” — 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({});
——————–
“We are processing as close to definitions as possible. This has always been true in the Advanced Course — in these Clinical Courses. We process as close to definitions as possible. And when we’re right on the button with definitions, we see that space is a viewpoint of dimension, we of course have the basic of any universe. Of any actually created universe, the basic is that there must be somebody there to be the central viewpoint of it. Well, whose postulates would hold in that universe? Of course, the person whose viewpoint it was. That person’s viewpoint would hold. Therefore, we have the god concept. Now, the other things that are manifest here that aren’t mentioned on this data sheet — down here we see the Know to Sex Scale is something that you could use for diagnosis and hasn’t been gone into here very thoroughly. Now, here we have know, look, emote, effort, think, symbols, eating and sex.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 13, 1954
——————–
“GOOD NEWS: Indications are that we will have won the war with Smersh in a year or two. They have lost further ‘prominent leaders.’ We have directly traced and documented their origin to East Germany and have found the crimes they sought to hide. Lesser lights in their ranks are turning to us for guidance. Their network is collapsing under the various stresses to which they have been subjected. They may fight more skirmishes through men they control in govts but it is obvious we will win the war.” — The Commodore, April 13, 1971
——————–
“One of the ideas that Hubbard most frequently said of exteriorization is quite stupid: that a great part of people can exteriorize easily and the rest can easily be audited into it. False. Quite false! I’ve had experiences where I almost come out of my body. Or, once, I had an experience when I woke up floating above my body! But it was startling. And scary. It feels like you’re going to die. This fear is quite common among people. And Hubbard barely mentions it. I also can say I’ve had other experiences where I am expanded, more brilliant, disconnected from case or exteriorized from space or time. Those experiences are also quite recognizable. But they are not ‘exteriorization’ as defined by Scientology. Perhaps the road to exteriorization is to audit out the fear involved, all the bad things going exterior can be associated with, and case linked to it in general. To audit it directly, instead of expecting that general auditing will (for real) get you exterior.”
——————–
2002: The Associated Press reported that Heber Jentzsch, the president of the Church of Scientology International, has been acquitted of conspiracy and fraud charges. “A Spanish court on Thursday acquitted the American leader of the Church of Scientology of conspiracy and other charges, ending a case that dated back to 1988. In December the Madrid Provincial Court had acquitted 15 members and employees of the Spanish branch of Scientology who had been charged along with church leader Rev. Heber Jentzsch. When Jentzsch did not appear for trial as it began in February, the court decided to try him separately. The court said in December there was no evidence to support prosecutors’ allegations that drug rehabilitation and other programs sponsored by the Church of Scientology in Spain amounted to illicit gatherings aimed at activities such as bilking people of money. In 1988 Jentzsch was arrested when he arrived in Madrid for a Scientology conference. He was held for 4 months before being released, but indicted in 1994.”
——————–
“Have you ever destroyed a planet with a jim-dandy whizzer?”
——————–
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. Next hearing scheduled for April 14.
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] What Alex Barnes-Ross told East Grinstead councillors about Scientology abuses
[TWO years ago] Pre-trial Scientology special: The new episode of Up the Bridge, for everyone!
[THREE years ago] The origin of Scientology’s notorious prison program: Hana Whitfield’s eyewitness account
[FOUR years ago] Scientology chiro Jay Spina sentenced to 9 years for case that made judge’s ‘blood boil’
[FIVE years ago] Scientology really reaching in latest attempt to keep Philly lawyers out of Masterson lawsuit
[SIX years ago] Scientology and evolution: The otherwordly experience of reading ‘A History of Man’
[SEVEN years ago] Returning to Clearwater with a Miscavige cutout and memories of the Lisa McPherson Trust
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology’s celebrities to the rescue! John Travolta shills while Jenna Elfman melts down
[NINE years ago] Class action lawsuit against Scientology’s drug rehabs refiled with new plaintiffs
[TEN years ago] If you want the IRS to re-examine Scientology’s tax exempt status, it’s time to get real
[ELEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: The Writers of the Future and more success stories!
[TWELVE years ago] The Saga of David Mayo: Scientology’s Banished Tech Wizard
——————–
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 3,233 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,728 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,243 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,793 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,783 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,169 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,664 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,968 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,837 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,391 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,732 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,299 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,218 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,386 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,968 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,227 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,264 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,980 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,544 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,859 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,034 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,716 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,053 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,907 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,022 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,384 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,793 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,191 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,067 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,632 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,143 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,399 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,507 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 13, 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 miss the rule of law, but Q patriots dig the new focus on idolatry
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Sanders: We’ve got a president of the United States who—
Crowd: Boooo
Sanders: I agree pic.twitter.com/fYATOUPew1
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 13, 2025
Huge crowd in LA against Trump and Elon Musk https://t.co/5Md3sgCRoj
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 12, 2025
Openly declaring he refuses to get the innocent people back. Due process and the rule of law are dead. pic.twitter.com/U9uUXO2P6p
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) April 13, 2025
It’s always projection and confession https://t.co/9a1pvGZ3Bg
— Ben Meiselas 🎤 (@meiselasb) April 13, 2025
Seems like a waste of taxpayer money pic.twitter.com/DnXhRQNR4v
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 13, 2025
Another insurrectionist statue pic.twitter.com/99DSOGfz3M
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 12, 2025
Mar-a-Lago fashion pic.twitter.com/t5XAU2T9Pz
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 12, 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 13, 2025 at 08:00
April 12, 2025
Scientology’s beef with new billboards is Mike Rinder’s use of the word ‘cult’
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: A tip came to us in an unusual way that Scientology’s secret police are freaking out about the new Aftermath Foundation billboards in LA. Turns out it’s true, and the Foundation’s Claire Headley filled is in on the latest battle over the ads. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“If tech is ‘out’ in an area it will be because some of the auditors, whatever their class, are not capable of delivering simple Dianetic sessions, regardless of the level at which they are auditing. And out tech will be compounded if the Case Supervisor is not also an excellent New Era Dianetics auditor for he won’t know the errors for which to look. When you can really dig this and know it and get it in practice the bulk of out tech and ‘failed pcs’ in an area will vanish. I know it is sometimes hard to achieve a simplicity as simple as New Era Dianetics but when it is done, tech worries from there on up are over.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1969
——————–
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
——————–
“There are three classes of universes. There’s your universe and that class of universe known as the other fellow’s universe and the physical universe — universes of the type of the physical universe. Now, these in essence are three types of universe. Now, there’s a law back of all this, and that is to say that a universe is subject to the postulates of the god of that universe. Let’s take the physical universe. Everybody agrees that there’s a God someplace and that the physical universe obeys His law, so forth. It’s an interesting aberration in itself. Now, it’s a little more important, however, when we apply it to Mama. Mama is the god of Mama’s universe. Everybody concedes this. Maybe she isn’t in her own mind but everybody concedes that she is.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 12, 1954
——————–
“PENALTIES: Those absent from drills — no next meal. Those absent from study — 10 s per offense logged by supervisors and deducted from allowance and paid by Purser to 2 Div for facilities fund. False report — one week’s allowance. Outness or irresponsibility in admin or on post or watch — 3 days pay. REWARDS: When the ship is out of Non Existence and up to Emergency a reward schedule will be posted. MUSIC: No music while the ship is below Emergency.” — April 12, 1969
——————–
“It really seems like Scientology was a cover for anti-communist CIA activities. Just like how Stanford Research Institute was used by the CIA to create remote viewers, so was Scientology. Remote viewing is an incredibly effective spy tool. Melbourne is a very communist place, of course this lefty hellhole would ban it. Our intelligence agencies now and back then deal in stopping any right-wing activities and love promoting leftist social engineering actions like feminist marches.”
2001: The National Post reported on the efforts of Scientology to oppose the use of Prozac and Ritalin. “In a lavish ceremony, Priscilla Presley recently presented a human rights award to a courageous New York mother, Patricia Weathers. Mrs. Weathers had fought a long battle with her son’s school to get her 11-year-old son Michael off Ritalin, which she said caused him mental harm. Mrs. Weathers’ plight is well-known in the United States, where a backlash against such psychiatric drugs as Prozac and Ritalin is in full swing. What is less well-known is that this backlash has been orchestrated by the controversial Church of Scientology. Indeed, some argue that the Church has triggered the uproar almost single-handedly. Ms. Presley is a Scientologist. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) – which awarded Mrs. Weathers its prize – was formed by the Church in 1969. In fact, the Washington lawyer who launched a U.S. class-action suit against Ritalin’s makers and the American Psychiatric Association is also a senior Scientology official. Scientology, in its fight against Ritalin, is pursuing a broader agenda: to undermine the psychiatric profession. ‘While alerting parents and teachers to the dangers of Ritalin, the real target of the campaign is the psychiatric profession itself,’ the Church stated over a decade ago in its newspaper, Scientology Today. Scientology has also won a reputation for taking its enemies to court. Beginning in the late 1980s, it supported a series of lawsuits across the United States, attacking psychiatrists and schools with claims that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not a valid diagnosis, stimulant drugs are overprescribed, and the doctors who make such prescriptions are corrupt or unethical. Many of these cases were handled by John Coale, a Washington lawyer and senior Scientologist. None of the cases has been successful in court. These efforts have created a climate of fear among physicians, parents and educators and have sown anxiety and confusion among the general public, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported in 1998. Church operatives also work at raising awareness of potential side effects of psychiatric drugs, often with great success. In the wake of the massacre at Columbine, Col., CNN interviewed Dr. Mary Ann Block, author of the book No More Ritalin-Treating ADHD Without Drugs. She quoted a study noting Ritalin’s similarity to cocaine in its ability to cause psychotic episodes.”
——————–
“Believe it or not, ‘Wichita Lineman’ is one of my all time favorite songs. I’m usually in tears by the end of it.”
——————–
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. Next hearing scheduled for April 14.
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] What awaits you at the end of Scientology’s long, arduous journey
[TWO years ago] Scientology quietly acquires $13.5 million converted church near Big Blue: But why?
[THREE years ago] Scientology holds its ‘Writers of the Future’ awards back on schedule, same garish display
[FOUR years ago] Scientology answers Danny Masterson accusers at California Supreme Court, and it’s ugly
[FIVE years ago] Scientology continues to see the pandemic as a public relations opportunity
https://tonyortega.org/2019/04/12/sci... Scientology deception and financial fraud spelled out in incredible legal letter
[SEVEN years ago] Why Scientology has no business pontificating on mental health — a discussion
[EIGHT years ago] Need a boost to your superpowers? Scientology has a (pricey) solution for that!
[NINE years ago] Astra Woodcraft, ex-Scientology kid, wants you to read a short essay
[TEN years ago] How Scientology broke up Tom Cruise and Mimi Rogers: The story you haven’t heard
[ELEVEN years ago] Why is Scientology’s cruise ship caught up in a lawsuit about human slavery?
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology’s Lavish Annual Party for Pampered Sci-Fi Writers, This Sunday!
——————–
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 3,232 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,727 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,242 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,792 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,782 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,168 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,663 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,967 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,836 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,390 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,731 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,298 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,217 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,385 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,967 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,226 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,263 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,979 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,543 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,858 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,033 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,715 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,052 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,906 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,021 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,383 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,792 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,190 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,066 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,631 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,142 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,398 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,506 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 12, 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
Hey, libturd, want to keep from being deported to El Salvador? Wear the pin, baby
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});5 things Trump did this week:
1. Said economic pain is like taking medicine
2. Had energy company managers pose as coal miners
3. Tanked the stock market, panicked, then folded
4. Kept the Epstein files safe another week
5. Tried to take his open umbrella onto Air Force One pic.twitter.com/gwybFoaeRH
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 11, 2025
If it was Joe Biden, this clip would be on an endless loop on Fox News for the next three days while @AsteadWH barfed out 27 tweets questioning Biden's mental acuity and his bosses at the Times wallpapered their opinion page with pieces demanding Biden step down. https://t.co/EzQ9HHt4o1
— scary lawyerguy (@scarylawyerguy) April 11, 2025
Totally normal administration and totally not a cult at all….here’s @BrendanCarrFCC, chairman of the FCC casually wearing a gold Trump lapel pin pic.twitter.com/qENuO7MZQB
— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) April 11, 2025
The Trump administration has officially informed the State of North Carolina that it is stepping back from supporting recovery costs from Hurricane Helene. https://t.co/OqBkLMnjas
— Carolina Forward (@ForwardCarolina) April 11, 2025
Raskin: That’s the importance of what the Supreme Court did yesterday in the deportation case of Mr. Garcia.
If they can do it to him—if they can just sweep someone off the street, put them on an airplane, and send them to a torturer’s prison in an authoritarian state like El… pic.twitter.com/TsgM0g979F
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 11, 2025
Some businesses now showing the “Trump Tariff Fee” on their bills to customers. pic.twitter.com/LMm3uKDWiU
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 11, 2025
RFK Jr. inspects model of Trump’s failed tariff backbone pic.twitter.com/23hb1GwrFD
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 12, 2025
NBC News confirms: The Commander of the Space Base that JD Vance visited last month has been fired from her job after writing an email to the entire base distancing herself from Vance's comments criticizing Denmark. @MSNBC
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) April 11, 2025
NEW: While working on another story, I came across a hive of AI slop pages peddling heartwarming — and entirely fake — stories about people in the Trump world. Karoline Leavitt, Barron Trump and Elon Musk are especially popular: https://t.co/H2Lzxbzufl
— Anna Merlan (@annamerlan)
In times of crisis QAnon’s favorite type of post is declaring they are totally calm cause they know The Plan is working. pic.twitter.com/XepRkEuJ4X
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) April 11, 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 12, 2025 at 08:00
April 11, 2025
Scientology grand opening set for another L. Ron Hubbard historic property
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Scientology’s deification of founder L. Ron Hubbard continues with yet another property about to have a grand opening after purchase and renovation by the church. This time, it’s the miserable place (Sara hated it) where he first put out his Dianetics shingle. Hip, hip, hooray! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Sexually it is common for someone on drugs to be very stimulated at first. This is the ‘procreate before death’ impulse as drugs are a poison. But after the original sexual ‘kicks’ the stimulation of sexual sensation becomes harder and harder to achieve. The effort to achieve it becomes obsessive while it itself is less and less satisfying. The cycle of drug restimulation of pictures (or creation in general) can be at first to increase creation and then eventually to inhibit it totally. If one were working on this biochemically the least harmful pain depressant would be one that inhibited the creation of mental image pictures with minimal resulting ‘woodenness’ or stupidity and which was body soluble so that it passed rapidly out of the nerves and system. There are no such biochemical preparations at this time. These tests and experiments tend to prove that the majority of pain and discomfort does come from mental image pictures and that these are immediately created.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1969
——————–
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({});
——————–
“Suzette Hubbard is assigned to the post of Quartermasters Mate Div IV Ship and her pay resumed when she takes post. She did this post well but was both overloaded by added duties and given no assistance on major work actions. She has in the past done several posts well but overload and overwhelm has driven her off them. She is to learn coastal and celestial navigation in part time study so as to be able to train personnel in them. There are too few reliable navigators aboard.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 11, 1970
——————–
“WELCOME ABOARD: Three new arrivals, Evelyn Webster-Parsons who is our WW Representative, Paul Preston who is Deputy Ops for US Area, and Janice Tidman, returning to the ship, are welcomed aboard. …MORALE: I am getting a steady flow of reports of increased morale. I think we can have a happy ship.” — The Commodore, April 11, 1970
——————–
“The main question is: Do we ‘need and want to have a unified Freezone’? The answer is a definitive YES! A unified and organized Freezone will survive ‘lower beings’ well organized and wanting to take the planet down. What is meant by ‘lower beings’? It could be for example wog anti-Scienos and ex-Scienos organized on Suppressive Groups like SPs r Us, or the Andreas Heldal-Lund group. The creation of the Freezone was by Capt. Bill Robertson. In short, the inhabitants of this planet are (by decree of the government of this galaxy) guinea pigs for an experiment, and they are not to be interfered with by external influences (Marcabian ETs) nor being subjected to atomic or biochemical warfare. We are expected to make Scientology run the planet. Anyway, the shadow government for this planet is going to use or is already using Scientology against the planetary population. Reverse Scientology to enslave. The other alternative is the Marcabians in the EU creating their One World Government. The other alternative would be the Scientologists running the planet. But how are American Scienos going to do that if they ‘don’t like’ organizations, the Sea Org, and much less a One World Government?”
——————–
2000: The St. Petersburg Times published a column by Mary Jo Melone on the criminal and civil cases being heard in the Tampa area. “Do you think it’s possible that those Scientologists, those believers in e-meters and psychological audits and goose-stepping group-think, are transmitting weird radio signals that have addled some of the best minds in Pinellas County? How else to explain the mental nose dives of the medical examiner and the chief circuit judge when they were confronted with the story of the slow, miserable death in 1995 of Scientologist Lisa McPherson at the Fort Harrison Hotel? Last week, Judge Susan Schaeffer, who is presiding over the criminal case, dropped hints heavy as bricks that she may throw out the criminal charges against the church, for negligence and practicing medicine without a license. She even said she ‘felt sad’ that members of the so-called church had to see pickets in Clearwater protesting McPherson’s death. Did Schaeffer have any concern for the feelings, confused, depressed and psychotic though they may have been, once possessed by Lisa McPherson? Apparently not. She even said McPherson went to the hotel, after a car accident and a bizarre episode in which she took off her clothes, quite willingly. Schaeffer said she was troubled by the state attorney’s decision to prosecute the church, and not individuals, because this could be taken as an infringement on the right to practice religion. If what they do at Scientology headquarters in Clearwater is a religion, then I’m a planet. Saturn, say, rings and all. Hillsborough Circuit Judge James Moody has the civil case, a wrongful death suit filed by McPherson’s estate. On Friday, church lawyers asked him to throw out the suit, based on some of the nonsense Judge Schaeffer had swallowed. They again said Lisa McPherson was not out of her mind and made a free and independent decision after her car wreck to go to the hotel. Moody refused. He said whether McPherson had acted freely was in dispute. The judge also said he would do everything possible to keep religion out of the case. Is it the differences between two judges and their personalities? Or are the politics of placating Scientology in play? Clearwater’s city manager, Mike Roberto, spends half his time making nice with the e-meter crowd. Worry that some of the best minds in Pinellas County have been cowed by Scientology.”
——————–
“Ingo Swann was a Scientologist at one time and also a superstar of the make-believe magical circus. He was confirmed as being a ‘genuine psychic’ by Professors Dumb & Dumber (Russell Targ and Harold Puthoff), the same suckers who were conned by Uri Geller.”
——————–
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. Next hearing scheduled for April 14.
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’s obsession with secrecy is in its DNA, and it results in absurdities
[TWO years ago] L. Ron Hubbard 2.0 starting new Scientology offshoot and says he’s getting out of jail soon
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s saddest celebrity, Eddie Deezen, arrested again
[FOUR years ago] Scientology social media: Never a better time for learning to shatter suppression!
[FIVE years ago] Scientology’s desperate response to pandemic is to let us see just how creepy it really is
[SIX years ago] Pageant official: Miss New Yorks are clueless about Scientology and we’re OK with that
[SEVEN years ago] A new academic book takes apart Scientology and pop culture, and the apologists hate it
[EIGHT years ago] Federal judge to Scientology: I’m taking over the arbitration, and it’s jail if you interfere
[NINE years ago] Spying, intimidation, and ruin: Two lives caught up in Scientology’s notorious ‘Fair Game’
[TEN years ago] Garcias ask for reconsideration on judge’s error: ‘We never agreed that Scientology is a religion’
[ELEVEN years ago] VERDICT: Scientology’s Quebec rehab facility violated human rights of David Love and 2 others
[TWELVE years ago] Dianetics: Your Life Was Ruined Before Birth by Your Parents and Their Dumb Culture
——————–
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 3,231 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,726 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,241 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,791 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,781 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,167 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,662 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,966 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,837 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,389 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,730 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,297 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,216 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,384 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,966 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,225 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,262 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,978 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,542 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,857 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,032 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,714 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,051 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,905 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,020 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,382 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,791 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,189 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,065 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,630 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,141 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,397 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,505 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on April 11, 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
More ‘1984’ creep: ICE says it will protect us from ideas crossing the border
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});ICE has deleted this tweet, but I didn't want the Ideas Interception Squad to be forgotten so I saved the art… pic.twitter.com/AKL87182Uw
— Jesse Walker (@notjessewalker) April 10, 2025
a room full of elite billionaires openly bragging about how much money they made from their "crash global markets" scheme because they know there is literally nobody who will hold them accountable. the state of american politics has never been more bleak https://t.co/sBChuYvnOO
— america's most successful lounge singer (@KrangTNelson) April 10, 2025
Sununu: Congress doesn't want them to get touched. Americans will accept it… Let’s move the retirement age. 62 or 64 or whatever it is? That’s insane. No young person thinks retirement should be in their mid 60s pic.twitter.com/V2PWmATjLJ
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 11, 2025
The Trump administration is quietly drafting a bold new policy for combating terrorism that targets a wide range of perceived foes, from Tesla vandals to protesters, intelligence sources tell me.https://t.co/BxqXNqofYP
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) April 11, 2025
Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio yesterday claimed that QAnon was "never MAGA" & "a psyop." QAnon supporters contributed to Tarrio's defense fund in 2021, & the Proud Boys in 2020 invoked the QAnon-related terms adrenochrome & "Save Our Children." https://t.co/80XmPw6Ou9 pic.twitter.com/4LfzjFiNM5
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) April 10, 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 11, 2025 at 08:00
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