Tony Ortega's Blog, page 58
January 31, 2025
MAGA: Airplanes are crashing because Black people, women, have jobs
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});This is so fucking disgusting https://t.co/GB3MBImHB7
— John Ganz (@lionel_trolling) January 30, 2025
Miracle on the Hudson's Capt. Sully responds to Trump’s attempt to blame the plane crash on DEI: “Not surprised. Disgusted.”
pic.twitter.com/Kc8DkQWU7k
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 31, 2025
Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy voted against FAA funding in 2019 during his time in Congress. His vote to defund the air safety agency raises questions about his current role overseeing transportation safety. https://t.co/Swum8JwjVT
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) January 31, 2025
“DEI” in Republican rhetoric has a similar role to sin in Christian metaphysics. It’s portrayed as something that is the product of moral weakness, separates humans from goodness, and is the cause of all suffering in the world. https://t.co/j3RVDvyz99
— Travis View (@travis_view) January 30, 2025
How did the Satanic Freaks get power? Why does God allow them to rule over us? Why do you think God will step in and undo their rule? pic.twitter.com/4IUSOyAz3Q
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 31, 2025
Kash Patel, who is testifying at his confirmation hearing as Trump’s pick for FBI director, has repeatedly engaged with QAnon. He once said the conspiracy theory, which the FBI has linked to violent domestic extremism, has "a lot of good to a lot of it." https://t.co/lTEw0k49EP
— Bill McCarthy (@billdmccarthy) January 30, 2025
Kash Patel confirmation hearing:
Dick Durbin asks Patel if he’s familiar with Stew Peters—a right-wing fringe conspiracy theorist.
Patel: Not off the top of my head.
Durbin: You’ve made eight appearances on his podcast.
— Roger Sollenberger (@SollenbergerRC) January 30, 2025
"Thanks Stew, always love coming on your show," Kash Patel said at the end of one of these appearances. https://t.co/U3DDEaAgta pic.twitter.com/aX380WJI6u
— Bill McCarthy (@billdmccarthy) January 30, 2025
Andreas Kalcker is among the biggest peddler of a toxic bleach solution he falsely claims can "cure" autism in kids
In May he will headline a conspiracy conference at Trump's Doral resort, with organizers claiming two Trump family members will also speakhttps://t.co/tDYDfZNdAO
— David Gilbert (@daithaigilbert) January 30, 2025
“NPR has identified dozens of defendants with prior convictions or pending charges for crimes including rape, sexual abuse of a minor, domestic violence, manslaughter, production of child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking.” https://t.co/9ct8zaKlWD
— Roger Sollenberger (@SollenbergerRC) January 30, 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 January 31, 2025 at 08:00
January 30, 2025
Scientology boasts about LA wildfires response — with celebrity glam thrown in
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Not satisfied with press releases, Scientology is trying another method to get some attention for its ‘Volunteer Ministers’ playing for photo opps at the catastrophic LA fires: Can revealing that they have another young Hollywood starlet in the church get some eyeballs? [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Several recent cases have come to light where the person was permitted to go on upper grades, Expanded Dianetics, Power and even OT Levels whose drugs had not been handled. In each case there was no or poor case gain, organizational upsets and wasted auditing. THEREFORE IT BECOMES FIRM POLICY THAT ANY REGISTRAR, C/S, D OF P OR AUDITOR WHO PERMITS A PERSON WITH UNHANDLED OR PARTIALLY HANDLED DRUGS TO BE AUDITED ON ANYTHING BUT A FULL AND COMPLETE DRUG RUNDOWN INCLUDING NO INTEREST ITEMS WILL BE SUBJECT TO COMM EV WITH A MINIMUM PENALTY OF TREASON AND A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF EXPULSION. Tech must not be made to fail because of overt, covert or ignorant misapplication of tech. It is fully established that a chief cause of failure in cases is unhandled or only partially handled drugs including medical drugs, treatments and alcohol. This is a barrier to case gain and in this society at this time, the major barrier.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1974
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
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“Had the most fiendish idea the other day. I’m going to write a science fiction story (I still do, you know). I got a wonderful idea of writing about a government scientist who goes mad, you see, and the security is so terrific that nobody can find out what he’s doing, see? Not even his own boss, because the security is so terrific, you know? And when he orders materials he can’t tell anybody in the materiel department what it’s for because, of course, it’s so secret. You see, his security is very great. And he goes ahead and he builds up this thing which makes space solid. See, space becomes totally solid. See? And then puts it over the light lines to all the government offices everywhere. And of course, all the space in all government offices, complete with personnel, gets totally solid. And the last person that’s left is J. Edgar Spoofer. And he tries to explain it to this guy, that this guy doesn’t have the right to go ahead and do this in any direction and that he’s going to arrest him. But the guy tells J. Edgar Spoofer, ‘But look, you’re supposed to safeguard security in the government. And it says right here that my work is under total security and all actions I perform are under total security, so therefore, you’re violating your own order.’ So J. Edgar Spoofer steps back and lets the entirety of the Department of Justice and his office get totally solid. And everybody lived happily ever after.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 30, 1957
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“Celebrity Center doing very well. GI Affluence Trend since last SEPT! How do you like that! Hats off and a highly commended to Diana H., Yvonne Gillham and all the crew! Asho moving out in front with a high trend GI! Ira Chaleff and our Asho crew and USGO doing very well and USLO getting in there too! Very nice work and good teamwork by US offices! Asho Fnd not doing too badly but needs its own C/O. And good old AOLA still soaring into its Affluence Trend and all but Booksales normal or Affluence or Power GDSes, meaning its a near clean sweep of rising GDSes! It will be a $100,000 GI unless it overloads. The place must be simply bulging the walls. Fred Hare and our AOLA crew have recently been highly commended several times and are again. They need all the support they can get. I think Pac Plan should be revised to get Alex and Dave out there to give Fred a hand without changing anything they’ve got going but put in the Prod Org System. Wonderful to see what our people are doing and what they can do. This and all the good case gains aboard and in the field have me all cheered up!” — The Commodore, January 30, 1971
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“Scientology just doesn’t achieve what it promises. It’s a borderline scam. It’s super cool and interesting and mind opening to new ideas and a different way of viewing life too, but Hubbard was outpointy. Many Scios are outpointy. The tech doesn’t cure aberrations or insanity, if anything it exacerbates it. The whole religion you could say handles the wrong why. The why Hubbard sells is engrams, then entities on the higher levels — handle those and the problems don’t go away, because they are the wrong whys. Occasionally they are the right why, so he alters the importance of these targets and says that everyone must do this tech all the time because it will handle everything. Hubbard engages in major alter importance salestalk. His religion was really a political movement taking on the corrupt western world, and possibly a super entertaining game of his to take over earth, which back then I would have supported even if I knew the engram stuff didn’t really work because we need people who are fighting the corrupt system. So I defs like that part of it. Even now if people get involved with the church they learn that big pharma is bad, the gov is not to be trusted, conspiracy theories, etc, etc. This is great stuff. But I’m only a half a Scio now in the same way that I’m half a Christian. I just know too much dodgy stuff about these religions to say I believe in them or fully support them. Hubbard chose Miscavige to assist him, remember that, and Miscavige didn’t have his body taken over by an alien thetan, that’s utterly ridiculous imaginary rubbish which Captain Bill spurts out. So the tech didn’t work on him. In fact the better imagination you have the better the auditing tech works on you. Makes you wonder.”
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1999: Time Magazine published an article on John Travolta’s movie project Battlefield Earth, based on an L. Ron Hubbard novel. “JONATHAN KRANE says the new deal calls for small indie Franchise Pictures, run by L.A. club owner and actress Tia Carrere’s husband Elie Samaha, to finance the production. Travolta, a Scientology adherent, will produce and star as a space villain named Terl. Hollywood insiders had gossiped that major studios shied away from the project because of the connection to Hubbard, but Krane insists the production is completely unrelated to the group. ‘I’ve never even dealt with or talked to the church on this,’ says Krane, who is not a member. ‘This is an action-adventure, science-fiction story. Period. The movie has nothing to do with Scientology.'”
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“If any kid ever needed a hickory switch it was L Ron Hubbard.”
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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. Appeal brief due by December 23.
— ‘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 February 24, 2025.
— 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.
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After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
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THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] East Grinstead council gets an earful about Scientology, whether it wants it or not
[TWO years ago] EXCLUSIVE: Lisa Marie Presley on Scientology, its leader David Miscavige, and why she left
[THREE years ago] We wondered what was in that new Scientology app: Now we know because we got in!
[FOUR years ago] Scientology in Russia, a series by historian Chris Owen, part 3: The current crackdown
[FIVE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY FORCES RELIGIOUS ARBITRATION ON VALERIE HANEY IN KIDNAPPING LAWSUIT
[SIX years ago] Scientology targets Disney with anti-‘Aftermath’ rally, attendees number in the tens
[SEVEN years ago] A private eye comes clean: ‘Scientology is a disgrace to the world’
[EIGHT years ago] Putting back a family ripped apart by Scientology can be easier said than done
[NINE years ago] L. Ron Hubbard’s magic chalk, and other Scientology miracles at the ’07 Birthday Event
[TEN years ago] Another Secret Lives leak: L. Ron Hubbard enjoyed humiliating people under hypnosis
[ELEVEN years ago] Jefferson Hawkins finishes off our series on Scientology ethics with a reprieve
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology’s Atlanta Drug Rehab Crumbling: Executive Director Mary Rieser Out
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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 3,160 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,655 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,170 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,720 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,710 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,096 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,591 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,895 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,766 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,318 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,659 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,226 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,145 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,313 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,895 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,154 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,191 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,907 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,471 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,786 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,961 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,643 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,980 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,834 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,949 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,311 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,720 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,118 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,994 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,559 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,070 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,326 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,434 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on January 30, 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
First commercial airline disaster in 16 years jolts an already on-edge country
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});What kind of message is this? pic.twitter.com/hC7mJ4NLWC
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 30, 2025
People who spend their lives blaming every bad thing that happens on their enemies are furious that a bad thing will be blamed on their Orange Daddy. pic.twitter.com/5URWmWJbBt
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 30, 2025
headlines from a week ago as an incident near DCA appears to be the deadliest aviation disaster in the US since 9/11 https://t.co/RpgVoI6RPa pic.twitter.com/5vTUJM8Chu
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 30, 2025
QAnon will celebrate this as proof that he’s just saying it’s a “migrant detention center” but it’s really for all of Trump’s Deep State enemies who will shipped there and then summarily executed. https://t.co/nmHPbIiCK5
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 29, 2025
* Trump OMB puts out 2 page memo freezing all grants
* Chaos, panic ensues
* OMB puts out 1.5 page Q&A trying to clarify.
* More confusion
* Congressional Republicans defend it all after Dems go off.
* WH blames media for confusion
* OMB puts out one line memo rescinding freeze
— Sam Stein (@samstein) January 29, 2025
Trump is planning on spending a lot of money to throw a huge party for himself in 2026 pic.twitter.com/AQPCtHfVYz
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 30, 2025
If you are stunned at how fast and insane Trump's 2nd term has been, there is a clear inspiration: Javier Millei of Argentina, who also had an insane first week, with EOs that cut every spending possible
I talked about it on QAA(co-written wjth @RafaelBroz): https://t.co/w42qbSouR6
— Chapisco Premium (@CaioAlmendra) January 29, 2025
Edward Kelley, a Jan. 6 defendant, says President Trump's order to dismiss cases should also cover his conviction in Tennessee for conspiracy to murder the FBI agents who investigated him.
Curious to see how DOJ responds to this one.https://t.co/fCWyxgvuLu pic.twitter.com/64eX1XhXvv
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) January 29, 2025
"I probably did say that," RFK Jr. says when Colorado Sen. Bennet presses him on him past statements that Lyme disease was created by the U.S. military as a bioweapon.
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 29, 2025
Incredible scoop from my colleague Tori Elliot, who found out that Musk is installing his lackeys in the highest positions at the Office of Public Management — including a former Neuralink intern who graduated from high school in 2024https://t.co/QLFbW1y5wN
— David Gilbert (@daithaigilbert) January 29, 2025
Intelligence officials are starting to leak to me now too. Here’s a memo Defense Intelligence Agency personnel received instructing them to suspend observances including:
– Holocaust Remembrance Day
– MLK Day
– Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/wQvGFxVfMD
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) January 29, 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 January 30, 2025 at 08:00
January 29, 2025
For you doubters, a new batch of totally true Scientology miracles!
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: How does Scientology keep people spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to pursue, year after year, the dream of supernatural powers? With totally true ghost stories! Yes, a new batch of ‘OT Phenomena’ is here, along with more testimonials about what it’s like to be OT! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“Stand before a full-length mirror. (Or use Video Tape.) Assume the postures of your act. Accept applause gracefully. Bow gracefully. Smile pleasantly. Laugh. Be dignified. Demonstrate poise. Assume the posture needed for a non-applauding audience. Ride out boos. Demand more applause. Do the postures to end your performance after applause. Accept a standing ovation. Deplore not being able to give an encore. Appear at the start for a first part of a performance. Assume the postures and poise needed on stage during a one minute break between numbers. Accept a plaque. Accept flowers. Ride over a bad goof. Be respectful to the audience. Kid the audience out of it. Do each one of the IX rules. AND ALL WITHOUT SAYING A WORD. Do it with physical motions or lack of them. When you can do all these things and look right to yourself and feel easy about them you will have and be confident of your Stage Manners.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1974
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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
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
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“The entirety of physics and the natural sciences pursues from a degradation of the mind. Awfully broad statement, but a very true one. If every place you’ve ever been is related to where you are, you’ve had it. It says at once you never could have had, and promises that you never can have, another universe — which I think is very cute; it’s a total trap.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 29, 1957
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“All semblance of anything that could be called ‘Hippiness’ must be eradicated for the next month. Better get started now on haircuts and beard off or trim. Be sure you haven’t only got miniskirts. The PRO mock up for your next month is very proper personal appearance. Clean cloths, clean braid, clean shirts for the officers. Lots of baths. Sleek personal appearance is the watch word for the next month. It fits in with why you are going on this cruise.” — The Commodore, January 29, 1970
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“My life has transformed in just a year. I used to be timid, shy, scared to talk to people, and now I have a YouTube channel. I used to have anxiety and depression until I learned about suppressive people and environments. I used to struggle with decisions and often made poor ones because up until I was Clear, I made decisions based on reactivity instead of logic. I can go on and on but if you’re really interested in improving your life, take it from someone who used to try every other thing before Scientology: I was a Christian, I was meditating, I did yoga, I practiced CBT and DBT, affirmations, you name it, but Scientology IS the only thing that has lasting effects.”
1998: News from Scientology’s compound near Hemet, California, where new construction was announced. “A recent Riverside Press-Enterprise article is about Scientology finishing a levee to protect Golden era Studios from flooding. They used a rock basket technique developed in Italy. It cost $1.2 million. ‘We’re here forever,’ said Ken Hoden, Golden Era’s general manager. ‘We’re making a permanent commitment to the community.’ They’re also adding another nine holes to their current nine hole golf course, at a cost of $2 million tax exempt dollars.”
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“Does anyone else here understand how hard it is to explain to a complete stranger that your relative is a Scientologist?”
——————–
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. Appeal brief due by December 23.
— ‘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 February 24, 2025.
— 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?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Court showdown over Scientology leader David Miscavige evading service coming next week
[TWO years ago] Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, spiritual father of the Fair Tax bill in Congress
[THREE years ago] He shilled for Scientology’s Covid ‘Stay Well’ program — and now he’s dead of the disease
[FOUR years ago] Scientology anti-masker Leigh Dundas absconds to Mexico, Jan 6 video of her turns up
[FIVE years ago] Tom Cruise’s sister Cass the real superhero in the family, now with Scientology SUPER POWER
[SIX years ago] Accused rapist Danny Masterson hangs out with pal Ashton Kutcher at Scientology wedding
[SEVEN years ago] Joy Villa’s ex-manager on the ‘pro-life’ Grammys dress: We’re not fooled this time
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology recruits a new ally — a real life ‘Forrest Gump’
[NINE years ago] Scientology puts out a new ‘media guide’ that is as honest as you would imagine
[TEN years ago] How Scientologists are dealing with the buzz around Alex Gibney’s ‘Going Clear’
[ELEVEN years ago] The best parts of Steven Mango’s ‘documentary’ on Scientology’s Celebrity Centre
[TWELVE years ago] Mike Rinder on “The Hole” and How He Escaped Scientology
——————–
Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,159 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,654 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,169 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,719 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,709 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,095 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,590 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,894 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,765 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,317 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,658 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,225 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,144 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,312 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,894 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,153 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,190 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,906 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,470 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,785 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,960 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,642 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,979 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,833 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,948 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,310 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,719 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,117 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,993 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,558 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,069 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,325 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,433 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on January 29, 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 celebrate while libturd Dumbocrats weep at Trump chaos
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump admin's memo to federal workers today vs. Elon Musk's memo to Twitter employees before laying off 80% of staff.
More on how Musk's fingerprints are all over this: https://t.co/w6QwKdEWJD pic.twitter.com/HzcjMkz4Bv
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) January 29, 2025
Can confirm. Connecticut’s Medicaid payment system has been turned off. Doctors and hospitals cannot get paid. Discussions ongoing about whether services can continue.
Medicaid covers health care for millions of seniors and covers 40% of births in America. https://t.co/AjSdEF4Mh1
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) January 28, 2025
Trump is holding all the nation’s hospitals and vital services hostage to seize power from Congress and hand it over to billionaires.
We must state the truth: this is a constitutional crisis. It’s a massive, illegal power grab that the House and Senate have a sworn duty to stop.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 28, 2025
DEMS FLIP TRUMP +21 SEAT
In the first special election since Donald Trump took office, Democrat Mike Zimmer has defeated Republican Katie Elizabeth Whittington to flip Iowa State Senate District 35—a district Donald Trump won by 21 points in the November 2024 election. pic.twitter.com/QMgIAONOec
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) January 29, 2025
Elon Musk, WH Press Secretary, & Fox claimed that Trump had to freeze grants and govt funding because Biden supposedly sent $50 million in condoms to Gaza. Another lie in a firehose of daily lies. https://t.co/sHbBHrVGXS pic.twitter.com/3e8w5uwLmW
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) January 29, 2025
Chemtrail believers sway GOP lawmakers to support geoengineering ban https://t.co/dWxDwKJSa2
— Jerod MacDonald-Evoy (@JerodMacEvoy) January 29, 2025
getting dozens of replies to this post every minute! this website is clearly thriving https://t.co/EitImOgbTj pic.twitter.com/hxkUA6K03M
— america's lounge singer (@KrangTNelson) January 28, 2025
If Joe Biden asked "which plane" when asked a follow-up question about Air Force One, Astead Herndon would do 17 podcasts about his senility and every Three Name Professor would be screaming their head off about removing Biden from office and how CULPABLE DEMS ARE FOR HIDING IT pic.twitter.com/uhYsimfifc
— The okayest poster there is (@ok_post_guy) January 28, 2025
Newsmax host taunts people complaining about migrant deportations of Latinos by eating a taco on air. pic.twitter.com/WVifJNZUDo
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) January 28, 2025
Gross pic.twitter.com/kvYGhp5dDZ
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 28, 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 January 29, 2025 at 08:00
January 28, 2025
Danny Masterson appeals court accepts Cliff Gardner’s trimmed-down brief
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“A performer DOMINATES an audience: (a) By his comm, (b) By his art, (c) By his technical perfection, (d) By his Stage Manners. None of this means that one cannot clown, joke, act superior or even seem austere. these are the arts of presence. But even in doing these, Stage Manners are observed. If as a small child one was always cautioned about his manners and resented it one should get a clear idea of what manners are: In a culture manners are the lubrication that ease the frictions of social contacts.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1974
——————–
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({});
——————–
“Parents are supposed to raise children so that children can grow up and become parents; there is a basic law in operation. So one day this little kid is standing there and his parent turns around, picks him up by the heels and bashes his brains out against a tree. This is unexpected, unusual. If you don’t think that incident is on record — anybody here want a headache? You have had your brains dashed out one way or the other. But we don’t necessarily have to turn these things on, because you are handling that. After all, what is getting one’s brains dashed out? But getting one’s brains dashed out by a parent would be some kind of a problem; that would be a bit of a problem, wouldn’t it? A parent is supposed to raise you and take care of you; you are supposed to be nice to the parent and yet the parent kills you. Well, it would be very upsetting. But of course, the funny part of it was the parent thought you were a wild animal and you rushed out from behind the rock, and you never got this equation at all because your brains were dashed out at the time. Sounds pretty wild, doesn’t it?” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 28, 1952
——————–
“The only trouble with Scn orgs is that they are not promoting, selling and delivering. Seems so elementary. Possibly they think we are asking for something strange or fantastic when we say ‘Raise your GDSes.’ Possibly org boarding and hatting does not seem complicated enough to produce a result. Possibly raising GDSes does not seem to be the result of recruiting, org boarding and hatting. Whatever it is the task is so simple that one gapes when it is not done. Although New York is doing better, its troubles are just failures to recruit, org bd and hat and then promote, sell and deliver. In NY they actually think they have an HGC but are only selling ‘Interiorization Rundowns and Life Repairs.’ That’s like walking up to a candy bar and asking to buy some candy and being told ‘Oh, we just sell the wrappers.’ Student training is going better. But I never was able to run an academy where students were co-auditing without selling and delivering an awful lot of Reviews and grades. It’s best to stress training in an org but not to the extent of not running a busy HGC. NY has ‘low pay.’ They probably lose about $20,000 a week in unpromoted unsold undelivered potential. That’s the loss in an org, not the wasted paper clips. The answer is recruiting org boarding hatting and thus promoting selling and delivering. I trust our FEBCs going back there learn this lesson well. That’s why they’re here.” — The Commodore, January 28, 1971
——————–
“Scientology is for people that want to increase their IQ, decrease mental impediments, increase their understanding of the world or universe. These do not necessarily result in agreements as to how things are or should be. Even people at the top may not agree as to how this universe was created.”
——————–
1997: Newspaper coverage of the Germany controversy continued this week, much of it initiated by the State Department report. From the front page of the Washington Post. “The report, to be issued Wednesday, will chastise Germany for what a senior administration official called ‘a campaign of harassment and intimidation’ against the controversial church. He said the United States, seeking to protect religious freedom, has urged Germany through diplomatic channels ‘not to prosecute people for wrong thinking’ but has been rebuffed. The German response is, ‘We won’t change our policy, no matter what you say,’ a German diplomat here said. ‘You are a big country. You can afford to have militias and cults. We can’t.’ He said Germany with 80 million people in a Montana-size country and a unique sensitivity to the dangers of ‘extremism’ because of its Nazi past, is obliged to limit activities of groups perceived as threats to national well-being. The U.S.-German disagreement over Scientology is a rare irritant in America’s generally excellent relations with a key European ally. Although both sides agree it is hardly a major source of friction, the issue has a high decibel level because of the involvement of high-profile Scientologists such as actor Tom Cruise. To the German government, Scientology is not a legitimate religion, but a greedy, cult-like organization built on ‘pseudo-science,’ in which ‘membership can lead to psychological and physical dependency, to financial ruin and even to suicide,’ according to a position paper distributed by the German Embassy here.”
——————–
“Sometimes people in official positions ask me if I have any living relatives and I’m yeah, but…then I feel sad.”
——————–
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. Appeal brief due by December 23.
— ‘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 February 24, 2025.
— 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] 38 years ago: The eerie Hollywood Palladium sendoff for Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard
[TWO years ago] Podcast: Mark Bunker explains that David Miscavige is not ‘missing,’ he’s HIDING
[THREE years ago] Is this the greatest (and most disturbing) Scientology recruitment video ever?
[FOUR years ago] Scientology in Russia, a series by historian Chris Owen, part 2: The Putin years
[FIVE years ago] Scientology TV premieres episode about legendary Saint Hill Manor to… total silence
[SIX years ago] Scientology wants you to bring your kids to its creepy ‘mecca’ in Florida — it’s an adventure!
[SEVEN years ago] Sunday Scientology sermon: L. Ron Hubbard on freeing kids from their bodies
[EIGHT years ago] Move over, Xenu: Scientology’s other great space opera figure, the Duke of Chug
[NINE years ago] Scientology, in forced-abortion case: We treat people no worse than the Catholic Church does
[TEN years ago] Scientology secrets in government docs: Did the feds have a chance to stop ‘Snow White’?
[ELEVEN years ago] Drug flashbacks from one million years B.C.? It’s time for Scientology’s New OT 4!
[TWELVE years ago] Lawrence Wright’s Scientology Book Gets Some Thrashing from Cult Expert Steven Hassan
——————–
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 3,158 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,653 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,168 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,718 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,708 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,094 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,589 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,893 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,764 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,316 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,657 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,224 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,143 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,311 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,893 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,152 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,189 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,905 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,469 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,784 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,959 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,641 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,978 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,832 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,947 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,309 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,718 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,116 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,992 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,557 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,068 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,324 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,432 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on January 28, 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 wants a tariff on semiconductors because trade wars are so cool
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Busted. pic.twitter.com/iBFjofYZUT
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 28, 2025
it’s so cool we got 1500 Ashli Babbitts running around competing to see how fast they can get smoked by cops while screaming about sovereign citizenship after blowing through a stop sign in a car full of unregistered semiautomatics https://t.co/BumnV0n2ng
— I feel like Batman or halo (@youwouldntpost) January 28, 2025
These are Trump's first QAnon account amplifications on Truth Social as president, & the first of his 2nd term as president overall. https://t.co/z4gNX5Gk28
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) January 27, 2025
Trump sent out an email claiming his administration is “colorblind.” pic.twitter.com/JxZZHCLTSU
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 28, 2025
Marjorie Taylor Greene wants to know why Catholic Charities helps migrants pic.twitter.com/J6uNryqcQM
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 27, 2025
Making PlayStations cost over $1000 will endear Trump to the youth vote for sure. https://t.co/g3ZHNybXmL
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 28, 2025
Trump won the election and yet we get over 8.6k likes on “guys I think we’re screwed.” Being upset and miserable is key to QAnon. pic.twitter.com/ARHBd0UzOA
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 27, 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 January 28, 2025 at 08:00
January 27, 2025
39 years ago: The eerie Hollywood sendoff for Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: 39 years ago today, Scientology members assembled to hear that L. Ron Hubbard had voluntarily left his body to explore ‘researches’ elsewhere. Once again we’re marking this anniversary with a transcript of the bizarre event that took place at the Hollywood Palladium that night. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Dianetics is NOT Scientology. A Dianetic Chain is not a release. If you try to use Scientology rehab tech on a Dianetic Chain, you have had it. It isn’t a ‘release’ (which is a key-out). A Dianetic Chain is an erasure. You can’t rehab erasures with ‘How many times?,’ etc.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1974
——————–
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({});
——————–
“There was a tribe of Indians in the United States, some say before the arrival of white men, but they should re-classify that and say before the arrival of Pilgrims — before 1602, or something on that order, 1608, whenever they arrived — because that whole coast was in good communication with Europe for many centuries. Fishing boats from northern Europe used to come over to the grand banks all the time. As a matter of fact, the fishermen called it America, and we read a big fog about Columbus and all the rest of it. I’m sure Columbus came over, but Columbus never got to America. But anyhow, this is all very confused, but that’s history.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 27, 1954
——————–
“CONDITIONS: Arthur Hubbard is assigned N/E for being non-existant on cleaning stations for the last 3 days.” — M. Spence, for W/O Des Popham, January 27, 1970
——————–
“I know a top Ron’s Org Scientologist auditor who has fallen for the QAnon scam. She clearly isn’t showing any superior knowledge, which I thought Scientology courses could deliver her. QAnon is a false anti-communist movement designed to mislead pro-Trumpers and get them to commit terrorist attacks so that the gov can then ban right wingers, lock them up and ban Trump from using social media. An intelligence agency runs Q, probably the FBI. Now if Scientology courses and auditing worked then people who have done them shouldn’t fall for intelligence agency operations.”
——————–
1996: A German court this week banned a cult-operated company from training young people because of its use of the cult’s OCA personality test. From Reuters: “The court ruled that the personality tests were used to harshly interrogate the Dusseldorf real estate company’s trainees. The tests amounted to maltreatment of young people entrusted to the company, violating laws on vocational training. It was the first time a German court had ruled against the tests which the Scientology church also uses to recruit new members, offering expensive books and courses of treatment to resolve personality problems diagnosed in the tests. The Dusseldorf case centered on three young women who were in training at the real estate company in 1993. They were told to take the test to examine their communication skills. The women complained to the local Chamber of Commerce because they felt the company was exerting psychological pressure to make them take the test.”
——————–
“Ever read any of the crap the conspiracy cult followers believe in? And they number in the millions, not tens of thousands. Remember in The Mist where the people trapped in the supermarket immediately start their own cult? That’s how most people think.”
——————–
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. Appeal brief due by December 23.
— ‘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 February 24, 2025.
— 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] PODCAST: The three lives of Dennis Erlich, Scientology’s original Internet nemesis
[TWO years ago] 37 years ago: The eerie Hollywood Palladium sendoff for Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard
[THREE years ago] Academics bleat over Scientology’s loss in appeals court, and here’s what they’re missing
[FOUR years ago] Scientology takes boards down after Inauguration riots failed to materialize
[FIVE years ago] Scientology clown Joy Villa got glowing press again, and here’s what it left out
[SIX years ago] Oh, come on: Scientology ‘detox’ quackery now being touted for miraculous cures
[SEVEN years ago] His words are wise, his face is beard: 10 years ago, Anonymous got some good advice
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology, why are you keeping a cancer patient from seeing his only daughter?
[NINE years ago] 30 years ago today: ‘L. Ron Hubbard discarded the body he had used in this lifetime’
[TEN years ago] Why Alex Gibney’s ‘Going Clear’ is scaring the crap out of Scientology
[ELEVEN years ago] More fallout in France: Scientologist who asked for damages ends up paying instead
[TWELVE years ago] Sunday Funnies: Africa is Done!
——————–
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 3,157 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,652 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,167 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,717 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,707 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,093 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,588 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,892 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,763 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,315 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,656 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,223 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,142 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,310 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,892 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,151 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,188 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,904 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,468 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,783 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,958 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,640 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,977 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,831 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,946 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,308 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,717 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,115 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,991 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,556 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,067 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,323 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,431 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on January 27, 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 in Vegas: Going to expand size of US, serve three or four terms
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Delusional pic.twitter.com/m9fWfwtsls
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 27, 2025
Trump spoke in Las Vegas today and the following happened:
1. He invited the leader of the Oath Keepers he just pardoned as his VIP guest.
2. He said America was at its wealthiest in the late 1800s.
3. He said he wants to talk about how attractive he thinks a waitress is but…
— Ben Meiselas 🇺🇸🦅 (@meiselasb) January 26, 2025
Trump wants to “clean out” Gaza of all the Palestinians. https://t.co/dhacWDjZSB
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 26, 2025
Trump’s incoherent statements are now proof that conspiracy theorists are right about everything. Here we have folks imaging that the Cali fires were caused by energy weapons. pic.twitter.com/Y4t9G3xzBq
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 27, 2025
Pasteurization is a Jewish plot to deny us the ability to poison ourselves with E. coli, Listeria, and other pathogens. pic.twitter.com/dXIT2jWiqu
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 26, 2025
BRENNAN: You campaigned on lowering prices. Which executive order lowers prices?
VANCE: We have done a lot.
BRENNAN: So grocery prices aren't going to come down?
VANCE: No Margaret, prices are gonna come down. But it's gonna take a little bit of time. pic.twitter.com/7lki2eIqRM
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 26, 2025
What is this? pic.twitter.com/umOI48Wdtf
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 27, 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 January 27, 2025 at 08:00
January 26, 2025
Another census, and another country where Scientology is shrinking
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Scientology still claims to be the ‘fastest growing religion in the world,’ without any evidence. In fact, actual census numbers tend to show the opposite. And today, another country adds to that trend. ALSO: More overseas reports, including some seriously confused lawmakers. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The auditor getting in Triple Flows can also ARC Brk the pc by failing to verify if the previously run flows are flat. All the auditor wants is to see them F/N on the command. If they don’t he runs them. Sometimes when he has ‘run them’ again he finds they are being overrun or run twice and has to rehab them by finding this out. The pc sometimes doesn’t know until he actually starts to run them. Then he finds they are already run. The clue to this is a climbing TA. If the TA goes up, get off that flow and rehab it. Example: Pc at first thinks ‘Pain in shoulder’ F2 was never run. Starts to run it. TA goes up. Auditor must pull him off of it by finding out if it is being run twice and rehab it to F/N. The moral in all these reruns is don’t firefight, keep an L1C List and an L3RD List handy and use them.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1974
——————–
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({});
——————–
“One time there was a fellow I knew. He was a mining engineer. A good friend of mine. He was an educated classmate at GW. And then went out west and took a post graduate course at Boseman. And this boy was kicking around the mining camps, and all due respect to womankind at large, the better women do not hang around mining camps. But he decided to get romantic and he got married. And he married a woman straight out of the cribs. That is to say, she was, for sale, and had been for years. But, what do you know? Fantastically enough, she made him a good wife and everybody was very fascinated with this. They went up in the mountains, he did a lot of prospecting for Anaconda Copper and they, looking over old properties and so on, and oh, it went along all right. He was living a rather rough life and a lot of privation in it and a lot of loneliness and so forth, so everything was OK. He finally quit Anaconda Copper on the thought that there were some lodes that went out from a very famous mine which had been closed down, which might still be active. Well that was a very lonely part of the country, too. And he went down there with this woman and he prospected around and by golly, he uncovered the most enormous quantity of five dollar rock. And away he goes. Well boy, he’d exceeded her rate of havingness. Bang! And you talk about a mess. He was in more trouble in less time than he’d been for years. Interesting, oh she went completely haywire. Just went off the deep end. Well what had happened there, he’d all of a sudden become well off. He had about a half a million dollars in the bank. He all of a sudden was driving Cadillacs and she was able to wear fur coats and that sort of thing. That was just the end. Just went completely to pot. Went out, slept with anything that came along. Just stole money, did anything.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 26, 1954
——————–
“OVERBOARDS: BOB SEWELL is assigned overboard blindfolded for not returning to work until 1100 hrs, after he had gone Overboard at 07.55 hrs. He did not give me an explanation and was reported to me as eating cookies and drinking coffee while he was supposed to be working and still in a condition of Non Existence.” — W.O. Alex Sibirsky P.P.F. I/C, January 26, 1969
——————–
“Those first days were the best. I remember when I was doing my Comm Course. We had about 14 students on the coffee break. There was a hole in the floor and the place was pretty grotty. But we all had a cup of tea or coffee and we were laughing, celebrating what we were calling the ‘Year of Scientology.’ This was 1977.”
——————–
2002: The St. Petersburg Times reported that Scientology invited notable Clearwater area residents to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Fort Harrison Hotel at a banquet in the Hotel. “The Church of Scientology, long on the fringe of the Clearwater community, will roll out the red carpet at its Fort Harrison Hotel tonight, staging a black tie gala for the area’s power elite. And while several notables sent regrets, many others are going. Tonight’s party ranks as another indicator Scientology is gaining acceptance in a community historically suspicious of the church, if not hostile. Clearly pleased by the number of acceptances, Scientologists say their volunteerism and other civic efforts are making a difference. Among those attending are politicians and civic leaders who years ago would have had serious reservations about wining and dining with Scientologists. State Sen. Jack Latvala and his wife, Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala, plan to go. Pinellas Sheriff Everett Rice will attend. So will Clearwater Mayor Brian Aungst. Pinellas Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark is going. So, too are leaders from the Clearwater YMCA and the local branch of the NAACP. Clearwater businessman Phil Henderson and his wife, Dunedin City Commissioner Janet Henderson, a candidate for state representative, will go and write a check for their dinners. ‘As recently as 10 years ago, I don’t think a lot of people would come to the event, or even consider coming,’ Henderson said. ‘But they (Scientologists) have changed their ways.’ And, of course, the question is on everyone’s lips: Will Scientology’s celebrities be there? Bennetta Slaughter, chairwoman of the celebration, did say, when pushed, that John Travolta and Tom Cruise are filming elsewhere. What about Isaac Hayes? Jenna Elfman? Kirstie Alley? ‘We have to make the anticipation continue,’ Shaw quipped. ‘I can’t tell you.’ Jazz legend Chick Corea, who lives in Clearwater, will be there, Shaw allowed. Scientology’s leader, David Miscavige, who is based in Los Angeles, could be there. ‘He’s invited,’ was all Shaw would reveal.”
——————–
“Miscavige is downsizing the corporation, cutting his overhead to the barest minimum and consolidating his forces in his last two strongholds, L.A and Clearwater. It makes sense. In Pyongyang most of the office buildings and hotels are empty except for a skeleton staff to make it look good for the occasional tourist or journalist they let in. They’re also there to turn the faucets on occasionally and keep the boiler running. It makes the Generals and the Kims happy, and that’s all that really matters.”
——————–
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. Appeal brief due by December 23.
— ‘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 February 24, 2025.
— 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] Scientology leader David Miscavige once again denies he’s been served Leah Remini’s lawsuit
[TWO years ago] We asked a film critic: What are the odds Tom Cruise gets a statue at the Oscars this year?
[THREE years ago] Scientology wants to know: Why haven’t you signed up to work for them yet?
[FOUR years ago] Danny Masterson says he intends to take part in Scientology ‘arbitration’ with alleged victims
[FIVE years ago] Scientology says it’s ‘partnering’ with Miami police for Super Bowl anti-drug quackery
[SIX years ago] Lucas Catton: ‘Narconon and the Church of Scientology are committing fraud daily’
[SEVEN years ago] Clearwater city council candidate gets ringing endorsement from a Scientology front
[EIGHT years ago] The new ‘disconnection’ billboard on Sunset Blvd is going to be a Valentine to Scientology
[NINE years ago] Bryan Seymour challenges Scientology’s ‘Freedom’ magazine to show itself
[TEN years ago] Scientology hits back at Alex Gibney’s film ‘Going Clear’ with predictable smears
[ELEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: CCHR’s annual gala — time, place, form, and event!
[TWELVE years ago] Kima Douglas, 1942-2013
——————–
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 3,156 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,651 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,166 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,716 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,706 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,092 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,587 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,891 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,762 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,314 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,655 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,222 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,141 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,309 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,891 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,150 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,187 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,903 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,467 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,782 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,957 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,639 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,976 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,830 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,945 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,307 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,716 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,114 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,990 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,555 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,066 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,322 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,430 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on January 26, 2025 at 07:00
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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…
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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
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