Tony Ortega's Blog, page 47
March 26, 2025
VIDEO: Can Scientology lure you to the happiest place on Earth?
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Scientology tries so hard to get you to give up your current life, turn your back on family and friends, and start a new journey as an indentured servant to David Miscavige and L. Ron Hubbard! Is that asking so much? We have the latest staff recruitment video for your perusal! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“Recovery from disease under treatment is speeded by Dianetic auditing. Where the incident of the break is, with any chain, run out, a broken limb will heal (by X-ray evidence) in two instead of six weeks. Some patients who are not responding to medical treatment who are then given as little as a Touch Assist will then be found responsive to the medical treatment. An auditor giving the person a Dianetic session will more or less ensure that the medical treatment will now work. A person who is accident prone when audited usually loses this unwanted characteristic. Many ‘insane’ recover from their symptoms when given proper medical treatment, rest, no harassment and then good mild Dianetic processing. They become and remain normal people without relapse.” — 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
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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“Look, you know that a thetan has been sitting around here for a couple of hundred trillion years. You realize that there have been psychiatrists all over the track? I mean, you probably didn’t realize that it was a stupid universe, but it is. Been psychiatrists all over the track; they’ve been electric shocking people. Well, that certainly should have upset the GPMs, shouldn’t it have? Huh?” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 26, 1963
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“THE BEACH: Cagliari’s old town (mostly bombed out in WW II) is reputed to be more expensive and a bit ‘clip.’ The new town is over the hill and is reputed to be fairer in price. These shore people will give you bad money exchange rates if you don’t watch it.” — March 26, 1969
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“I see there’s a whole bunch of new people here. If you’re serious about Scientology, I’d recommend you find a good indie group (there’s lots, just type in independent Scientology) and leave this one. The admin is NOT a Scientologist, and he will ruin your case. Please trust me on that, he posts things contrary to what Scientologists actually believe in, confidential cognitions, and is increasingly more antagonistic towards Scientology, Scientologists, and LRH. I’m only making this post for your own good.”
1998: Following the recent Boston Herald series on Scientology, the St. Petersburg Times carried an article on Scientology’s investigation of the writer of the Herald series, Joseph Mallia. “Church officials say their lawyers have hired a firm to investigate Joseph Mallia, a Boston Herald reporter who recently wrote a five-part series that raised questions about church practices. The investigation conflicts with statements made in 1994 by a top church official Kurt Weiland, who handles international legal affairs for Scientology. During an interview at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the St. Petersburg Times asked Weiland and church president Heber C. Jentzsch about the practice of investigating reporters. Weiland responded, ‘First of all, we don’t do that.’ He added: ‘There’s no institutional or organized campaign or effort or action ongoing to go after a reporter.’ Asked this week to explain the contradiction, Weiland said the church deals with adverse news reports on a case-by-case basis. He said Mallia’s articles were inaccurate and the church was trying to uncover what ‘sinister motive’ he had and what ‘vested interest’ he was working for. ‘It’s not a personal thing,’ Weiland said. ‘Every time a reporter steps out of his way to create damage to the church…then, of course, it’s gloves off.’ ‘No one I know goes so far as to hire outsiders to harass or try to get intimidating data on critics,’ said the Rev. Robert W. Thornburg, dean of March Chapel at Boston University and an expert on destructive religious practices. ‘Scientology is the only crowd that does that.'”
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“So the owner of a gay bar took money from the Church of Scientology? AAAAGGHH! Now I’m really in a bad mood.”
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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 April 15.
— ‘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 March 31.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud, awaiting sentencing.
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.
— 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.
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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] Leah Remini’s proposed changes to Scientology lawsuit show what she’s really fighting for
[TWO years ago] Mark Bunker: Meeting an old Scientology friend on the streets of Clearwater
[THREE years ago] ‘Oh gosh’: Judge views alleged rape filmed on phone of Scientology private eye
ABC gives platform to Scientologist named one of 12 biggest sources of vaccine disinfo
[FIVE years ago] Scientology’s bizarre response to the pandemic: Handing out sketchy cleaning products
[SIX years ago] Tom Cruise’s son Connor to marry Scientology staffer in the church’s Florida mecca
[SEVEN years ago] Leah Remini is still being stalked, and now Scientology has turned to an ex-NYPD detective
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology’s gateway drug: The personality test and what it’s actually telling you
[NINE years ago] Talking Scientology with actor and podcaster Ethan McKinley
[TEN years ago] ‘Going Clear’: Sara Goldberg on how Scientology turned her own daughter against her
[ELEVEN years ago] Jillian Schlesinger: How I got into Scientology, and how I got out
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology’s Version of Family Values: The Group is Everything
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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 3,215 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,710 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,225 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,775 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,765 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,151 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,646 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,950 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,821 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,373 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,714 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,281 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,200 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,368 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,950 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,209 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,246 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,962 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,526 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,841 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,016 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,698 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,035 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,889 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,004 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,366 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,775 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,173 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,049 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,614 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,125 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,381 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,489 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on March 26, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Greenland will fall before the new MAGA tank force, maybe
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Can’t let Usha go on her own, she might stay pic.twitter.com/t7GpEA6Gqx
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 25, 2025
4D chess! pic.twitter.com/4RotFMoKYW
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 25, 2025
It took them a day but QAnon has finally figured out how to claim that #SignalGate is actually a White Hat trap and the Deep State fell for it. pic.twitter.com/hWZYFHZxMN
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) March 25, 2025
Trump Admin Signal Group Chat Included Member Still Waiting for Senate Confirmation
Unconfirmed nominee Joe Kent texted on behalf of Tulsi Gabbard during the war plans leak https://t.co/lKLj3GyQG1
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 25, 2025
Tomi Lahren calls on Trump administration to admit “they F’d up” pic.twitter.com/3qEYIK8gwF
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 25, 2025
BREAKING: A federal judge has issued a restraining order against Kari Lake and the Trump administration barring the cancelation of funding for Radio Free Europe.
The decision to terminate, the judge says, appears to violate the law/congressional intent.https://t.co/fgoSmlSTgz pic.twitter.com/XkzqsQR78d
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) March 25, 2025
Another vandalized Cybertruck pic.twitter.com/eRg7cUVj9z
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 25, 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 March 26, 2025 at 08:00
March 25, 2025
Scientologist sentenced to 25 years for kidnapping and assault
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: On March 13 a prominent Scientology family got a shock: One of its own was sentenced to 25 years in prison. The case had gone entirely unreported in local news. But we’ve pieced together what took place, and it involves an infamous character we all met more than a decade ago. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“The basic use of Dianetics is to make a well body and to augment physical treatment. Any injurious experience can be erased by Dianetics. It is very easy to use and if one wants people well and happy it should be used at every occasion. A person has an operation. This should be followed soon after by Touch Assists and other handlings from the Full Assist Checklist 28 May 1974RA revised 1I July 1978, including erasure of the engram of the experience by Narrative R3RA Quad. The engrams and secondaries related to the incident can then be run using preassessment procedure and R3RA Quad. The healing time will be greatly speeded and often healing will occur where a relapse might have followed. A woman has a child. The engram of delivery should be run out soon after. The result of doing so is very spectacular. There is no ‘postpartum psychosis’ or dislike of the child and no permanent injury to the mother. It is in fact best to audit the mother both before and after the delivery, which gives one fast relatively painless childbirth and quick recovery.” — 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
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
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“The possession of an object is necessary to its handling and control. The ability to have something is necessary to its nullification. In other words, if you want to take the danger out of something, you’d better be able to have it. Don’t try to stretch away and run away to the other end of Earth because some machine is going whirr-clang. Because there’s a guillotine somewhere that is going whirr-clang is no reason that you have to go to south Borneo. It might be if you’re trying to play the game of preserve the body, preserve the body, preserve the body, to take the body there. But I assure you, that if you run away from a guillotine, the next time you get beheaded it’ll hurt like hell. But if you didn’t run away from the guillotine there’s a distinct possibility that the guillotine wouldn’t clang. If it did it wouldn’t hurt. First, if it did clang it wouldn’t hurt, or it wouldn’t even drop, or it would disappear, or you probably have the ability to simply mock up a body someplace else. In other words, you could vanish if you could be there. But not if you ran away.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 25, 1957
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“WEDDING: The Wedding of Diana Hubbard and Jon Horwich went off beautifully. The reception at the hotel was extremely nice. They will go on a honeymoon to the states on April 15. It is planned to have a second ceremony at Jon Horwich’s home. PARTY: There will be a party with the same band aboard on the evening of 3 April for those who did not attend the reception yesterday evening.” — The Commodore, March 25, 1971
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“Scientology was created for the most part by one person, and it’s the first technology of its kind and only one to truly make people’s lives better. Any other form of therapy or knowledge is limited in its application whereas Scientology has few limits. When one tries to accept changes to the tech, we’re dealing then with other people’s realities and cases dependent on where they are on the Tone Scale and how much training they themselves have had. LRH spent thirty years developing, trying, and testing Scientology. It is a study of the human mind. Altering it means changing that which works to that which MIGHT work. It’s not practical when we have the answers in front of us.”
1997: The Wall Street Journal printed an editorial entitled “The Scientology Problem”. Some excerpts: “Scientology is currently demanding acceptance throughout the world, mostly on the basis of a 1993 Internal Revenue Service ruling extending it 501(c)3 tax-exempt status. The State Department’s human rights report, an ad by Hollywood figures and others have berated Germany over persecution of Scientologists. Other sects have also started with odd theology and behavior; is Scientology now traveling the road to respectability? Conceivably so, though the Scientologists have more history than most to live down, most of it written in court decisions here and abroad. Scientology performs its ‘auditing’ and ‘clearing’ according to a schedule of set fees. Those who are ‘cleared’ at one level go on to the next with further training and further fees. To many authorities, not to mention alienated former Scientologists, Mr. Hubbard’s creation looks a lot like the business of personal counseling or psychiatry (to which Scientology also raises theological objection). There have been repeated reports that Mr. Hubbard told his science-fiction colleagues that the way to get rich is to found a religion. The Scientologists promote anti-drug and anti-crime efforts, but even in the post-Hubbard era have been a magnet for controversy. For one thing, they are confronting the Internet, using copyright and other laws to inhibit their critics, who gather in a discussion group called alt.religion.scientology. Scientologists have succeeded with U.S. copyright suits against the posting of secret Hubbard texts, but have angered the Internet community. The texts keep appearing, for example on a Norwegian site calling itself Operation Clambake. Further litigation is currently under way in San Jose and Denver, with the patience of presiding jurists being tested by both Scientologists and ‘netizens.’ Internet defendants are now challenging the validity of the copyrights, and seeking to depose the secretive Mr. Miscavige about the circumstances of their transfer. Finally, Scientology is also in a controversy over the death of one of its members in Clearwater, Florida, in 1995. Lisa McPherson, 36, was detained by paramedics after she took off her clothes following a minor traffic accident. In lieu of psychiatric treatment, doctors released her to fellow Scientologists; 17 days later she died en route to another hospital where the staff included a Scientologist physician. We certainly hope that the Scientologists finally win the respectability they seek, though we note that the Mormons did abandon polygamy and the Jehovah’s Witnesses no longer beseech potential converts by setting up loudspeakers on their lawns. In the meantime, we wonder why the State Department is so exercised over German statements that would be protected by U.S. libel law, indeed, over a German position that was the U.S. position until the current administration. And we certainly think the IRS should share with the rest of us whatever persuaded it that money from the disturbed seeking solace is no longer being siphoned off into bank accounts in Switzerland.”
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“You know, I actually try not to swear on here. And If I’m in mixed company I try to do the same. Even though I’m an old punk I do have fairly good manners, and I have the scars from my mother’s fingernails digging into the fleshy part of my arm when I didn’t to prove 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 April 15.
— ‘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 March 31.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud, awaiting sentencing.
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.
— 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.
——————–
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 didn’t want you to know that Elisabeth Moss attended the LRH Birthday
[TWO years ago] PODCAST: Louise Shekter compares working closely with both Hubbard and Miscavige
[THREE years ago] Danny Masterson accusers to CA Supremes: Stop Scientology from harming Valerie Haney!
[FOUR years ago] Another records request from Scientology shows how Mark Bunker drives them nuts
[FIVE years ago] The million-dollar donors keeping Scientology flush, New Year’s 2020 edition
[SIX years ago] Scientology, naturally, is trying to capitalize on the New Zealand mosque massacre
[SEVEN years ago] The Ideal Org grift isn’t complete until Scientology’s ‘Birthday Game’ is won
[EIGHT years ago] ‘God of Pop’ Kuba Ka on meeting Scientology’s David Miscavige: ‘Like an emperor or the Pope’
[NINE years ago] Attorney for Scientology’s drug rehab centers threatens lawyer running anti-Narconon website
[TEN years ago] ‘Going Clear’: Marty Rathbun on what he was thinking during his key moment in Gibney’s film
[ELEVEN years ago] New judge announced in Laura DeCrescenzo case, and Narconon lawyers up
[TWELVE years ago] A SMERSH Madness Update: Time for the Bracket Finals to Begin!
——————–
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 3,214 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,709 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,224 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,774 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,764 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,150 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,645 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,949 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,820 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,372 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,713 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,280 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,199 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,367 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,949 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,208 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,245 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,961 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,525 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,840 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,015 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,697 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,034 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,888 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,003 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,365 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,774 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,172 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,048 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,613 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,124 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,380 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,488 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 25, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Team of Idiots shares war plans with Atlantic editor in text chat, world explodes in laughter
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});No way this guy accidentally leaked war plans in a text message pic.twitter.com/E7YOIqbtYP
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 24, 2025
Here are the secret war plans of the United States. Reply STOP to opt out of these texts.
— (((Jew))) (@JoshMalina) March 24, 2025
— James Wilson (@jameswilson1781.bsky.social) March 24, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Reporter: Can you share how your information about war plans was shared with a journalist?
Hegseth: So you are talking about a deceitful and highly discredited so-called journalist who has made a profession of peddling hoaxes pic.twitter.com/JXegFXbdpP
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 24, 2025
I would like to nominate Maxwell Smart for national security advisor.
— Governor Tim Walz (@governorwalz.mn.gov) March 24, 2025 at 9:32 PM
So…lock them up? pic.twitter.com/GfyLY4MOkb
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) March 24, 2025
The only chance anyone gets called to account is if the media won't stop making noise about it and our media is loath to attack Republicans. https://t.co/ylHt8CkqC5
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) March 25, 2025
First Term Trump would be furious but today’s Trump barely knows what day it is. There will be no accountability because Trump doesn’t care and our media never holds Republicans accountable for anything. pic.twitter.com/OW926CpSzJ
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) March 25, 2025
“President Musk” would have upset Trump in his first term. Now he’s totally gone. He doesn’t care what anyone does in his name. He just wants to threaten people with tariffs and golf. https://t.co/VYRtwBJpbL
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) March 24, 2025
Fascinating MAGA world reaction to the Atlantic's Yemen story — Gateway Pundit says the chat was a "masterclass in leadership," and Jeffrey Goldberg should have politely excused himself from the chat. pic.twitter.com/7DlmCtUnHF
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) March 24, 2025
According to another QAnon figure who presented apparent screenshots, Trump's Los Angeles golf property has framed & hung up multiple paintings from QAnon figure Chad Vivas, including Vivas' painting with a Q in it. https://t.co/SUHZT20CEd pic.twitter.com/y340uNlbvq
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) March 24, 2025
MAGA: “You can tell the NASA astronaut recovery was fake because the dolphins weren’t scared” pic.twitter.com/hOxvcoKeSU
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 24, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 25, 2025 at 08:00
March 24, 2025
Oops! Scientology spills a secret as it prepares to co-opt another holiday
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 annual effort to turn Christmas into a recruiting event is pretty well known, but it also does what it can with Easter, holding an annual egg hunt in Florida to lure in new meat. And we also found some other Easter recruiting plans that contained a small surprise. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Why Dianetics fell out of use had nothing to do with its workability. It has worked and well since 1950. In some areas, mainly the U.S., it was illegal to heal or cure anything. There was even a law in California giving 25 illnesses that were against the law to cure. The ‘Better’ Business Bureau in the U.S. even issues pamphlets that state that ‘You can always tell a fake healer because he says he can cure something.’ Why a civilization would make it illegal to cure illness can only be explained by some vested interest making more money out of people being sick than getting people well. There existed a continual threat to anyone who helped their fellows. The ability of Scientology to bring about spiritual freedom therefore received the concentration of effort by organizations.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[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 need, then, a peaceful planet. So I worked this out originally as…what became the name of the project: International City Project. Well, I…finally came to the conclusion that if all the capitals of the world were located inside one city that they were not likely to bomb each other out, that they, in effect, would be very careful of declaring war. They would be close cheek by jowl enough to discuss most of their problems…Now, you take every capital of the world and treat it accordingly and then treat it in such a way that transport within the capital is very fast and so that each and every section and center of the capital has some of its own atmosphere rather easily planned up, by the way. It isn’t just a sprawling mess…So Wendell Willkie came out with something he called One World, and practically everybody shot him down in his tracks. He was a pioneer in this particular field. But nevertheless this idea has become more and more popular and it’s actually sweeping in that direction. The first step would have to be you’d have to persuade all governments to turn over all atomic weapons, stocks, control of atomic manufacturers to the United Nations at once, you see. Second step is persuade the United Nations and all governments to select a site for and construct an International City, preferably in North Africa on the Mediterranean coast where land reclamation can expand its area and where its communication lines can be easily centered for Earth. Third step: Persuade all governments to remove their capitals to International City complete with heads of government, congresses and parliaments. Prohibit a secondary capital or even a communication relay center within the country itself.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 24, 1964
——————–
“TELEXES are meant to be answered the same day; when answered, they go to the ‘Telexes In’ basket in the Comm Bu. Deadline 2300 hrs. Even if they cannot be answered immediately, they should be returned to this basket, as these telexes go up to LRH for his viewing after 2300. These unanswered telexes will then be returned for answering.” — Org Off Bu IV, March 24, 1971
——————–
“Many of us left ‘official’ Scientology beginning in the 1970s. As the Sea Org advanced, we retreated. In our view, we are the keepers of ‘true’ Scientology, who apply what we know of it with reason, not fanaticism. That includes Child Scientology, in which book Hubbard expresses and encourages some very kind sentiments towards children.”
——————–
1996: The St. Petersburg Times detailed Scientology’s request for changes in Clearwater’s housing regulations. The cult wants to pack in twice as many Sea Org members into the Hacienda Gardens, the barracks for low ranking SO and many RPF. “The change would cut in half the required living space and eventually provide homes for the 300 new Scientology staff members needed for the ‘Super Power’ facility, said Richard Haworth, a spokesman for Scientology’s Clearwater-based Flag Service Organization. Hacienda Gardens, 551 N Saturn Ave., has 200 units populated, in large part, by members of Scientology’s Sea Organization, who wear Navy-style uniforms and sign billion-year contracts to devote themselves to Scientology. Sea Org members, as they are called, spend 10 to 14 hours on the job daily. That unusual work schedule, and the fact that they eat their meals at Scientology dining halls and not at home, means that the city’s normal living standards aren’t necessary in Hacienda Gardens, Haworth said. ‘The units are used primarily for sleeping and are seldom used for cooking, entertaining, etc.,’ the Scientology request said. ‘If this variance is not granted, then, among other results, the applicant will be required to acquire additional property for housing purposes, which property will then be removed from the tax rolls.’ The Scientology request asks that in 120 apartments, the city’s minimum dwelling space requirements be cut in half. For a 700-square-foot apartment, for instance, the change would boost the number of Scientologists allowed from six to 13. In April 1992, city building officials cited the church for overcrowding in 34 of the Hacienda Gardens apartments. Scientology officials moved staff members around to alleviate the overcrowding, which they blamed on the logistics of renovating the facility.”
——————–
“I went to the Scientology rebuttal site for ‘Going Clear’ and it’s almost as long as the book! They start fairly low-keyed and then next thing I knew they were inferring that Dave Touretzky was trying to get people to bomb Scientology orgs. They can’t control the crazy for too long.”
——————–
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 April 15.
— ‘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 March 31.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud, awaiting sentencing.
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.
——————–
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] John Travolta and Elisabeth Moss were front-and-center for Scientology birthday bash
[TWO years ago] Private eye firm that spied for Scientology throws up the white flag in sordid lawsuit
[THREE years ago] Scientology leader says he has 2.5 million square feet of new churches coming soon
[FOUR years ago] Danny Masterson holds on to his passport as judge decides he’s no flight risk
[FIVE years ago] Scientology leader David Miscavige calls the pandemic ‘planetary bullbait’ in epic briefing
[SIX years ago] TOM CRUISE THANKED BY DAUGHTER ISABELLA IN BIZARRE SCIENTOLOGY PROMO
[SEVEN years ago] Leah Remini talks ‘Aftermath,’ developing a new show, and more with Chris Shelton
[EIGHT years ago] DREAM LAWSUIT: ‘God of Pop’ Kuba Ka vs the Church of Scientology. THANK XENU, IT’S ON!
[NINE years ago] Chris Shelton: How Scientologists can use critical thinking to break free
[TEN years ago] ‘Going Clear’: Paul Haggis pens a description of the Scientology experience you won’t forget
[ELEVEN years ago] Jillian Schlesinger says Scientology now ‘sneakier’ about forcing abortions
[TWELVE years ago] It’s Ron’s Birthday, And Your Present is More Scientology Stuff to Spend Money On!
——————–
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 3,213 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,708 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,223 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,773 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,763 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,149 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,644 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,948 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,819 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,371 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,712 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,279 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,198 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,366 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,948 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,207 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,244 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,960 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,524 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,839 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,014 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,696 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,033 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,887 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,002 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,364 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,773 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,171 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,047 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,612 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,123 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,379 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,487 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 24, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
What corruption? White House seeks sponsorships for Easter
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump attacks voters attending Republican town hall pic.twitter.com/GfvVVZDPKZ
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 23, 2025
The White House is sending Usha Vance to Greenland with her son to attend their national dogsled race. pic.twitter.com/NzhseteQ8K
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 23, 2025
Donald Trump is seeking corporate sponsors for this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll event.
It seems everything in the Trump administration is for sale now.
Staggering corruption. pic.twitter.com/NTs2ZGxxOO
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) March 23, 2025
How is selling citizenship for $5 million “America First” again? pic.twitter.com/iSnY93PTe6
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 23, 2025
Trump pumped his crypto coin on social today pic.twitter.com/mrBf664Zls
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 23, 2025
Years ago there were QAnon promoters who would say stuff like "Q never said Hillary eats babies" and they would claim the Adrenochrome people were CIA plants trying to make QAnon look bad. Now it's Adrenochrome all day every day. The nuts won out, they always win out. pic.twitter.com/rmWmmlyICG
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) March 24, 2025
Trump‘s Mar-a-Lago home this weekend while Americans struggle to pay their bills pic.twitter.com/68mh2dyhUo
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 24, 2025
Laura Loomer was at Mar-a-Lago this weekend.
Some MAGA influencers have claimed that Loomer was banned by Trump from his properties. That doesn’t appear to be the case. pic.twitter.com/Kvc1BSEkJv
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 23, 2025
Food at Mar-a-Lago pic.twitter.com/XGBdBv8OHc
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 23, 2025
Kelsey Grammer with Kimberly Guilifoyle at Mar-a-Lago this weekend pic.twitter.com/FKvOitKjY3
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 23, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 24, 2025 at 08:00
March 23, 2025
Eyewitness reports from celebrations of Scientology’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard!
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Yesterday #Scientology members were asked to come down to their local ‘orgs’ to watch video of the L. Ron Hubbard birthday event filmed the week before in Florida. We have a couple of eyewitness reports from those local celebrations of the 114th birthday of Scientology’s founder. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Dianetics is done differently than Scientology in that its auditors are trained up to New Era Dianetics Graduate only. Therefore they do not have various skills you will find in a Scientology auditor. Even when they become a Scientology auditor, Dianetics is still done as Dianetics. Therefore knowledge and skill above and beyond the training level of the New Era Dianetics Course is not to be expected of the New Era Dianetics auditor. There are also things in Book One we no longer use such as Repeater Technique, looking for phrases to explain conditions. We use Dianetics as it was re-worked in the early 60s and as currently being presented in the New Era Dianetics Series. If it isn’t on the checksheet of the Dianetics Course, then we don’t demand it. We do demand some skill with a meter and what a floating needle is.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[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({});
——————–
“I’m not down on religion. I believe in religion, except I don’t believe in limited religion. If we’re going to have two gods let’s worship two gods, that’s all. If we’ve got to have worship of gods, let’s at least worship the minimum number allowable in this universe. Now, let’s not fool around with this religion, tell people what they can’t do with religion and what they can do with religion. We’ve just got religion — if we’re going to have religion, then let’s be honest with it and look and see and find this to be the case: that everybody who starts worshiping one god and one god only, and shaping his pathway straight toward one god and only one god and good, and it’s good, and that’s all we can have anything to do with is good, winds up bad. Ever know any minister’s sons?” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 23, 1953
——————–
“Had a good break today on Research. Cracked why one can’t be audited after exteriorization so one can. Will push OT ability up out of sight. I do get my own hats worn despite randomity!” — The Commodore, March 23, 1970
——————–
“Isn’t science fiction surely just science that hasn’t yet been developed, discovered and refined? Almost all of the technology we take for granted now has appeared in some form or another in sci-fi works before, and it’s definitely the case that sci-fi writers have been critical to introducing the ideas that inspire scientists to create amazing things. Some of the sci-fi writers were originally physicists, engineers and industrial chemists. Therefore, is it no surprise that the development of spirituality from being a series of myths and monsters into a systematised and evidence-based approach should have been made by a sci-fi writer? I would say it is because of, and not in spite of, that.”
——————–
2002: The St. Louis Post reported that Scientology’s Applied Scholastics program has purchased a former retirement home in St. Louis, Missouri to be its new headquarters. “A nonprofit organization promoting the teaching methods of L. Ron Hubbard, is moving its world headquarters to Villa Gesu, a former retirement home for Catholic nuns. Applied Scholastics International bought the complex from the School Sisters of Notre Dame in October for $2.9 million. For the previous 70 years, the 55 acres of brick buildings and rolling hills overlooking the Mississippi River had been home to infirm and elderly sisters who needed regular nursing care. The last of the sisters moved out at the end of the year. Bennetta Slaughter, chief executive of the organization, says she expects the facility to be up and running in the fall, although no date has been set. ‘We don’t even have design plans finished, frankly,’ she said. ‘We have a bit of a runway before we’ll be there.’ Asked about the relationship between the Church of Scientology and Applied Scholastics, Slaughter says there is none. ‘Obviously they’ve been very kind to the organization in terms of support,’ she said. ‘But we get our employees from the same place every secular corporation does. We advertise in the newspaper.’ Because the organization’s Los Angeles center will remain open with much of its current staff, the St. Louis headquarters will hire most of its employees locally. Teachers from throughout the country will come to the St. Louis center for short- and long-term courses, and although some will be able to stay in dormitories on the campus, most will stay in hotels. The sisters are using money from the sale for the renovation of their motherhouse in Lemay and for charitable works. Over the next 18 months, they’ll be working with Applied Scholastics and the Hubbard organization’s real-estate arm, Better Living Properties, to remove the remains of sisters who were buried on the property to another Catholic cemetery in the area. ‘We’re happy that this group is renovating the buildings and trying to maintain them as they are now,’ said Sister Joan DiProspere. ‘We wouldn’t want it, you know, to be used for any purpose that’s contrary to our values.'”
——————–
“I remember growing up in the 60’s, and this idea that all of our problems were due to suppressed subconscious desires or traumatic incidents we had ‘forgotten,’ and if some psych could make us remember we would be miraculously whole and normal again like Liz Taylor, was the concept that was being pushed on everyone. Hubbard just took the bullshit and ran with 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 April 15.
— ‘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 March 31.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud, awaiting sentencing.
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.
——————–
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] BANNED IN EAST GRINSTEAD: How we got blacklisted for asking about Scientology
[TWO years ago] Meet John Blosser, Scientology’s new shill, who is targeting Graham Berry
[THREE years ago] An insider’s report on David Miscavige at Scientology founder’s birthday event 2022
[FOUR years ago] Danny Masterson accusers take Scientology ‘arbitration’ to California Supreme Court
[FIVE years ago] The wealthy donors keeping Scientology in business, New Year’s 2020 edition
[SIX years ago] Carol Es on 20 years in Scientology: ‘You’re programmed to think emotions are weak’
[SEVEN years ago] Stop interacting with Scientology’s Internet trolls. Here’s proof it can backfire on you badly.
[EIGHT years ago] State investigators fired for blowing the whistle on Scientology’s rehabs get hearing in Denver
[NINE years ago] Scientology attorney Bert Deixler takes another swing at Karen de la Carriere
[TEN years ago] ‘Going Clear’: Mike Rinder helps us understand a Scientology document that will creep you out
[ELEVEN years ago] Three weeks out of Scientology: Fresh information from a ‘blown’ Sea Org member
[TWELVE years ago] Blood Brother Ron: Starting Out Life on the Wrong Blackfoot
——————–
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 3,212 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,707 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,222 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,772 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,762 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,148 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,643 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,947 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,818 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,370 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,711 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,278 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,197 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,365 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,947 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,206 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,243 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,959 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,523 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,838 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,013 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,695 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,032 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,886 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,001 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,363 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,772 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,170 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,046 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,611 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,122 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,378 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,486 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 23, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Q patriots grousing that Trump and RFK Jr haven’t gotten rid of chemtrails yet
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump getting the middle finger and thumbs down at the NCAA Wrestling Championship today pic.twitter.com/zlNoY7G60I
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 23, 2025
Kaufmann: DOGE claims to have found Social Security loans going to 11 year olds and under. It's a survivor benefit annuity to young children whose parents have passed. That's the problem, billionaires without a clue doing a job they don't understand pic.twitter.com/JeS9kiSJoo
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 22, 2025
According to Outlaw and QAnon Trump has been sitting on a video of Hillary committing an inhumanly brutal murder but hasn’t shown it to us yet because Americans really love Hilldog and our little brains couldn’t handle seeing it. pic.twitter.com/HmR4UrqPcW
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) March 22, 2025
We now got ads in this hellsite yelling at the Trump administration for not getting rid of the Chemtrails pic.twitter.com/okYFCZzW4t
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) March 23, 2025
Pretending you’re the underdog when your allies are the President of the United States and the richest man in the world is pretty sad. pic.twitter.com/TgFA3Spa49
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) March 22, 2025
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 22, 2025
Rob DeSantis with Moms for Liberty Director Catalina Stubbe at the White House for Trump’s Department of Education executive order pic.twitter.com/wnddWHfSVu
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 22, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 23, 2025 at 08:00
March 22, 2025
When my friend Wings Hauser stunned Scientology about its high prices
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Geoff Levin was close with actor Wings Hauser for more than 50 years, and they met in Scientology. With news of Hauser’s death at 77, Geoff shares details of their friendship in and out of the church, and the moment when Wings dared to speak up like no celebrity before or since. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Dianetics, like any other true treatment, like aspirin or penicillin, was originally designed to handle the apparent basic cause of psychosomatic illness. The first research was intended to help allied prisoners of war degraded by the Japanese and Chinese prison camps and who after V-J day were transferred to Oak Knoll Naval Hospital. Later, in 1954, in a much more advanced state of development, Dianetics was successfully employed to eradicate the results of allied prisoners of the Korean War who had been subjected to Russian brainwashing. The subject has been improved, made easier to teach and apply and its results bettered continually over a total period of 29 years. It was in 1969… fully updated as Standard Dianetics. In 1978 it has again been upgraded as New Era Dianetics. It is very successful and is in very broad use over the world.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[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({});
——————–
“Let’s get the idea that right this moment you’re engaged in killing a woman. Now let’s remember this as an incident that occurred 20 years ago. Now let’s get the idea that you’re right this moment engaged in killing a man. Now let’s remember this as though it happened 35 years ago. All right….Now let’s get the idea of being a space ranger, a space man being shot to death right at this minute. Now let’s get this on recall now, as something that happened a hundred thousand years ago. This very incident. All right. Now let’s get the idea, right this moment you’re engaged upon being a sultan. Being a sultan. And now recall this as having happened 200 years ago. Now let’s get the idea of being a general, a general who is engaged in slaughtering a million troops. Killing them all to the last troop. Now let’s get this as having occurred a hundred and fifty thousand years ago. Now let’s get the idea of you being engaged this moment, successfully engaged upon blowing up the entire physical universe. Now get this as having happened yesterday. Now let’s get the idea of your own universe at this moment being blown to pieces. Now throw your memory into action as though it happened last night. And now as though it happened 50 years ago. And now as though it happened a billion years ago. And now as though it happened a trillion years ago. And now as though it happened 76 trillion years ago. Now, let’s get the idea right now of being engaged upon the construction of an entirely new universe. Now let’s get this as though you were engaged upon it, actually, at six o’clock this morning. OK.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 22, 1954
——————–
“SECURITY: Remember, we were doing great until we forgot our security in letters, telexes and radio comms and ceased to be archaeologists or moving pictures people. Get our security in.” — The Commodore, March 22, 1969
——————–
“I think various people are rollercoastering from lack of proper supervision and having done weird things to their own cases, as well as those of their PCs. I think what we’re seeing is the outcome of a huge experiment on their part into what happens if all the checks and balances of Scientology are ignored. Left to their own devices and doing the wrong processing actions badly, or skipping key actions altogether, they’ve managed to create a really bad chain of BPCs, overruns, etc. In a properly supervised org scenario, all of these indies would have their folders red-tagged and it would get handled with a GF, from which any other repair actions would be taken. There would also be Qual oversight over their processing.”
——————–
2001: The St. Petersburg Times published and editorial criticizing the Chief of Police Sid Klein for allowing Scientology to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to have off-duty officers patrol Watterson Ave. “Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Thomas Penick, who has the unenviable task of refereeing sidewalk skirmishes between the Church of Scientology and anti-Scientology protesters in Clearwater, recently pointed to an arrangement that allows off-duty Clearwater cops to work for Scientology and noted, ‘They are coming very dangerously close to becoming a private security force for the Church of Scientology.’ Penick was right to call attention to the uncomfortably cozy relationship developing between city police and the church, which has its spiritual headquarters in downtown Clearwater. As reported Sunday by staff writer Deborah O’Neil, the Church of Scientology has paid nearly $150,000 to 110 officers since January 2000. The Police Department gets $2.50 an hour from the church to cover fees and workers’ compensation. The off-duty officers are hired by the church to make sure that no one — particularly staff of the Lisa McPherson Trust — messes with Scientologists coming and going from church facilities on Watterson Avenue, a downtown side street where many clashes between the two sides have occurred. Though Scientology has worked to improve its image and relationship with the city in recent years, the fact is that the church, by virtue of its controversial history in Clearwater and its altercations with the Lisa McPherson Trust, is not like most other Clearwater churches. Also, there is a big difference between providing an off-duty officer to a church to direct traffic after Sunday services and supplying off-duty officers to protect Scientology from its critics every day of the year. Klein orders officers who work off-duty for Scientology not to take sides. It is naive for him to expect that every officer earning income from Scientology and interacting regularly with its members will always be capable of objectivity. And it is unwise to place officers employed by the church in a position to be first-responders, report-writers and official witnesses when incidents occur between the church and protesters. If Klein sees a need for a law enforcement presence on Watterson Avenue, he should assign on-duty officers to work there, whether or not off-duty officers continue to be employed by the church.”
——————–
“Margery Wakefield writes in ‘The Road To Xenu’ about how they were allowed and encouraged to watch Star Trek in the mess hall. They would laugh about how the ‘wogs’ didn’t understand what they were watching were real Whole Track memories.”
——————–
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 April 15.
— ‘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 March 31.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud, awaiting sentencing.
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.
——————–
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] Sure sign of Scientology’s decline? The new ‘OT Phenomena’ are not very… phenomenal
[TWO years ago] Scientology is going space crazy! Hold on to your wallets, pilgrims, and let’s blast off!
[THREE years ago] War in Ukraine: What does it mean for Scientology there and in Russia?
[FOUR years ago] Scientology on the ground: Despite church PR, things look very grim as the pandemic lingers
[FIVE years ago] Scientology tries to rah-rah its way through the pandemic while endangering its members
[SIX years ago] Here’s the police report on Scientology’s sad attempt to mess with ‘Aftermath’
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology TV gives viewers a glimpse of the church’s most secret locations — but why?
[EIGHT years ago] The real reason Leah Remini is taking a wrecking ball to Scientology
[NINE years ago] Trial set in New York on April 7 over Narconon drug rehab hiding connection to Scientology
[TEN years ago] ‘Going Clear’ subject Hana Eltringham Whitfield fills us in on a Scientology secret or two
[ELEVEN years ago] Jon Atack: Why I call Scientology a cult and not a church
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology’s Sneaky Infiltration of New York City Schools
——————–
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 3,211 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,706 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,221 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,771 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,761 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,147 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,642 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,946 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,817 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,369 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,710 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,277 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,196 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,364 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,946 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,205 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,242 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,958 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,522 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,837 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,012 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,694 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,031 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,885 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,000 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,362 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,771 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,169 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,045 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,610 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,121 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,377 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,485 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on March 22, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Big numbers turn out for Bernie and AOC in reaction to Trump chaos
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});5 things Trump did this week:
1. Invited an MMA fighter fined for rape to the Oval Office
2. Waited on hold for Putin, then talked about hockey
3. Set up a fake classroom in the White House
4. Kept the Epstein files safe for another week
5. Left town to play more golf pic.twitter.com/k5ChEYJvBm
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 21, 2025
AOC: I will say, the clever thing about what Donald Trump and the right tries to do is make working people like you and me feel like we are just one step away from being inside that club. That maybe one day we will be a billionaire too.
But here is the thing. The spoils of that… pic.twitter.com/4hlyNjMA3x
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 21, 2025
RFK Jr says cell phones cause cancer, DOJ sends women to a men’s prison in El Salvador, Musk's Pentagon war briefings debacle, Trump wants Tesla vandals jailed abroad, and AOC torches the haters. That and more in today’s absolutely bonkers Bulletin. https://t.co/nWg9dw9a0S
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) March 21, 2025
Casar: You can quickly explain Doge with just two numbers.
First: $8 million a day. That’s how much Elon Musk collects in federal government contracts.
Second: $65 a day. That’s how much the average senior—someone who has worked their entire life—gets from Social Security.… pic.twitter.com/kjAATxP7E0
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 22, 2025
if elon really believes that all his projects are being undercut by the dastardly george soros, that's mostly just really embarrassing for elon imo. a 98 y/o man with 1/100th of your financial resources is lapping you? and you're telling ppl abt this, in public? embarrassing!
— america's jumbo lounge singer (@KrangTNelson) March 21, 2025
Wow. They got caught lying and then tried to blame the Dems. pic.twitter.com/hemTzW2o9F
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) March 21, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 22, 2025 at 08:00
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