Tony Ortega's Blog, page 48
March 21, 2025
San Francisco rules the Scientology universe — for this week, at least
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox, or go to this link: Scientology has not yet sent out a press release about its annual birthday bash for founder L. Ron Hubbard, but already one secret from it has leaked out, and it’s a detail with some profound evidence about the state of the church, and San Francisco’s moment in the sun! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“There is no conflict of interest between any healing profession and Dianetics. Dianetic materials and papers are fully available. There is a conflict between Dianetics and political practices such as psychiatry since electric shock, brain operations and general degradation of the person may prevent the patient’s recovery by Dianetics. As answers exist now for insanity there is no reason to continue medieval or Fascist solutions to the problem of the psychosomatically ill or the insane and we are doing everything in our power against fantastic opposition to end the torture and killing of the insane regardless of the politically ‘desirable’ ends envisioned by some groups.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1969
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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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“I don’t know what number the GPM is back at the year 200 trillion. On some PCs it will probably be number 52; and on some PCs it’ll be number 31, don’t you see? So to get a consistent numbering, when we say the first GPM, we mean the one which is nearest or the latest formed one. It’s the goal of that one that you have to have, but some pcs have skidded their wheels. They’ve listened to speeches by the Democrats or they’ve they’ve looked over Australian legal procedure or something like that, and they’ve skidded their wheels. And they’ve gone back to the second GPM and are living this life in the second GPM. You understand that? They’ve met an oppterm, let us say, in the second GPM of sufficient magnitude to cause them to be the terminal of the second GPM. You understand? That’s horrifying, isn’t it? Well, I’ll tell you why it’s horrifying. Because if you found the goal that they are living at this moment, it wouldn’t run. That makes some PCs more difficult to find goals on than others. You follow that? Now, what is more complicated is that the first GPM may or may not be fully formed. You may have only the first eight items of the first GPM formed, or you may have only the first 16 items of the first GPM formed because of course the PC normally is forming these things progressively as you move on up the track. Well, as we were saying last night, it is really too bad that we didn’t have somebody at various points of the track, and he took a gun and he said, ‘Everyone will now postulate his 65th GPM goal’ —bang! You see, and we all did it at once. Only it didn’t work that way. Some fellows postulated theirs thousands of years ago, some billions of years ago, and some trillions of years ago. So this of course makes it an uneven number.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 21, 1963
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“Vixie is OK. She was taken to the vet this morning. Her leg isn’t broken. It was a torn ligament. Mary Sue gave her a touch assist last night. Vixie went totally anaten. The pain shock was in her shoulder and went up to her head which she for awhile refused to permit to be touched. The touch assist was done on both sides of the body (other leg too) and near and far areas. You wear thick gloves in giving a dog or cat a touch assist as they snap and scratch and disassociate. The swelling went down and she came up to growl tone. On return from the vet she got a bone and sat in the foyer where she could bark at people.” —The Commodore, March 21, 1970
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“I was three months into being a Scientologist and auditing was great for my PTSD but the church isn’t happy that while they were closed for the pandemic I got psychiatric help. Now I’m ‘not stable enough’ to even donate. It’s hard. I love the tech but they can be overbearing. I’m hoping to find an independent auditor. And hoping to learn the assists. But the church has made it clear I’m not welcome there anymore. I do believe in spiritual healing as a general thing but just never got to explore it.”
2000: Mark Bunker reported a new development in the white lined zone by a Scientology building in Clearwater, in which people have been prevented from walking or protesting in recent months. “Just moments ago I took a victory march through the white lines on Watterson Street. In a hearing this afternoon, Judge Pennick decreed that we can walk through the lines when we’re not protesting. We must announce our names to the police then we are free to cross. As I strode manfully to the white lines, I announced in a strong but not booming voice ‘I’m Mark Bunker and I’m here to cross the white lines!’ I then walked down the street just like a citizen.”
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“So when some little kid says ‘goo goo ga ga’ during an auditing session the auditor tells the parents that junior was speaking in a whole track alien dialect?”
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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 denies that new law prevents Jane Doe being forced into arbitration
[TWO years ago] New Shelly Miscavige sighting actually took place earlier than you may have heard
[THREE years ago] Quentin Hubbard’s suicide: A Scientology-based explanation so insane it might be true
[FOUR years ago] ABCMouse honcho gives Scientology another $10 million — for construction of ‘LRH Hall’
[FIVE years ago] Scientology and the coronavirus: Keeping the orgs open as ‘essential services’
[SIX years ago] That feeling when Scientology tries to creep you out as a recruiting strategy
[SEVEN years ago] Kirstie Alley goes OT 8, celebrates her ‘confront’ level on Scientology’s cruise ship ‘Freewinds’
[EIGHT years ago] Reza Aslan is already being dishonest about indie Scientology ahead of CNN episode
[NINE years ago] No longer working for Monique Rathbun to sue Scientology, Ray Jeffrey opens up
[TEN years ago] ‘Going Clear’ subject Tom DeVocht reveals new info about Tom Cruise and Scientology’s leader
[ELEVEN years ago] French land sale falls apart once town learns Scientologists are involved
[TWELVE years ago] The Mother and Child Reunion: Another Dianetics Nightmare
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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 3,210 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,705 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,220 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,770 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,760 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,146 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,641 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,945 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,816 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,368 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,709 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,276 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,195 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,363 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,945 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,204 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,241 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,957 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,521 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,836 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,011 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,693 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,030 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,884 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,999 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,361 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,770 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,168 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,044 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,609 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,120 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,376 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,484 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on March 21, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Trump kills Dept of Education as golden age of learning grips America
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Department is spelled wrong. pic.twitter.com/ID5CCcHCLD
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) March 21, 2025
AOC: One thing I love about Arizonans is that you all have shown that if a US Senator isn’t fighting hard enough for you, you’re not afraid to replace her with one who will. pic.twitter.com/TqhWmkfcFy
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 21, 2025
Trump cabinet, please like me pic.twitter.com/47Xy56Y9uW
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 21, 2025
Might be enough to buy a Tesla share by the end of the month https://t.co/76NwSpkugp
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 21, 2025
Trump denies that Elon Musk is going to the Pentagon to learn about secret war plans with China pic.twitter.com/TmdMbP8Gj6
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 21, 2025
Trump has posted several attacks on Judge James Boasberg this evening pic.twitter.com/eBgv3DP19T
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 21, 2025
BREAKING: Federal judge blocks Elon Musk’s DOGE team from accessing Social Security Administration personal information for now. https://t.co/VQJ7LN7iTQ
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 20, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 21, 2025 at 08:00
March 20, 2025
Why Scientology’s fight over ‘Snow White’ files is coming up in Trump civil lawsuit
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Civil suits are still spinning out from the Jan 6 insurrection, and an odd result is that the White House’s Dan Scavino is fighting to keep records of his work for Donald Trump sealed, and he’s citing Scientology’s historical fight to keep its records secret. Say what? [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The temporarily insane by reason of emotional shock, where no medical illness exists, should be permitted rest and should then be handled by an assist as above or normal Dianetic auditing. Most often, rest and no further harassment result in a return to sanity in a short time such as a few days, but not in a terror atmosphere such as a psychiatric asylum where the patient is in the risk of being hurt or killed. Electric shock prolongs the condition and brain surgery is of course not treatment but murder as at best it deprives the person of his coordination and at worst shortens his life. The occasional and rare brain tumor is of course an exception but this is a medical not a psychiatric matter, no matter what manifestations the person exhibits.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1969
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
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“Some fellow by the name of Snitz, or Smutty, or something out in some state or another has written a book called, ‘What Happened To The Tens of Thousands.’ I’ve never read this book, but I think this is probably a very interesting piece of slander if I know anything else of this young commie. But, I didn’t say he was a commie, he said so. He said he left the party a long time ago, though, last October….What happened to the tens of thousands, he wants to know. What happened to the tens of thousands of people who were in there in Dianetics. Well I can tell you what happened to the tens of thousands of people, is Hubbard didn’t hypnotize them. He told them the truth….Everybody knew everything was being run at sixes and sevens. This wouldn’t be news to anybody. It wouldn’t have anything to do with whether or not there was horrible scandal, or upset, or good jobs of processing or bad jobs of processing. Just nobody started out to make a large cult composed of numerous people. Somebody set out to inform people of everything he knew that was true. And of course it didn’t make a population heavy game. And then a few of us kept on going because we weren’t satisfied that all the answers were in sight. We weren’t satisfied that we knew all the procedures which could be best employed. And we have actually invented a bunch of brand new games on top of games, in some cases. But we’re not aware of these, we’ve just learned how to teach somebody, seven years after Dianetics. What happened to the tens of thousands? They weren’t hypnotized. If those had been tens of thousands of people in psychology they would not now we a hundred million. This is for sure. When you start out to set people free then you have to inform them.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 20, 1957
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“For using incorrect ethics action, for damaging another and for failure to take any action to ensure MO or auditor action to correct, PAUL PRESTON is declared in a Condition of STUPID.” — Capt. Mary Sue Hubbard, March 20, 1971
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“Past-life Nazis took over the Church of Scientology with David Miscavige.”
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1999: The St. Petersburg Times issue reported that the judge in the Lisa McPherson civil case has ruled that the McPherson estate have access to Lisa’s auditing folders. “Two boxes of notes jotted in a unique shorthand sit in the office of a Tampa judge while the Church of Scientology fights another legal battle for what it says are its religious rights. The notes were written by Scientology ‘auditors’ who ‘counseled’ Scientologist Lisa McPherson in 1995, the year she died after a 17-day stay at a church retreat in Clearwater. On Monday, Hillsborough Circuit Judge James S. Moody Jr. rejected for a third time Scientology’s attempts to keep those records private. But the church, fielding a battery of seven lawyers, said it would immediately appeal. It contends the records of McPherson, like those kept on all Scientologists, are as private as disclosures in a Catholic confessional. Scientology indicated it would appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary. Releasing the records, the church’s lawyers said, would undermine the ironclad promise of privacy in an auditing session, the core practice of Scientology in which parishioners are said to purge psychological and physical problems. McPherson’s auditing records are sought by Tampa lawyer Ken Dandar, who represents McPherson’s family in a wrongful-death lawsuit against the church. Dandar says the records could help prove his contention that McPherson wanted to leave Scientology and was held captive. Church lawyers reject that theory and say Dandar has many other ways to try to prove his case.”
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“I’m surprised Gary Glitter didn’t become a Scientologist. It would have been the perfect cover for his degraded beingness.”
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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:
— 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] Mark Bunker doesn’t get a second term, but he won’t stop exposing Scientology
[TWO years ago] David Miscavige irked by evidence of his Florida ties, but judge doesn’t want to hear it
[THREE years ago] Ginger Sugerman: Her way out of Scientology was marred by trauma
[FOUR years ago] What Scientology doesn’t tell you about its ‘Bridge’ of courses until it’s far too late
[FIVE years ago] Brian Statler’s daughter joins lawsuit over his police shooting death at Scientology church
[SIX years ago] An eyewitness report from Scientology’s LRH Birthday Event Saturday in Los Angeles
[SEVEN years ago] Ginger Sugerman is facing enormous challenges — and here’s how you can help
[EIGHT years ago] Judge: Testimony about Scientology’s abuses so bad, it should get kicked out of the country
[NINE years ago] Got a war wound? Scientology can help you with that, and more in our social media review
[TEN years ago] ‘Going Clear’: Jason Beghe, the actor who left Scientology and made a stink about it
[ELEVEN years ago] What will you do with your Scientology E-meter tchotchkes?
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Ordered to Turn Over Confidential Files in Forced-Abortion Lawsuit
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,209 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,704 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,219 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,769 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,759 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,145 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,640 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,944 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,815 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,367 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,708 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,275 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,194 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,362 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,944 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,203 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,240 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,956 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,520 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,835 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,010 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,692 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,029 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,883 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,998 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,360 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,769 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,167 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,043 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,608 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,119 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,375 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,483 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 20, 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
Jackie Robinson a DEI hire? Dept of Defense admits error, but the racist purges continue
Some links to Q-related items today
A 1940's racial equality baseball ad featuring Jackie Robinson and others. MAGA would likely call this DEI. pic.twitter.com/Nic64lWa0P
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 20, 2025
Jackie Robinson protesting Jim Crow segregation pic.twitter.com/Nhqmay2zcX
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 20, 2025
Regarding Jackie Robinson's description on the Dept. of Defense website (before being restored) — @nlbmprez Bob Kendrick short & succinct. "There's nothing DEI about Jackie Robinson and for there to be a mistake made of that nature, if that is what it was, that's atrocious." pic.twitter.com/lGhSA8AfCP
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) March 20, 2025
This seems highly illegal https://t.co/I2Vhl7RxYE
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 20, 2025
Sanders: The reality is that in America today, our life expectancy is about four years less than in other wealthy countries.
But even worse is the fact that if you’re working class in America, on average, you live seven to eight years shorter than people who are wealthy. Now,… pic.twitter.com/HDvwSrUrIq
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 19, 2025
🧵
I spent much of last night digging through the #JFKfiles for @ABC. Here’s my take:
Most of what the government released last night is not new — in fact, much of what has attracted attention on social media has long been in the public domain, except for minor redactions,…
— Steven Portnoy (@stevenportnoy) March 19, 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 20, 2025 at 08:00
March 19, 2025
Missing Clearwater diver has Scientology community (and exes too) distraught
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Readers have been messaging us in regards to a story about a missing sportfishing diver who didn’t surface last Thursday about 65 miles off the coast of Naples, Florida. He was a Scientology member, and the outpouring of support for his family has been very interesting to see. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The CONTACT ASSIST is remarkable when it can be done. The patient is taken to the area where the injury occurred and makes the injured member gently contact it several times. A sudden pain will fly off and the injury if minor lessens or vanishes. This is again a physical communication factor. The body member seems to have withdrawn from that exact spot in the physical universe. The restoration of awareness is often necessary before healing can occur. The prolongation of a chronic injury occurs in the absence of physical communication with the affected area or with the location of the spot of injury in the physical universe.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1969
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
——————–
“The person who is suppressing thetans has an invisible field. He has a total nothingness involved and other types of suppression. So you’ll have suppression of visible things, suppression of invisible things, suppression of matter, energy, space, time. You get suppression of almost anything you can think of. And anytime you suppress anything in a certain time stream, you, of course, are also suppressing time. So time becomes the primary suppression. And therefore, you get the instantaneous quality of the reactive bank, so that all time is now in the reactive bank because of the suppression of the reactive bank. And that is simply not-isness in the reactive bank.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 19, 1962
——————–
“THIS PORT: The Charterers play this port in lower key without press as press is restrained here. Otherwise it’s all as in PRO cruise.” — The Commodore, March 19, 1970
——————–
“Scientologists in general and Scientology OTs in particular are highly commended for attending the Trump Rally of January 6, 2021 at Washington DC. This ensured that the Rally remained peaceful in general. The rally had been sabotaged by Democrats and federal agencies. They had plans to turn it into a false flag attack on the Capitol to be blamed on Trump supporters and conservatives. Peaceful Trump supporters could be seen stopping antifas in disguise from destroying the building, and the mere presence and awareness of Scientologists and OTs changed history and so the pre-planned false flag attack on the Capitol failed miserably.”
——————–
1998: Former Scientologist Philip Gale committed suicide at MIT, reported Cambridge newspapers. From the Harvard Crimson: “Philip C. Gale, a 19 year-old MIT undergraduate, apparently jumped out of a 15th floor window of an MIT science building shortly after 7:30 p.m. last Friday night. Gale was pronounced dead on arrival at Massachusetts General Hospital at 8:05 p.m. According to Robert J. Sales, assistant director of the MIT news office, MIT police consider the incident an apparent suicide. Gale is thought to have thrown a chair through the thick plate glass window of the Green Building before he supposedly jumped. Gale entered MIT at age 15 and subsequently took three semesters off to work in computer science. He worked for the Earthlink Network, an Internet access provider, during his time off, according to Eric Hu, Gale’s Phi Sigma Kappa brother and former roommate. Gale was originally from Charlotte, N.C. His family practiced Scientology, according to Hu, but Gale gave up the religion shortly after his return to MIT last year, Hu said.”
——————–
“I love a good yodel. I think I’m going to have to upload some yodeling vids here shortly. I found some good ones by Nina Hagen and Jewel. I’ll let the people decide democratically.”
——————–
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] Val Ross: What it was like to infiltrate the FBI for Scientology
[TWO years ago] Scientology fundraising goes down the rabbit hole in the most oblivious flier ever!
[THREE years ago] Scientology just sent its celebs the longest email in history. It’s an orgy of propaganda!
[FOUR years ago] It’s wedding bells for Scientology celeb and ‘The Walking Dead’ alum Alanna Masterson
[FIVE years ago] David Miscavige deposition in sex abuse lawsuit canceled after Scientology pushes back
[SIX years ago] Cops, soft porn, and psychiatry: The curious origin of Scientology’s Snow White Program
[SEVEN years ago] Not-ready-for-Scientology TV: L. Ron Hubbard’s fortune telling tricks still being sold today
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology’s pitch to Clearwater: Let us buy land for hotel, and we’ll gussy up downtown
[NINE years ago] A Scientology spy comes forward: Now he’s ready for ‘war’ with David Miscavige
[TEN years ago] ‘Going Clear’ fallout: Imagining the fate of Scientology and David Miscavige
[ELEVEN years ago] Finally, a last stand against space cooties: It’s Scientology’s New Operating Thetan Level 7!
[TWELVE years ago] Early On, Scientology Turns You Into a Snitch
——————–
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 3,208 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,703 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,218 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,768 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,758 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,144 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,639 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,943 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,814 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,366 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,707 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,274 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,193 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,361 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,943 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,202 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,239 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,955 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,519 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,834 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,009 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,691 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,028 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,882 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,997 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,359 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,768 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,166 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,042 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,607 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,118 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,374 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,482 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 19, 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 couldn’t be more thrilled with how thing are going
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump calls for impeachment of U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, calling him “a troublemaker and agitator.” pic.twitter.com/PYPSfi93xA
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 18, 2025
Porter: I think what we should be asking Elon Musk and pressing him on is: what makes this change efficient? I work on the campus of the University of California, Irvine, and I think about the research we’re doing here to save lives, to search for a cure for Alzheimer’s. Imagine… pic.twitter.com/jbqjdJvSFO
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 19, 2025
Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel campaigned with Charlie Kirk last night.
Here is Kirk attacking the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the legislation which banned racial segregation in the United States.pic.twitter.com/HLWxvJbYxX
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 19, 2025
Conservative Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel (center, front) says he would treat Trump (center, back) like anyone else if the president had a case before the Supreme Court. (Mega MAGA Rally, Sat night) pic.twitter.com/QW6d9SqeRl
— Daniel Bice (@DanielBice) March 16, 2025
An anti-Elon / Brad Schimel poster in Wisconsin pic.twitter.com/HWuReII3LV
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 18, 2025
The Trump administration is now actively working to kill US citizens and our media will maybe spend 36 hours on this story and most of it will be led by right wing grifters explaining Biden made a mess Trump is trying to clean up. https://t.co/HUbfd8tmKM
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) March 18, 2025
DOGE's record of mistakes and misdirection is remarkable. https://t.co/oswJzjcSUu
— Justin Wolfers (@JustinWolfers) March 18, 2025
Super cringe pic.twitter.com/xa0wjEq9FX
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 19, 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 19, 2025 at 08:00
March 18, 2025
Clearwater caves to Scientology again: Mark Bunker on last night’s vote
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: The Clearwater city council voted last night to vacate Garden Ave, the first step in selling the street to Scientology for $1.3 million so the church can make it part of their ‘L. Ron Hubbard Hall’ project. Mark Bunker spoke at the meeting and then shared his thoughts with us. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The Touch Assist brings the patient’s attention to injured or affected body areas. When attention is withdrawn from them, so is circulation, nerve flows and energy which for one thing limits nutrition to the area and for another prevents the drain of waste products. Some ancient healers attributed remarkable flows and qualities to the ‘laying on of hands.’ Probably the workable element in this was simply heightening awareness of the affected area and restoring the physical communication factors.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1969
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
——————–
“DAILY REPORT: Well, we got out of there all right. This rocking and rolling is done to condition people for the latest dance — The Wriggle and Dive. TWO WAY COMM: It was stated in yesterday’s OOD that Two Way Comm was out in Div 2 and Qual. But it even got typed wrong. ‘Ack’ was used instead of ASK. The sense of it was nobody in Div 2 or Qual ASK (not ack) anybody what it’s all about. So Two Way Comm was out all around. But all joking aside this, the most basic process we ever had, dropped out and must be gotten into action.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 18, 1970
——————–
“Flag auditors are easily the best in the world. They don’t kid around with cases. They know what they can do. The people audited on Flag go out of here to confront the ohs and ahs of their former areas on how changed and great they are. Any org could eventually achieve this stellar level of result. That isn’t just what FLAG does. It’s what any org could do if they really taught their courses and crammed their HGC auditors. Flag is a shining example of what CAN be done with Tech. Not new tech. Just tech. We saved a life last week with 1956 tech and an excellent auditor. That’s the way it must be, will be over the world if we here on Flag do our jobs.” — The Commodore, March 18, 1971
——————–
“Most of the people that actually natter on about Scientology and Scientologists are talking about ‘things they’ve heard’ or ‘things they’ve read from sources’ or ‘my best friend said LRH was xyz,’ and when I ask for policies LRH actually wrote, they can’t provide it. So far, there are about three policies (and I’ve already read thousands of policies) that may be controversial or questionable, and two of the three were canceled. These two of three are the only things they ever go on about that was ‘so bad’ and the rest were third party crap.”
——————–
1997: Diane Richardson reported a discussion of Scientology on CNBC’s program, Equal Time. “Guests were Jim Siegelman, author of Snapping, and Monique Yingling, the CoS attorney who handled their tax deal with the IRS. Siegelman knew his stuff and presented it well, in spite of Yingling’s constant interruptions and her efforts to talk over him. The main focus of the show was the New York Times article about the CoS/IRS deal. It also touched on Lisa McPherson’s death. Yingling was obviously unprepared to discuss that and appeared thoroughly rattled when it was brought up. Monique Yingling did not come off nearly as well — she appeared to be talking around the issues and her demeanor was thoroughly unsympathetic. Siegelman called for a Treasury Department investigation into the CoS/IRS deal. He also mentioned ‘the Internet’ as a source of information about the CoS.”
——————–
“I found a notebook on the street back in the 90’s and it was the diary of someone who was obviously mentally ill, probably schizophrenic, and in parts it read just like a lot LRH’s ‘writings,’ like the stuff in today’s article. Looking back, I’m guessing most prophets were either schizo or con men or both, like LRH. That would explain a lot history-wise.”
——————–
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] Danny Masterson victims calmly answer Scientology’s latest whine in lawsuit
[TWO years ago] PODCAST: Clarissa Adams on Scientology ripping apart families right now
[THREE years ago] Scientology enlisting police to indoctrinate kids? Sure, why not!
[FOUR years ago] Clearwater City Council denounces ‘Cult City Tours,’ expresses shock at operator behavior
[FIVE years ago] Scientology in the time of plague: Turning to Hubbard’s words on radiation for guidance
[SIX years ago] Michael Jackson and Scientology: When the Hollywood Celebrity Centre went on lockdown
[SEVEN years ago] Help us dig through this financial disclosure by Scientology’s sneaky front groups
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology goes into full smear mode in reaction to Leah Remini getting 2nd season
[NINE years ago] Monique Rathbun waives a response: Will the TX Supreme Court take up Scientology’s appeal?
[TEN years ago] Another ‘Secret Lives’ outtake: The neighbor who knew L. Ron Hubbard and his first wife
[ELEVEN years ago] DOX: Monique Rathbun’s response to bid by Scientology to stop the Miscavige deposition
[TWELVE years ago] Former Executive’s Tell-All Adds to Scientology Rehab Program Meltdown
——————–
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 3,207 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,702 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,217 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,767 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,757 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,143 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,638 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,942 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,813 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,365 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,706 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,273 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,192 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,360 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,942 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,201 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,238 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,954 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,518 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,833 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,008 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,690 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,027 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,881 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,996 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,358 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,767 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,165 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,041 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,606 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,117 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,373 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,481 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 18, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ
Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…
Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.
Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
Libturds green with envy as White House goes Irish for St Paddy’s Day
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump’s guest… pic.twitter.com/H9zIgb08Yk
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 17, 2025
Dropkick Murphys’ lead singer, Ken Casey: Dropkick Murphys has always been about standing with your friends, your family, and the things you believe in.
Trump is the exact opposite of everything we sing about. He’s turned on America’s friends and allies—he’s a rat and a coward. pic.twitter.com/aDNTffHc9n
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 17, 2025
Veterans: “Please restore the VA”
White House: “Best I can do is dye a fountain green” pic.twitter.com/Do84SZ53VB
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 17, 2025
Large Dairy Queen milkshakes are MAHA? pic.twitter.com/mvfVBpre1I
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 17, 2025
Tucker Carlson doesn’t seem too happy about Trump’s threats toward Iran pic.twitter.com/l3rdyqKYUs
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 18, 2025
Trump cowers from interview with The Atlantic citing their coverage of his suckers and losers comments which were confirmed by General John Kelly pic.twitter.com/lvinSOfkvL
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 17, 2025
Translation: “Ignore inflation and campaign promises” pic.twitter.com/2gLlpJqDhi
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 18, 2025
In November, days after the 2024 election, now-Trump admin appointee Michael Flynn told a far-right podcaster regarding certain media outlets, "There's gotta be serious consideration to remove the licenses of these organizations. Maybe they get suspended for a period of time." https://t.co/T25gWVIXh7 pic.twitter.com/iD59Gshfc5
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) March 18, 2025
Another entertainer at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home this weekend. pic.twitter.com/WOdqbL0dTg
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 17, 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 18, 2025 at 08:00
March 17, 2025
Mark Bunker’s council replacement explains his vote for Scientology
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Tonight, Clearwater’s council will vote to give David Miscavige and Scientology some property so the church can use it as part of its plans to build ‘L. Ron Hubbard Hall.’ We got a copy of the excuses one council member is making, and Mark Bunker’s response. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“There is everything to be said for correct medical treatment in the handling of the sick and insane. ‘Insanity’ is most often the suppressed agony of actual physical illness and injury. To ‘treat’ this agony with shock and ‘brain operations’ is a Nuremberg type offense and is indictable as mayhem or manslaughter. The medical treatment of ‘insanity’ requires sure awareness by the patient of his whereabouts and present time. These are usually quite unbearable so he has sunk into the past to escape the agony of the present. The TOUCH ASSIST given to such injured persons permits healing to occur by restoring the person to the present and his whereabouts to some degree. Healing after medical treatment might not occur rapidly if the ‘insane’ or chronically ill person remains in the past, unable to confront the present. Thus the Touch Assist speeds and often permits healing after medical treatment and sometimes in minor injuries and illness permits the doctor to accomplish healing without further treatment.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1969
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
——————–
“With governments leaning all over Scientology and looking down our throats, for instance, the probability — Mary Sue was always curious. She always said, ‘The government wants something out of Scientology.’ She’s always saying this. ‘The government wants something. There’s some reason for this.’ And we finally found it. They want the E-Meter for front-line combat troops. I thought that was very interesting. Yeah, it’s pretty crazy, isn’t it? Typical. You see, they get so much infiltration — this is serious — they get so much infiltration in modern warfare of the type that is being fought, that they can’t tell friend from foe. So they’re going to equip front-line combat troops with portable lie detectors. And, of course, there’s only one portable lie detector in the world, the E-Meter. I knowed something was getting those chilluns, you see? But apparently they have some kind of an interest in it. And you would — a thief or a criminal never can ask you for something. They’ve got to steal it. And I wasn’t saying all the governments are thieves or criminals. Don’t get me wrong. I think there’s one or two that aren’t. I know this is about the wildest curve you ever heard of and it’s completely unbelievable. You can see a soldier walking around carrying an E-Meter. Before he shoots the guy, you see, he puts the electrodes in his hands, you know? Bunch of psychotics. I know, it doesn’t sound right. But it sounds just exactly what a government would do.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 17, 1964
——————–
“Norman Starkey is welcomed to the post of Deputy CS-2. Student riots are really tearing the ground up. The Office in the Capitol is now acting to help the government. Things are cool on lines. ASHO is down again, measures are being taken. London has some out Ethics. DK needed help — they had 3 minor blows and a stat drop for 2 weeks — and are getting it. Their stats are now up again.” — The Commodore, March 17, 1970
——————–
“Genocide on a galactic magnitude does not work. Look what happened after a galactic ruler attempted that on us. The solution for these hivemind Gray ETs is auditing, not genocide. The problem is that there are good Grays and bad Grays. They come from Andromeda. They are minions of the reptilians, but I see the lizards from Buckingham Palace very alive and kicking. That without mentioning that they seem to RULE THE WORLD including the USA. Also, remember that LRH said the future civilization for Earth is a Galactic Confederacy type of society described in the taped lecture ‘The Free Being.’ In it the society includes all kinds of beings, from OTs, limited OTs, Doll Bodies, Meat Bodies and in the meat body bracket comes the Gray ETs and their ant hills. It is probably not well known that, according to Bill Robertson, the government of this Galaxy met with the good Grays from the government of Andromeda to reach an agreement.”
——————–
1996: Dennis Erlich posted an update on Judge White’s recent rulings. “In one order he granted the plaintiff’s motion to modify the injunction against me to include a single bulletin called Routine 3D Commands, for which the scienos had failed to provide proof of copyright earlier. In the same order modifying the injunction against me, he narrowed the type of browsing from which I was enjoined. The injunction now forbids, ‘browsing’ for a commercial purpose the text of a copyrighted work resident on another computer through on-screen examination.’ Another order denies the scienos motion to impound all the material they stole from me during the raid. He asserts again my right as a church critic of fair use of the unpublished material. And he dismisses the claim that by returning the material to me, the scienos were being forced to violate the tenets of their religion and their First Amendment rights. The final order relates to my motion to find the plaintiffs in contempt for not returning the material they stole during the unconstitutional raid. The judge ordered the plaintiffs to supply me with a description of the software and methods they used to download files from my computer. He ordered that the ‘fruit’ of the seizure be returned to me. This includes films or photographs taken during the seizure. He ordered that the material not be used for any purpose outside of the litigation (as photos of the raid had been used in the scienos propaganda literature). An evidentiary hearing will be held to determine if the plaintiff has been in contempt.”
——————–
“Capt. Howdy swears by some Dr Pepper and Jim Beam Black at the end of another lackadaisical day.”
——————–
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] Make room, Long Islanders: Scientology’s Gatsbys are moving in!
[TWO years ago] Mark Bunker: Scientology going nuts over upcoming Tampa Bay Times report
[THREE years ago] This is what it’s like to become a super being at Scientology’s Florida ‘mecca’
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s Brent Jones & ‘Real Water’ horror: kids needed liver transplants, attorney says
[FIVE years ago] Clearwater takes a stand against Scientology: MARK BUNKER WINS!
[SIX years ago] Scientology pitches a fit about sensible mental health reform in wake of Parkland shooting
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology’s L. Ron Hubbard considered James Bond’s nemesis SMERSH his biggest enemy
[EIGHT years ago] A HowdyCon 2017 announcement: Special guests and performances!
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s ‘personality test’ taken apart like never before, and by a former member
[TEN years ago] More proof that Scientology used the ‘R2-45’ method to intimidate enemies
[ELEVEN years ago] Here are the wealthy people keeping Scientology alive
[TWELVE years ago] ABC finally takes on Scientology…with General Hospital
——————–
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 3,206 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,701 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,216 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,766 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,756 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,142 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,637 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,941 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,812 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,364 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,705 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,272 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,191 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,359 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,941 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,200 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,237 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,953 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,517 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,832 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,007 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,689 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,026 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,880 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,995 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,357 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,766 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,164 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,040 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,605 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,116 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,372 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,480 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 17, 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
While saving the world from libturds, 47 still has time to win another club championship
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Alternative Headline: “After tornados ravage the United States, Trump golfs while states count their dead” pic.twitter.com/wYVYjYx0gg
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 17, 2025
Trump is working hard to stop inflation today pic.twitter.com/wEVG46dKVj
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 16, 2025
Trump has surprisingly won another club championship pic.twitter.com/Yt2xRSbIE1
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 16, 2025
Trump says his administration is “actively monitoring the severe tornadoes and storms” that have already hit multiple states.
These storms need to be monitored beforehand. Trump’s DOGE cut NOAA. People are now dead. pic.twitter.com/3QuIFztxhi
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 17, 2025
Jeffrey Epstein was Trump’s former close friend. https://t.co/AAYZPfm8gu
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 16, 2025
Why is HAARP still attacking us? Trump is President, how is the Deep State still operating the evil weather machine? pic.twitter.com/iTgC9PO8TV
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) March 16, 2025
Fashionistas posing in Mar-a-Lago’s carpeted ladies room. pic.twitter.com/eKQnIbjKby
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 16, 2025
Elon followed Trump to Mar-a-Lago again pic.twitter.com/CIrSb4yrDj
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) March 16, 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 17, 2025 at 08:00
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