Tony Ortega's Blog, page 5
November 11, 2025
Trump admits he didn’t have to knock down the East Wing
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});He doesn’t know basic things https://t.co/533Uk5a15V
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) November 11, 2025
Trump on affordability: It’s a con job. Costs are way down.
Ingraham: So you are saying voters are misperceiving how they feel? pic.twitter.com/Cs8s4UBoqM
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 11, 2025
Trump admits he didn’t have to demolish the White House’s East Wing https://t.co/CSPEHCeQXf
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) November 11, 2025
False https://t.co/tfa8WZ4io3
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) November 11, 2025
Trump is attacking MTG https://t.co/iiNgVcH3CK
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) November 10, 2025
He did it. He did the meme. I’m not even going to post the gif cause that would be gratuitous. https://t.co/UybdlD4V6m
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) November 10, 2025
Trump crashed another wedding this weekend at Mar-a-Lago pic.twitter.com/SqTf9Rn49g
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) November 10, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on November 11, 2025 at 08:00
How Scientology’s friend Pam Bondi made a problem for John Travolta go away
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: For months we’ve been pointing out how Scientology has interesting connections to the White House this term. But how does that actually benefit Scientologists? Well, we have an interesting example of that today, and it involves one of the most famous Scientologists of them all. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“A person being trained is mainly working on an inflow basis. Day after day it is inflow, inflow, inflow. This tends to put him at effect. In twinning, the person can balance his inflow with outflow. This keeps him from going totally into effect. It puts some cause into the scene. A person, when he is expected to apply knowledge or skills, must, of course, be at cause. When he is trained totally at effect, he can get into what is called a ‘stuck flow’ phenomenon whereby he can’t outflow the subject. Yet, if he is ever going to apply it, he is going to have to outflow it. Twinning has the virtue of balancing inflow and outflow. It will be found that when the person comes to apply the tech, he is already able to outflow if he was trained using twinning.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
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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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“Actually, you can exteriorize a dog. You can process them. It’s very peculiar, but you can. They exteriorize as a mass. Did you ever run a preclear who exteriorized with a theta body? Hm? Well, you will someday. You will say, ‘Be three feet back of your head,’ and the fellow is there in a black shape with claws, or something of the sort. And then you have to exteriorize him from that black shape. Well, you’re already into the field of demonology when you say ‘Be three feet back of your head’ and you’ve got something which is a black energy mass which the individual conceives himself to be. You can’t see him. He’s invisible to you with your naked eye. But he’s not invisible to you with your theta vision. You can be 18 feet back of your head, leaning up against the molding strip, something like that; you say to this fellow, ‘Be three feet back of your head,’ and you’re looking at a demon….I’ve exteriorized a dog, much to his surprise. And pushed him back in again. Something on the basis of reaching in, grabbing hold of him as a theta body, pulling him out, and pushing him back in again. I’ve also exteriorized a coyote the same way. Coyote body lay there deader than a mackerel, while this process was going on. He’d been in full flight, and I reached from three feet back of his head and pulled him out of his body. All right. This may sound like a fairy tale to somebody who’s nailed down very solidly in Dianetics and is practicing man for the betterment of man. In Scientology we’re not very much interested in the betterment or the worsenment, and that is something which people have not yet completely isolated or noticed, and I haven’t mentioned very much in the field of Scientology. Get the idea? Scientology is an understanding of. That’s not necessarily a betterment of. You follow me?” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 11, 1954
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“Nov 11 was Armistice Day, the end of World War I. Whistles blew and mobs screamed with joy because ‘the world had been safe for Democracy.’ Then Smersh really moved in, babied Bolshevik Socialist Russia, later spawned National Socialist (Nazi) Hitler. And a hundred million war dead later, the world is only safe for Smersh. Ah well, enough to make anyone cynical! But in all this time only ourselves has been burying Smersh top cats one by one. So there’s no need to be cynical. Get industrious. We’re winning whatever else is happening!” — The Commodore, November 11, 1971
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“Once the implant stations, matrix, AI interface, etc are cleared the next gradient of confront is the actual people who orchestrate it and our own participation by choice and decision and at knowing and willing cause-effect. Or in this scenario effect-cause at the bottom of the tone scale in total failure & the unknowable and a state of confusion, trying to figure figure it all out, with zero responsibility & accountability. The lowest and 1st echelon of beings to confront beyond and outside the theta/mest construct are the highly trained, Telepathic OT Programmers.”
1996: Grady Ward reported this week that he has noticed suspicious activity at his house, possibly due to harassment by Scientology. “I’ve noticed an increase in suspicious activity at my house such as multiple hangup calls from what is probably a cell phone (of someone casing the house?) coming at a time and manner that someone might feel would be optimal for an attempted break-in at the house.” Grady also asked Tom Hogan, attorney for Scientology, to step down from their lawsuit since Hogan indicated Grady’s filing of the Swedish NOTS was forged, shortly before the documents were stolen from the Swedish authorities. “Sometime after Hogan said the the ‘Plaintiff believes these are forgeries,’ scientologists substituted other texts for the ones belonging to the various court and parliament clerks in Sweden. In other words, we have strong, almost incontrovertible proof that RTC is engaged in Obstruction of Justice (a felony) and international conspiracies to commit theft and forgery — and they are committing acts which are provoking an international incident with an ally.”
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“Sunny is definitely Bunker Hall of Fame material after this. As long as she doesn’t get caught doing ‘roids or shooting an associate down the road from her house, she’s a first ballot shoo-in.”
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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 August 13.
— ‘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 December 1.
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 Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
——————–
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] For Veterans Day: Why does Scientology lie about L. Ron Hubbard’s supposed war wounds?
[TWO years ago] PODCAST: Fresh off protest success, getting into a Scientology org to judge its futility
[THREE years ago] PODCAST: Looking back at the fourth week of testimony in the Danny Masterson trial
[FOUR years ago] Is Danny Masterson adding an OJ Dream Team lawyer to his defense? Also: trial set for Aug 29
[FIVE years ago] Scientology still driving away talented people and ripping apart their families
[SIX years ago] Scientology snags an elected official (and JAG!) for its Central Ohio ‘Ideal Org’ ceremony
[SEVEN years ago] Michigan Catholic couple appears to open a Scientology drug rehab without a permit
[EIGHT years ago] ‘Scientology is dying’: John Brousseau on the decline of Int Base and fate of Shelly Miscavige
[NINE years ago] Leonard Cohen: This awful year strikes again with the loss of a transcendent genius
[TEN years ago] Under oath, Narconon official lets slip that drug rehab organized just like Scientology
[ELEVEN years ago] Kim Poff fired by Oklahoma agency after stories (including ours) described Scientology dispute
[TWELVE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY SUPER POWER COUNTDOWN: Six Days to Blast-Off!
[THIRTEEN years ago] Scientology Sunday Funnies: Tom Cruise’s Son Connor Fights the North Koreans!
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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 3,444 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,948 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,454 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 4,004 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,994 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,380 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,875 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,179 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,830 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,048 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,602 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,943 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,514 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,430 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,597 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,179 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,438 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,475 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,190 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,755 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,070 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,245 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,927 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,264 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,117 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,233 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,595 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 4,006 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,394 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,278 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,843 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,354 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,614 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,718 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on November 11, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2024 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2024), 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, 20 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
November 10, 2025
Bernie is livid: Senate Dumbocrats cave just days after huge election victory
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});🚨 Bernie Sanders just unloaded on both parties:
It would be a horrific mistake to cave to Trump right now.
If Democrats vote for this deal, they’re giving him a green light to march straight toward authoritarianism. pic.twitter.com/EKFvHBMFcU
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) November 10, 2025
Democrats just had their most successful election night in years so naturally they immediately cave to Republicans in less than a week
— Brooks | 🏳️🌈 (@brookstweetz) November 10, 2025
The other end of the “deal” https://t.co/QJRr1G4Fp9
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) November 10, 2025
“When you’re going through Hell, keep going.”
– Winston Churchill
— 𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕖_𝔾𝕦𝕣𝕝 (@SundaeDivine) November 7, 2025
Another Back-to-Back Golf Weekend for Trump as Shutdown Drags On
Trump golfed at his Palm Beach resort as his administration fights against food assistancehttps://t.co/GhB74YHFPthttps://t.co/GhB74YHFPt
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) November 9, 2025
The reason why Trump continues to fall for QAnon and satire posts and puts them out as fact is because he has dementia and has no idea what his own Admin is doing from day-to-day. That, and he’s a habitual liar. https://t.co/EQDioRgRkN
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) November 9, 2025
Me: This Commanders game can’t get any worse
FOX: pic.twitter.com/yf41dlhBFc
— Rudy Gersten (@DCBarno) November 9, 2025
We are 10 years into the Trump Cult and Jacob thinks Trump’s big issue is he hasn’t been on TV enough to show the normies who he really is. pic.twitter.com/3fartRYPws
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) November 10, 2025
Looking for some background on the QAnon movement? We recommend Travis View’s excellent article at New York magazine as a place to start.
THE LOWDOWN is our blog for news, the QAnon phenomenon, and other subjects not related to our coverage of the Church of Scientology. If it’s our Scientology coverage you re looking for, please use this bookmark for our latest stories.
Posted by Tony Ortega on November 10, 2025 at 08:00
Let them eat caviar: What Scientology’s big donors chowed down on at the IAS gala
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Alex Barnes-Ross keeps sending us good stuff from last weekend’s IAS gala, which took place at Scientology’s UK headquarters. On Saturday was the Patrons Ball, when only donors of at least $50,000 can get in the place, and even the little whales need to be treated well, right? [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“The modern tendency is to just let everybody do as they please and put their attention on whatever they please. This is the ‘think’ of the day, and it is in in most
basic school systems and has spread as well into many different fields. Probably someone somewhere thought it would be much quicker and easier and require much less confront to just let a student sit there permissively, with his attention wandering around in the total significance of it all and then claim he had passed the subject when he had never gone near it. It is a symptom of people who can’t confront not to make anyone else confront. We don’t buy this. It is totally batty. The creeping disease of permissiveness, non confront and spectatorism is simply a part of ‘the beautiful world of irresponsible slop.’ It has no place in Scientology training.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
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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
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});— 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
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“Every man there is, is a universe. You talk about God: The most you will know about God for probably a long time to come is you. If you want to know what God is all about, or if you want to know what you’re all about, you want to know what the fourth dynamic is all about, you consult the essential elements of ‘you-ness.’ Not buried, unconscious, submotivated, libido-icated, bypassed symbolizations of the left hind ruddy rod, which we therefore graph and say, ‘It’s all mysterious and you can’t understand you, so therefore we can own you.’ We’re not running that operation.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 10, 1952
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“We may or may not have been responsible for the demise of the scandal sheet l’Opinion which was suddenly shot down and seized, statedly because it had printed adverse materials on corruption in the government. This was a vehicle used by MI-6 (British Intelligence), and CIA, the US agency that specializes in false reports. We have clashed with l’Opinion a few times in the past and have generally gotten the better of them. We were about to clash with them again but why bother with a dead body. The other newspapers in that area have now been nationalized and the former company which ran them has been bought out or pushed out by the government.” — The Commodore, November 10, 1971
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“Scientology’s infinite theta journey is the road to infinity which goes nowhere except the in-between lives Saturnian implant station which no one remembers because they didn’t download those pictures into your mind. I wonder if they’re trying to hide something.”
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
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1995: Karin Spaink reported on suits being filed in the Netherlands. “I heard rumours yesterday, but today [11/15] the news was confirmed: Planet Internet, Holland’s biggest commercial provider (half owned by Dutch Telecom) is a party in the upcoming lawsuit. OF THEIR OWN FREE WILL – not because they received a writ of summons. Yesterday, a representative of Planet Internet phoned our lawyer Bakker Schut to ask whether it was possible that they be added to the writ of summons. Of course Bakker Schut was most amazed on hearing this question – usually, people want to avoid a lawsuit and do not seek one voluntarily – but his conclusion was that it is indeed possible.”
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“Past life Scientologists have to do the Basics all over again just like everybody else. Fair is fair, ya know?”
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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 August 13.
— ‘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 December 1.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief was filed June 3. Respondent briefs are due September 2.
— 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 Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
——————–
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Xenu is here with your 2024 Scientology holiday catalog!
[TWO years ago] Danny Masterson’s victims strike back at Scientology’s attempt to gut their lawsuit
[THREE years ago] Prosecution in Danny Masterson trial scheduled to rest after odd turns on Wednesday
[FOUR years ago] Jim Dincalci, 1946-2021: Medical officer to Scientology’s L. Ron Hubbard on the high seas
[FIVE years ago] Trouble in the Scientology FreeZone! Even ‘Indies’ are suing each other
[SIX years ago] Scientology promotes its expensive propaganda TV channel one flier at a time
[SEVEN years ago] Bent Corydon on Scientology’s Sunday night massacre: ‘We all clapped at the right places’
[EIGHT years ago] If Trump is serious, he has a clear path to go at Scientology — through his Treasury Secretary
[NINE years ago] L. Ron Hubbard on the run: When the Daily Mail was hounding Scientology’s founder in ’66
[TEN years ago] Narconon is dead, long live Narconon! How Scientology solved its drug rehab addiction
[ELEVEN years ago] Ryan Hamilton’s next move: Consolidating his Narconon litigation into one big case
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Attacks Garcia Filing; Marc Headley Schools Clearwater’s Mayor
[THIRTEEN years ago] A Scientology Knockoff That Considers Children ‘Sexy’? Great Xenu’s Ghost!
——————–
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 3,443 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,947 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,453 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 4,003 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,993 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,379 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,874 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,178 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,829 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,047 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,601 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,942 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,513 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,429 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,596 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,178 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,437 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,474 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,189 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,754 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,069 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,244 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,926 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,263 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,116 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,232 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,594 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 4,005 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,393 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,277 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,842 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,353 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,613 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,717 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on November 10, 2025 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.
Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2024 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2024), 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, 20 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
October 19, 2025
Former Dream Exchanger on Scientology at the startup, and other problems
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Former Dream Exchange employee Jeff Ferrell went public this last week with more problems at the startup featured in a Wall Street Journal investigation. We talked to him about the problems he saw at the company, and what he encountered that had to do with Scientology. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“A technical fact is that moods or emotions are usually ‘automatic’ which means they are not necessarily under control but tend to control the person himself. It is as if he is under other-determinism. Technically, you can “take over” the automaticity and put it under a being’s control just by having him consciously do it over and over. You can also change a chronic tone level by shifting a person’s attention from it by making him do something else. (Reference: ‘Ability 36’ and ‘Ability—Straight Wire.’) Body position, voice tone, facial expression and attitude are all part of conveying the mood or tone level.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
——————–
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 Eighth Dynamic is really infinity stood upright. And it simply means infinity. Now, you can come along and say, ‘Well, you also mean the Supreme Being?’ No, we don’t particularly mean the Supreme Being. How do we know that you aren’t, collectively, the Supreme Being. See? That’s probably much more closer to truth. There are gods around of various kinds. There are some wind gods over in India; there are various savage gods of one kind or another. But if you give them a good quizzing you find out that they’re just a thetan and they behave most remarkably like you would if you hadn’t thought that you ought to lay aside all the power you had, too.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 19, 1954
——————–
“NOTES FROM HCI: In spite of Sea Watches, Drills and docking the following completed courses yesterday: Al Bornstein, Lookout Specialist; David Ziff, HDG; Dekki Le, SO SS; David Ziff, HSDC; Sharon West, SO SS; Liz Ausley, OOD Specialist. Very Well Done. It’s great to see thetans making things go right.” — The Commodore, October 19, 1970
——————–
“Cabal bases on Mars surely exist. The secret Earth conspiracy is just a small part of the larger agenda to suppress the rest of the universe.”
——————–
2001: John and Claire Swazey posted their Suppressive Person Declare this week. They have been Scientologists and contributors to the alt.religion.scientology newsgroup. “John and Claire have been associating with SPs for more than 2 years and have continued to do so despite clear Church policy. They have not been availing themselves of the true source data but have been getting false data from the SPs they have been associating with. As of May 2001 they went beyond associating with them and started assisting them in their attempts to attack the Church by spreading Black PR. They have publicly disavowed Scientology and Church management using a broad public medium and have violated the trademarks of the church and the laws of the land. Claire has broadcast entheta about Church management and Scientology, and associated with SPs using a broad public medium for more than 2 years. On the 29th of April 2001 she publicly disavowed the Church of Scientology and Church Management using a broad public medium, as well as giving enemy lines about Senior Management terminals. Claire has also been associating with a Church staff member feeding him entheta and false data about the Church resulting in his no longer wanting to work as a staff member in the Church. Claire and John are guilty of the following suppressive acts: PUBLIC DISAVOWAL OF SCIENTOLOGY OR SCIENTOLOGISTS IN GOOD STANDING WITH SCIENTOLOGY ORGANIZATIONS. ENGAGING IN MALICIOUS RUMOR MONGERING TO DESTROY THE AUTHORITY OR REPUT OF HIGHER OFFICERS OR THE LEADING NAMES OF SCIENTOLOGY OR TO ‘SAFEGUARD’ A POSITION. CALCULATED EFFORTS TO DISRUPT CHURCH SERVICES OR THE FLOW OF PUBLIC UP THE BRIDGE THROUGH THE CHURCHES. ACTS CALCULATED TO MISUSE, INVALIDATE OR ALTER-IS LEGALLY OR IN ANY OTHER
WAY THE TRADEMARKS AND SERVICE MARKS OF DIANETICS AND SCIENTOLOGY. FAILURE TO HANDLE OR DISAVOW AND DISCONNECT FROM A PERSON DEMONSTRABLY GUILTY OF SUPPRESSIVE ACTS. IT IS A HIGH CRIME TO PUBLICLY DEPART SCIENTOLOGY. Any certificates or awards which may have been given to Claire and John Swazey are hereby canceled. Any membership agreements they may have signed are also hereby canceled and they have no right to use the Dianetics and Scientology marks in any manner whatsoever. Should they come to their senses and recant they are to do the steps A to E. Their only terminal is the International Justice Chief via the Continental Justice Chief. WUS JUSTICE CHIEF, APPROVED BY INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE CHIEF”
——————–
“A day without Kirstie is like a day without donuts.”
——————–
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 August 13.
— ‘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 December 1.
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 Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
——————–
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Elvis Presley and Priscilla have previously unknown grandchild in Florida, lawsuit claims
[TWO years ago] ‘Piece of Blue Sky’ author Jon Atack hits a big Scientology anniversary
[THREE years ago] Here’s the origin of the Scientology phrase Jane Doe 1 used that almost caused a mistrial
[FOUR years ago] Luis Garcia steps in to help Danny Masterson’s accusers: Scientology ‘arbitration’ is corrupt
[FIVE years ago] Danny Masterson’s attorneys back in court in rape case today while he’s in Wyoming
Let’s help Scientology actor Danny Masterson name his new wine venture
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology has to open its books again, and we dig into the numbers
[EIGHT years ago] Raid in Hungary: Scientology’s Cold War tactics are colliding with 21st Century data privacy
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s biggest lie: That it will teach you to take control of your own life
[TEN years ago] Would you buy a used car from this man? Scientology and refunds — a primer
[ELEVEN years ago] Marty Rathbun on being ambushed at LAX by raving Scientologists: ‘It was insane’
[TWELVE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY DROPS A BOMB ON MONIQUE RATHBUN’S HARASSMENT LAWSUIT
[THIRTEEN years ago] When L. Ron Hubbard Rocked the World: The OT 8 Release!
——————–
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 3,421 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,925 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,431 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,981 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,971 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,357 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,852 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,156 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,807 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,025 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,579 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,920 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,491 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,407 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,574 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,156 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,415 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,452 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,168 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,732 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,047 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,222 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,904 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,241 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,094 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,210 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,572 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,983 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,371 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,255 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,820 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,331 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,591 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,695 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on October 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, 1995-2024 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2024), 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, 20 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 howl as King Trump craps on his disloyal subjects in AI video
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump posts AI video showing him literally dumping shit on America pic.twitter.com/qZ2ZC6s8EW
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 19, 2025
The press will ask a few Republicans about this video and they'll claim they haven't seen it and the story will blow over within 24 hours where if any other American politician in the last 50 years did anything like this it would be in the first paragraph of their obituary. https://t.co/AkKW5Ucf8B
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) October 19, 2025
Wait, Republicans said these were all violent terrorists 🤔 pic.twitter.com/PCjZcZvIU6
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) October 18, 2025
MAGA really showed its hand trying to convince the public that No Kings protests would be fonts of radical terror — that was always a fantasy, obvious to anyone who knows anything about these events. They should get asked questions about this for the foreseeable future.
— Jared Holt (@jaredlholt) October 18, 2025
Trump fled to Florida to golf during the government shutdown pic.twitter.com/QERnLC3GFb
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) October 18, 2025
Important reporting from @propublica: How Trump is Building a Violent, Shadowy Federal Police Force https://t.co/GJpU6oZX8j pic.twitter.com/nKQ6mNyCLd
— Phil Williams (@PhilNvestigates) October 18, 2025
NEW: We obtained a trove of emails detailing Jeffrey Epstein’s relationship with the Wall Street billionaire Leon Black. The emails show Epstein demanding tens of millions of dollars from Black, insulting his kids and advising on a settlement with a woman. https://t.co/Poq51dtpXv
— David Enrich (@davidenrich) October 18, 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 October 19, 2025 at 08:00
October 18, 2025
Scientology runs into even more obstacles as big tent party approaches
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: With less than two weeks until the start of this year’s big IAS gala at Scientology’s UK headquarters in England, the church’s planning application that seeks to redevelop its Saint Hill Manor grounds for future galas has run into yet more snags, Alex Barnes-Ross tells us! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“Beings can be fixed or stuck in a chronic mood (emotion) — always sad, always angry, always bored, etc. Just in life and livingness this makes them rather hard to live with but in an auditor it is fatal. The mood of an auditor, particularly if fixed and chronic, can color the session and the results he obtains. TRs are a matter of sound, not how an auditor feels. When an auditor has a stuck or fixated mood, such as monotony, timidity, dullness, showing up in his TR drills or in session, this can slow up a pc’s progress or rough up or upset a pc. The auditor’s TRs should sound live and interested and natural.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
——————–
“We have learned that it does no good in America to advertise. It doesn’t do any good to advertise. We get everybody we get by word of mouth. You understand, I’m merely talking on percentiles. Something like three out of fifty or three out of twenty-five come in because of ads. That is our average for all over the country.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 18, 1956
——————–
“Talks: Thanks for the thanks I get on the talks. These Tapes (last 3 and onward) are to be copied and sent to other ships and added to AB Checksheet as the first items. LECTURE: THERE WILL BE NO LECTURE TONIGHT, Saturday or Sunday. They will resume Monday night. Two more are scheduled in the series — Monday and Tuesday.” — The Commodore, October 18, 1969
——————–
“In ones own subjective universe, anything is literally possible and time does not have to go forward and many universes can occur together — as many as a mind can invent. But that is not how the Eighth Dynamic and its visible physical Universe of the 6th Dynamic works. Therefore I am wary of the science fiction and intelligence agency campaigns to mess with our minds and entice us into doubting that we are at cause and in control to some small but significant extent, of our own reality in this larger Reality.”
2000: John Travolta defended the movie Battlefield Earth and announced his hopes to produce the sequel. From the Calgary Sun: “In his eyes, the much-hyped science-fiction epic Battlefield Earth was not a major box-office or critical disaster. Back in May, it took just 18 days for Battlefield Earth to be knocked out of the top 10 box-office list with paltry earnings of just $20.5 million US. ‘It didn’t lose anybody any money because we filmed Battlefield for just $50 million Canadian. We were very responsible with our investors’ money,’ insists Travolta, denying rumours the film cost upwards of $70 million US. ‘By the time you factor in foreign sales and video, Battlefield will gross more than $80 million US, so it’s not the flop some people are trying to say it is.’ Battlefield Earth was written in 1982 by L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, for which Travolta is one of the most vocal celebrity spokesmen. ‘When I first decided to turn Battlefield Earth into a film, I thought if I could even get it into theatres I’d consider myself lucky. I’ve done that and much more.'”
——————–
“I asked vaLLarrr the Sci troll one time if any new OT levels were released, and they didn’t include Hubbard’s handwriting on some level, would s/he consider them genuine and s/he said ‘no’.”
——————–
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 August 13.
— ‘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 December 1.
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 Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
——————–
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Former Scientology donor sentenced to 5.5 years on accusations by Trish Duggan
[TWO years ago] Jane Doe 1 denies validity of arbitration contract, opposes Scientology stay request
[THREE years ago] ‘What’s Scientology on trial for?’ Danny Masterson lawyer hunted juror bias on Day 4
[FOUR years ago] Is it really possible to study Scientology and ignore the people who were damaged by it?
[FIVE years ago] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 11: Gary Soter
[SIX years ago] Duggans abandon scheme, give $48.8 million in AbbVie stock directly to Scientology
[SEVEN years ago] Read the ‘disconnection letter’ from a brother telling his sis — Sylvia DeWall — so long forever
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology slut-shames Mimi Faust after destroying her family because … it’s a church!
[NINE years ago] Trademark lawsuit against Scientology’s drug rehab network settles weeks before trial
[TEN years ago] Countdown to Friday: ‘Scientology’s Dirty Tricks’ on the menu in Sydney
[ELEVEN years ago] Tom Cruise shows up with his Scientology ‘Freedom Medal of Valor’ in London
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Drug Rehab: New Evidence in the Disturbing Case of Richard Teague
[THIRTEEN years ago] A Yoga Master’s Question For Scientology OT 8’s: Can You Show Cause Over Matter?
——————–
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 3,420 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,924 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,430 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,980 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,970 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,356 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,851 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,155 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,806 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,024 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,578 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,919 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,490 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,406 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,573 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,155 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,414 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,451 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,167 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,731 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,046 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,221 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,903 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,240 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,093 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,209 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,571 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,982 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,370 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,254 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,819 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,330 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,590 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,694 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on October 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, 1995-2024 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2024), 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, 20 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
Kitara is free! Trump commutes the 7-year sentence of George Santos
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});BREAKING: Trump says he has commuted sentence of former U.S. Rep. George Santos in federal fraud case. https://t.co/f7BcTLDA9W
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 17, 2025
George Santos in 2020: “I get a lot of pleasure in seeing people pay for their crimes in jail.” pic.twitter.com/jrFEgugVt9
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) October 17, 2025
QAnon is gonna go dark for 48 hours after he pardons Maxwell and then they'll start with the 8D chess narratives and how we can't see all the angles and they gotta trust Trump cause he knows best and all. https://t.co/WgdRu2ZNlr
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) October 18, 2025
BREAKING NEWS: It appears from docs released today that Jeffrey Epstein had a tentative meeting set with "Matt Menchel" in 2011. Matt Menchel was one of the top federal prosecutors who gave Epstein his sweetheart plea deal in 2008. I have reached out to him for comment. pic.twitter.com/gAdoT5X2mL
— julie k. brown (@jkbjournalist) October 17, 2025
BREAKING: Trump administration asks the Supreme Court to allow deployment of the National Guard in the Chicago area. https://t.co/N6UiMGx2sc
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 17, 2025
ICE to US citizen: Don't make this complicated. Get on the ground. https://t.co/M0bgqWCwjm pic.twitter.com/XQ4scN2MFj
— David J. Bier (@David_J_Bier) October 17, 2025
— Prem Thakker (@prem_thakker) October 17, 2025
"Family Matters" actor Darius McCrary goes full sovereign citizen in court appearance.
"I'm here on special appearance pro per."
"You have not established jurisdiction."
"I'm here appearing on behalf of the estate of Darius McCrary."
"Who's the injured party?'…
— Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) October 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 October 18, 2025 at 08:00
October 17, 2025
Scientology has found its secret weapon to take over the planet. He’s 23.
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Even if Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision of taking over the planet is even less likely now than when he was alive, people signing billion-year contracts today dedicate themselves just as ardently as the recruits of yesteryear. We have a great example for you today. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“Any C/S C/Sing for a level for which he has not been trained is subject to the suspension of all certificates and deprivation of all bonuses. He is subject also to refund of all bonuses ever obtained while C/Sing as a C/S levels for which he has not been trained above or below his class. This does not limit the penalties which can be applied which can include declare and expulsion.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
——————–
“Everybody is a southpaw earlier on the track, and they’ve shifted over in desperation to the right hand. Well, this southpaw in space opera came about — para-Scientology — came about where the individual carried his gun on the left-hand side of the body and drew it and used it with the left hand (the blaster and so forth). And you’ll find that people are very, very unwilling to use their left hands. They just don’t want to — don’t want to use that left hand and — because it kills people. Just as simple as that. And when people get killed their emotional kickback and so forth, is telegraphed through on the back blast and it makes one feel bad and one goes on down Tone Scale on a — on the overt act-motivator mechanism.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 17, 1953
——————–
“The barometer in this area is known to go from very low to very high within 5 days. Hurricanes seldom come here and usually reach only 60 to 85 mph winds. We are in a “moving depression” that isn’t moving. The ship is quite safe where she is. Only ‘Moderate to fresh winds gusting strong’ and ‘Rain’ is forecast for where we are. Golly that glass got low!” — The Commodore, October 17, 1970
——————–
“The Time psy-ops are numerous and depend for their full force on implants which are intended more than anything else to disrupt a beings sense of Time. They are how a being’s reality is destabilized so that further implanting can even take hold at all. The dark occultists (the whole track implanters) have always known this and they have always used this. They are definitely using it now, and this century’s movies and books are far more geared to disrupt your innate sense of Time itself, than you may realize.”
1999: Reuters reported that France is speaking out against a U.S. State Department report on religious freedom. “The French position was outlined by foreign ministry officials to visiting United States Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom Robert Seiple, author of a report published last month containing criticism of Paris on the issue. ‘This report contained regrettable accusations against France’s official Mission for the Fight Against Sects,’ ministry spokesman
Francois Rivasseau told reporters. Rivasseau said Seiple ‘recognised the unfortunate character of the accusations and took note of the strong French protests on the subject,’ Rivasseau said. French Justice Minister Elisabeth Guigou last month raised the prospect of banning the Church of Scientology in France. Officials here view the body with extreme suspicion after three cases where legal documents that could have been used as evidence against the movement in trials for fraud and other offences vanished from courts. The Church of Scientology has denied any responsibility. It said its opponents were waging a slander campaign by trying to blame administrative blunders on the Church.”
——————–
“I’m still amazed considering the subject of this forum when I read folks wondering about the efficacy of homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic medicine etc. People, assume everything’s a scam or magical thinking and work it back from there.”
——————–
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 August 13.
— ‘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 December 1.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief was filed June 3. Respondent briefs are due September 2.
— 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 Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
——————–
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Scientology breakthrough: Finally, after 74 years, a solution for clamminess
[TWO years ago] This guy was so upset after Scientology, he spilled the OT 3 secrets in a 1974 classified ad!
[THREE years ago] Scientology goes Xtreme! With the pandemic lifted, time to go straight up and vertical!
[FOUR years ago] New allegation: Woman says she was raped by Danny Masterson at ‘Dracula 2000’ cast party
[FIVE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tommy Davis threatens to sue Aussie network over axed series
[SIX years ago] He freed key documents from Scientology’s rehabs, and now he can talk about it
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology tried to ruin her. Now, Sylvia DeWall has a message for her former friends and family.
[EIGHT years ago] On tonight’s ‘Leah Remini,’ reality star Mimi Faust takes on Scientology’s harm to family
[NINE years ago] Scientology finally uses trillions of years of wisdom for something useful: The perfect burger
[TEN years ago] When Scientology makes you a villain, you understand that it rules its members by fear
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology leader David Miscavige gets in just under the wire in NAFC lawsuit
[TWELVE years ago] Starting Today: Jefferson Hawkins Helps Us Get Our Scientology Ethics In!
[THIRTEEN years ago] Texas Blues: David Miscavige Forsakes The Largest State in the Lower 48
——————–
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 3,419 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,923 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,429 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,979 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,969 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,355 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,850 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,154 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,805 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,023 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,577 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,918 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,489 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,405 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,572 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,154 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,413 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,450 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,166 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,730 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,045 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,220 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,902 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,239 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,092 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,208 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,570 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,981 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,369 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,253 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,818 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,329 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,589 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,693 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on October 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, 1995-2024 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2024), 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, 20 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 can hardly handle all the winning as they prepare for Halloween!
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});MAGA Halloween decorations pic.twitter.com/G9IsUNZMSl
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) October 17, 2025
Himes: If you've got the capability to blow a boat out of the water, you've got the capability to interdict it, arrest everyone on board, interrogate them, and find out where it was going, where it came from, who the bosses are, and what the distribution networks look like.
When… pic.twitter.com/DkFFMNPEK0
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 16, 2025
Newsom: This president appears unhinged… seems listless… he seems, dare I say, in decline—cognitively, and… physically. These are just the rantings of someone who needs an intervention, needs some help, needs to be stabilized. pic.twitter.com/RL2qnhB9Ov
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 16, 2025
The "ceasefire" does not seem to be going great https://t.co/7L4E55trYk
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) October 16, 2025
Over 170 American citizens were dragged off and held by U.S. Immigration Agents Against Their Will, ProPublica Finds — ProPublica https://t.co/0zMeDyDsCW
— Jane Mayer (@JaneMayerNYer) October 16, 2025
31 members of Congress issue new statement condemning NSPM-7 (!) pic.twitter.com/0CM35OT6gs
— Ken Klippenstein (NSPM-7 Compliant) (@kenklippenstein) October 16, 2025
Trump’s State Department claims Christopher Columbus was “an American hero” pic.twitter.com/a6xXPvhvBc
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) October 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 October 17, 2025 at 08:00
Tony Ortega's Blog
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