Tony Ortega's Blog, page 63
January 6, 2025
Why is Elon’s playpen blocking links to proof he’s not Adrian Dittman?
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});This is the same day Trump is to be sentenced in New York. However, Trump is allowed to appear virtually. pic.twitter.com/OqG3GmvUu4
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 6, 2025
No mention of:
❌ No tax on Social Security
❌ No tax on overtime
❌ Capping credit card interest
Why isn’t Trump mentioning those promises? pic.twitter.com/tf7HQZMayb
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 6, 2025
Trump's complaint about flags flying at half staff recalls how he resisted lowering the flag when McCain died. As we reported in "The Divider," his chief of staff John Kelly told him if he didn't, "when you die the public will come to your grave and piss on it." @sbg1 pic.twitter.com/fXlV38g9Qg
— Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) January 5, 2025
You need to watch this part of the conversation between Lex Fridman and President Zelenskyy – it’s very revealing.
First, it clearly shows how detached Fridman is from reality. Who, in their right mind, would ask such a question?
Second, it highlights the naivety of people like… pic.twitter.com/CzwABAmaPc
— Roman Sheremeta 🇺🇦🇺🇸 (@rshereme) January 6, 2025
This message alone is why he did this interview. Great job pic.twitter.com/B4UySacIvH
— Lesia Dubenko 🇺🇦🇪🇺🇮🇱 (@LesiaLVD) January 5, 2025
Pro-Trump commentator discovers Trump’s base pic.twitter.com/65OJtke0Ja
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 5, 2025
“Racism is stupid. Antisemitism is where it’s at.” QAnon is now arguing over who we should hate. pic.twitter.com/HtRFdenzYY
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 5, 2025
X nuked links to a Spectator article by @JSweetLI laying out evidence that Adrian Dittmann is NOT Elon Musk but a German 20-something man in Fiji, and to a blog by @awawawhoami and @RhinozzCode detailing their research. All three received a 30-day ban.https://t.co/pPVAUrG0UY
— I feel like Batman or halo (@youwouldntpost) January 5, 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 6, 2025 at 08:00
January 5, 2025
If Scientology ads told the truth: Mark Bunker’s new AI version is must-see TV!
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Every Scientology TV ad has one thing in common: It never actually tells viewers anything about what Scientology is. And that’s why we are pleased to bring to you today a dynamite new offering from Mark Bunker: If Scientology ads actually told the truth! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“Some people on medical lines are just there not because of actual illness but because they are just Qing and Aing with their body. People also Q and A with themselves. They want to stop drinking and can’t. They want to stop or change something about themselves or their body and then disperse off onto something else. Freud read all sorts of dire and awful things into simple Q and A. He invented intentions the person must have that made him “sublimate”. All Freud succeeded in doing was making the person introspective looking for wrong whys.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1972
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
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“You can, by the way — it’s quite curious — if you were sailing down the street exteriorized and you take a look at somebody, you look over his anchor points, you’ll find those big wing anchor points. They’re way out there, great big gold balls way out in front. You can take one of these, one of this guy’s anchor points, you know, in front and pull it sideways and he’ll start to walk in a circle without knowing why he’s walking in a circle. And you push it out of position and he’ll start to lean. Oh, it’s a very obvious sort of structure.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 5, 1955
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“VISITORS: Only 250 Greek visitors came to the ship today. I am sure they were well handled. But it shows, (a) a lapse of advertising in Div VI and (b) insufficiently interesting ship tour. We should do better next time.” — The Commodore, January 5, 1969
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“The leftist mayor of Washington D.C. is making it difficult for people to arrive in the city for the Trump rally to overthrow the electoral fraud of Communist China and its puppets Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders and Democrat commies. (Including commie Scienos in our friends lists). The battle of the 6th of December in Washington D.C. will affect every country on the planet, its underground bases and probably the Moon and Mars.”
2001: Jeff Jacobsen reported a death announcement from The Auditor. “Andy Simson, who was a veteran Sea Org member. ‘He has been granted a 21 year leave from the Sea Org and we look forward to his return.’
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“Well, Hubbard did say that the thetans created the MEST universe so that they would have a place to play, but that eventually they forgot they had done so. The idea that Hubbard saw this whole thing as a game has always seemed pretty obvious to me.”
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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 January 13, 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.
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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] Check out the Scientology propaganda handed out at Saint Hill on New Year’s Eve!
[TWO years ago] While dodging process servers, Scientology leader asserts that all is well
[THREE years ago] Here’s proof that David Miscavige’s real estate approach to Scientology leadership pays
[FOUR years ago] The wealthy people getting Scientology through the lockdown with their donations
[FIVE years ago] Does Mexico really need a Scientology ‘Advanced Org’? We’ll soon find out.
[SIX years ago] A Scientologist murdered: Our experts try to make sense of Australia’s ‘Advanced Org’
[SEVEN years ago] Court magician? Scientology attorney can now affect matter with thought, levitate, read minds
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology cash-in! Top church attorney puts her beach bungalow on market for $2.4 million
[NINE years ago] Scientology posts the new ad that will likely be its Super Bowl entry this year
[TEN years ago] Former spokesman Mike Rinder describes Scientology’s dismal options in 2015
[ELEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology charges into the new year!
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Drug Rehab Program’s Newest Victim: A New York 15-Year-Old
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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.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,135 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,630 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,145 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,695 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,685 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,071 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,566 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,870 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,741 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,293 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,634 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,201 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,120 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,288 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,870 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,130 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,166 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,882 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,446 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,761 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,936 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,618 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,955 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,809 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,924 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,286 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,589 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,695 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,093 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,969 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,534 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,045 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,301 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,409 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on January 5, 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 turn on Biden’s final Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});The MAGA accounts are attacking Bill Nye the Science Guy because Biden gave him a Presidential Medal of Freedom pic.twitter.com/BVAGqrCLlR
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 5, 2025
The claim QAnon makes about their cult is that by following Q and QAnon promoters they gain insights into what is really happening in the world. In reality they love posting stuff about how totally clueless they are about things. pic.twitter.com/DZztZ6hDOe
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 5, 2025
QAnon spent the last 7 years explaining how Trump was the Peace President who was dismantling the Deep State war machine. Now they are explaining how Trump’s possible wars of conquest are going to be great. pic.twitter.com/YlhRSFAf0z
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 4, 2025
New details on Matthew Livelsberger:
Years ago, he began dealing with insomnia, headaches + forgetfulness that he attributed to brain injuries. In 2021, he failed an Army special ops course near Seattle, then developed nightmares and a paranoia that he was being followed.
— Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) January 5, 2025
NEW: A wilderness survival trainer spent years undercover in right-wing militias.
He didn't tell the cops or the FBI. He didn't tell friends or family.
The one person he told: @js_kaplan.
This is his story. It's a doozy:https://t.co/b2AG7k7wJ5
— Jesse Eisinger (@eisingerj) January 4, 2025
Canadian House of Commons Member Charlie Angus: As Mar-a-Lago moves to Washington, we’re watching a grifters parade. We’ve got loser billionaires like Kevin O’Leary going down to talk to Trump, claiming he’s going to cut a deal to sell out Canada. We’ve got losers on Fox talking… pic.twitter.com/9vB8DhZTLe
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 4, 2025
Nikki Haley comes out against Trump’s plan to save TikTok, but won’t mention him by name pic.twitter.com/XVcB3QeYbP
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 4, 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 5, 2025 at 08:00
January 4, 2025
Leaked document: How Scientology plotted to destroy Bruce Hines
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: In court, Scientology’s attorneys describe the church as an embattled victim of bigotry. Its internal documents paint a different picture. We have another new example for you, a document that takes us into the dark heart of Scientology’s retaliatory schemes. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Some people Q and A with their bodies. The body is, after all, composed of Mest. It follows the laws of Mest. One of these laws is Newton’s first law of motion: INERTIA. This is the tendency of a Mest object to remain motionless until acted upon by an exterior force. Or to continue in a line of motion until acted upon by an exterior force. Well, the main force around that is continually acting on a human body is a thetan, the being himself. The body will remain at rest (since it is a Mest Object) until acted upon by the thetan that is supposed to be running it.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1972
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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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“You look at the basic mechanism of life, and we see this fellow kicks off as Ebenezer Snouzer and gets born as young Billy Jones. And nobody is more convinced when he becomes young Billy Jones that he has never been Ebenezer Snouzer. Does this have any liability to him? It certainly does. Because the inescapable truth of the matter, contained in earlier postulates, is that he was and is Ebenezer Snouzer. And so Ebenezer Snouzer, to some slight degree, goes on living. And we have past lives cropping up, and fellows going around pleading with us to believe that they can’t shoot, can’t ride, girls just begging to be believed that they have no charm, you know? That’s to keep Ebenezer or Betty Schnouzer from living on, don’t you see?” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 4, 1957
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“Above case gain is COMPETENCE. If you want to see a 9 foot tall OT, look at one who is also competent! And knows it. Like our Qual Auditors. They create new people! After case gain comes progressing improvement by new Competence attained. There have never been Thetans who were Clear OT and COMPETENT. Something new has been added.” — The Commodore, January 4, 1971
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“Personally I think we’ve got the best PR and Marketing Tech. All that has to be done as with the tech in general is to apply it before trying something ‘new.’ For instance years ago there was this whole ‘broken brand’ debate whereas the idea was that instead of correcting the Church — which is currently responsible for dragging the Scientology name through the mud — its proponents suggested changing the name, which was as far as I’m concerned is just a lousy Q&A. Not to mention a suppressive act.”
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2000: Chud.com reported on the upcoming movie Battlefield Earth. “So will “Battlefield Earth” be good or not? Is the Church of Scientology funding it? These are among the questions that you readers have been asking since my last two ‘Battlefield Earth’ articles a few days ago. Battlefield Earth is a crock. The only way you could possibly enjoy it is as a satire of the Golden Age, whose weaknesses it bloats to elephantiasis. Unfortunately, I doubt very much that Hubbard meant it that way. Judging by his introduction, he meant it quite seriously as the epitome of SF: what the stuff should be at its best. Scott Pilutik sent me some fun facts about Scientology. Read on and learn or skip it, but you’re missing a ton of fun: ‘Irregardless of what the Post printed, _EVERYTHING_ written by L. Ron Hubbard is considered ‘Scripture’ to any member of the Church of Scientology. That is the church’s position, not rumor. Every letter of every word that he ever wrote is considered infallible, unalterable, and absolute. So whether or not it has ‘nothing’ to do with Scientology, it most certainly does. Two major backers (financial) of this film are John Travolta and ASI (Author Services Inc.). Travolta is neck deep in this cult and ASI is one of Scientology’s most profitable front companies (in a legion of many that all funnel money back into the ‘church.’) When a church has a vested financial interest in the finished product of a work of art, it most certainly has ‘something to do with it.’ ‘In case you still think, hey, this is still only a movie based on a stupid sci-fi pulp novel, realize this; A few years back, Scientology sued CAN (the Cult Awareness Network) for libel, amongst other things. CAN was a non-profit organization that was the one of only a few choices families had if a member wound up in a cult. Scientology litigated them into bankruptcy, then bought CAN out. They kept the phone numbers, offices, and letterhead and proceed to operate as if nothing ever happened. The (obviously unstated) goal of CAN is now to route people into Scientology. There’s much more than meets the eye when it comes to the church and it is truly fascinating stuff.’ Scientology views this film as a very important recruiting tool. In many ways it will be just another bad sci-fi film that will come and go, but for the church it is a project they have been trying to make since the 70’s. Bridge Publications, which is a branch of Scientology that handles all of Hubbard’s writing, is going all out to publicize the release of this movie. Scientology also put the money together for the production in a manner that makes ‘Get Shorty’ look sane.”
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“The only thing I want from Disqus is to bring back the downvote, make the AV image bigger and make the YouTube video image much smaller.”
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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 January 13, 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] Here’s our story about big 2023 donors Scientology doesn’t want you to see
[TWO years ago] VIDEO: Scientology’s latest promo to audit away your own space cooties at home!
[THREE years ago] PI stalking Leah Remini for Scientology was unlicensed, it turns out
[FOUR years ago] Scientology celebrates its pandemic response in latest Impact magazine
[FIVE years ago] Scientology, disconnection, and the worst Christmas ever
[SIX years ago] Tiponi Grey’s daughter: She knew her life might end at any time
[SEVEN years ago] Even in 2018, Scientology is still selling L. Ron Hubbard like he had the universe figured out
[EIGHT years ago] Aaron Smith-Levin appears on ‘Leah Remini,’ hours later gets own Scientology attack site
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s appeal on rehab zoning fight in Maryland to be heard today
[TEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology now selling the idea it solved the Ferguson crisis
[ELEVEN years ago] MONIQUE RATHBUN FILES FOR SANCTIONS, SUBMITS SCIENTOLOGY LEADER’S FOUL-MOUTHED TEXTS
[TWELVE years ago] Blogging Dianetics, Part 1: Vance Woodward Helps Us Parse L. Ron Hubbard’s Masterpiece
——————–
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.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,134 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,629 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,144 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,694 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,684 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,070 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,565 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,869 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,740 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,292 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,633 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,200 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,119 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,287 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,869 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,129 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,165 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,881 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,445 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,760 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,935 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,617 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,954 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,808 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,923 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,285 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,588 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,694 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,092 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,968 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,533 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,044 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,300 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,408 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on January 4, 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 isn’t happy that flags will be half staff at Inauguration
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump says Democrats don’t love the country and suggests flags may not necessarily be at half mast for Jimmy Carter’s death during his inauguration pic.twitter.com/ZKKWIinf2j
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 3, 2025
QAnon hates dealing with reality. Johnson retaining the Speakership is something they hate but they have to accept that somehow Trump is playing 12D chess and everything is going to work out great. They hate The Plan but they must Trust The Plan. pic.twitter.com/zF9wiaRGHf
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 3, 2025
Jeffries: Our position is that it is not acceptable to cut social security, cut medicare, cut medicaid, cut veterans' benefits, or cut nutritional assistance from children and families in order to pay for massive tax breaks for billionaires and wealthy corporations pic.twitter.com/W99uTqYfWh
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 3, 2025
Charlie Kirk’s spiritual advisor, Pastor James Kaddis, said Jesus didn’t go to the cross willingly. pic.twitter.com/r7ESEHACaI
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 3, 2025
Lauren Boebert: “Jesus went to hell in our place, and he didn’t stay there. I believe he showed up and said hey ya’ll the king of glory has arrived, and he took back the keys of death, hell, and the grave, all of that authority that was relinquished to Satan.” pic.twitter.com/y1XVXwf1A0
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 3, 2025
Trump on his iPad at his Mar-a-Lago dinner table tonight pic.twitter.com/YzmsvUaCeB
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 4, 2025
Elon checking on his MAGA investment at Mar-a-Lago pic.twitter.com/LteU2K6iqo
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 4, 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 4, 2025 at 08:00
January 3, 2025
A new sighting of former Scientology spokesman Tommy Davis is always a delight
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: We’re often asked about former Scientology spokesman Tommy Davis, who is such a source of fascination for many. We want to thank the reader who pointed us to a new sighting of this ever-popular figure, and we’ll bring you up to date if you’re behind on your Tommy Davis news. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The difference between a Degraded Being and an OT is simply that the DB can’t put out a postulate or intention in a direct line or way and make it hold good. The insane are a great example of this. They are insane because they have evil intentions. But they can’t even make these stick. They may intend to burn down the house but they usually wind up watering the rug or do some other non sequitur thing. It’s not that they don’t mess things up. The whole point here is that they can’t even properly destroy what they intend to destroy. Even their evil intentions wobble, poor things.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1972
——————–
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({});
——————–
“If you did it, you can undid it. How do you like that? You can! You can undo it. Anything you’ve done, you can undo one way or the other — somewhere on the track, given enough time. Even without processing, you could undo it. A lot of you are going forward in life right now, just hoping you will get an opportunity to undo, oh, Lord knows what, killing blondes or something. Hoping you get enough opportunity to unkill battleships or something. Of course, some of you are out of luck entirely because maybe your overt acts are against heavy hussars — heavy cavalry, heavy horse cavalry — and you’re trying to undo overt acts against heavy horse cavalry in an age that doesn’t have any. So you have to become an historical writer.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 3, 1960
——————–
“CRUISE: We rapped out the mileage and as I write this we apparently will have our day’s stats at the end. One day and two nights at sea compared to two days and two nights. It was a fairly comfortable run. I like this port we’ll be in as you read this. The officials have always been pleasant and obliging, the people great, and they don’t push people around. Some aboard don’t like it. Smells of fish they say. Well, I prefer the smell of fish and saw dust to the smell of tourists. I’ll never forget the relief and cheer we once felt when driven by the sea and the height of the Smersh campaign this port welcomed us. It always has been friendly and decent. Not being shoved out to anchor ‘to make room for the great Tourist Liner BUNKO and the Tanker SS Stinko.’ We’re off the beaten track here. The Phoenicians, Carthoginians and Portuguese have left their traces. And these people still go on. I’am changing our scheduling after the next port after this. Be nice to these people, they’re your friends. Be nice to this port. I consider it an Affinity haven.” — The Commodore, January 3, 1971
——————–
“In 2008 at the last broad Freezone Convention held in Europe near Magdeburg, Germany, a young man by the name of Andreas Buttler presented himself as the reincarnation of LRH. It was on the 9th of May that year, that he presented his book SPIRITOLOGIE. Spiritology he defined as the science of the origin, infinite potential and the full rehabilitation of the spiritual being. In his book he announced the great breakthrough that Scientology now is going to be run from the 8th dynamic INFINITY. And all techniques are run from that viewpoint and incidentally doing away with the need for the pre-OT levels altogether. In 2013 however Andreas Buttler had gotten physically ill and as he himself could not have overlooked any adverse ‘causative thoughts’ he concluded that his belief that ‘there was always the thought, the concept or the idea, before anything would manifest’ must have been wrong. He then promptly withdrew the book, the subject and everything connected — including his own past identity — and that was the demise of ‘Spiritologie’ as far as he was concerned.”
——————–
1999: The Miami Herald published an article this week on the status of Scientology in Clearwater, Florida. “The city buses chugging past downtown crowds three weeks ago bore strange and startling messages on the sides: ‘Think for Yourself. Quit Scientology,’ said one. ‘Doubt is Not a Crime,’ said another. ‘Run, don’t walk — Quit Scientology.’ In almost any other town in America, the advertisements would have been puzzling and meaningless. But in Clearwater, where the population of 110,000 includes perhaps as many as 10,000 adherents to the Church of Scientology, they were fighting words. ‘That’s like saying, ‘Blacks, get out of town,” says Scientology spokeswoman Pat Jones, who also is African American. Scientologists deluged the homes of City Council and Transit Authority members with complaints. Within a day, the ads were gone. Tampa attorney Kennan Dandar is representing Lisa McPherson’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit against the Church of Scientology. He claims McPherson was trying to leave the church after 19 years, and they wanted to stop her. ‘In her final days, she was virtually begging for help,’ Dandar said. ‘What happened to Lisa was disgusting.’ Scientologists say McPherson was happy in the church, and wasn’t planning to leave. If the church is found guilty of the charges — abuse or neglect of a disabled adult, a second-degree felony, and unauthorized practice of medicine, a third-degree felony — it will face a fine of no more than $15,000. No individual would face a jail sentence. The downtown demonstrations by anti-Scientologists every year on the anniversary of McPherson’s death, the bus ads earlier this month and the publicity given to the criminal charges have put the church under scrutiny again. There’s no good reason for it, Scientologists say. ‘If it were any other church, this would have been damped out within weeks,’ spokesman Anderson said. ‘The story would have died.’ The St. Petersburg Times printed a letter from Scientology’s head of investigations and public relations, Mike Rinder, in response to last week’s editorial is support of the right for critics to run bus ads. Blumner cites the First Amendment to the Constitution for the proposition that anonymous anti-Scientologists have the right to post religious hate slogans on county-sponsored buses. She conveniently ignores that the first provision of the First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion. That amendment prohibits governmental agencies from taking an action that could in any fashion establish or disestablish a particular religion. It is ironic that it appeared in the editorial column of the St. Petersburg Times, as if expressing the Times’ views. The Times, as a matter of policy, will accept no advertising of any kind from the Church of Scientology. For years, the church has attempted to purchase advertising space for book advertisements, statements on social issues, and even equal space to respond to Times articles. In every instance, the Times has refused to accept advertisements.”
——————–
“There seems to be a reluctance even among some exes to understand that all the E-meter is physically capable of doing is measuring galvanic skin response. It is incapable of reading one’s emotional state.”
——————–
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 January 13, 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] Andreas Heldal-Lund, 1964-2024: Our original story about Scientology’s ‘Lucifer’
[TWO year ago] Jerry Whitfield, longtime Scientology exit counselor, dies at 77
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s global conquest: Founder L. Ron Hubbard stressed ‘put in ethics’ to foil enemies
[FOUR years ago] Scientology social media: Stop being afraid to turn over all your hard earned cash!
[FIVE years ago] In the Sea Org, it’s difficult to see Scientology’s incompetence — until you escape
[SIX years ago] We asked Marc Headley about NXIVM’s Allison Mack using his Scientology lawsuit as a defense
[SEVEN years ago] Conan O’Brien to Danny Masterson in ’04, after rape claim was settled: ‘I’ve heard about you’
[EIGHT years ago] Tonight on ‘Leah Remini’: Aaron Smith-Levin on how families get so screwed up in Scientology
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s state of the union, 2016: Former spokesman Mike Rinder predicts ‘more pain’
[TEN years ago] Jon Atack: What it’s like for the Scientologist who gives up the dream of being superhuman
[ELEVEN years ago] Another Scientology video you aren’t supposed to see: ‘The Command of Theta’
——————–
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.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,133 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,628 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,143 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,693 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,683 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,069 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,564 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,868 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,739 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,291 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,632 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,199 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,118 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,286 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,868 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,128 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,164 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,880 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,444 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,759 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,934 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,616 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,953 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,807 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,922 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,284 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,587 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,693 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,091 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,967 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,532 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,043 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,299 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,407 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on January 3, 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
Las Vegas Cybertruck suicide was big Trump fan, family says
Some links to Q-related items today
Big Nashville RV bombing vibes here. Basically, an unwell man kills himself in a spectacular fashion that causes widespread damage and chaos, spawning conspiracy theories and speculation because the mystery of "why" is never solved. https://t.co/lfbx3gGnt7
— Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd on blu sky) (@rothschildmd) January 2, 2025
“He loved Trump," said the alleged Cybertruck bomber's uncle. https://t.co/Vbog9r3YRC
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) January 2, 2025
2025 is the year of the Brainworm. It’s never going to get any better. pic.twitter.com/dxlQ6jD5wA
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 2, 2025
— David Weigel (@daveweigel) January 2, 2025
Lauren Boebert said she is frustrated with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s DOGE Commission, because Congress is the one who should be doing oversight pic.twitter.com/sBSHaLkPEx
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 2, 2025
JD Vance golfing with Trump as they continue to ignore their MAGA base pic.twitter.com/hscOqZQknZ
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 3, 2025
JD Vance defends German AfD party pic.twitter.com/TEMtlRJyWM
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 2, 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 3, 2025 at 08:00
January 2, 2025
Stunning letter shows Scientology pitting devotion against family ties
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Tammy Synovec has told us in the past about #Scientology ripping apart her family. Now, she’s found an incredible 1998 letter chastising her late husband for choosing to have kids over dedication to the church. It’s a shocking look at how Scientology actually treats employees. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“A couple of years ago some auditors were solving high TA problems by putting hand cream on the pc’s hands when they were calloused and talcum powder on a pc’s hands when they were too wet. Since no research had been done they were censured. Research has now been done on this matter of dry and wet hands. Apparently when a person has taken certain medicines or chemicals, or uses detergent soaps or is in contact with certain chemicals (such as those in some furniture polishes) the ordinary skin oils vanish. These oils are needed to make an electrical contact with the cans. When these oils are absent, there is no adequate electrical contact and the ‘TA is High.’ When a person is deficient in certain minerals or vitamins such as magnesium or B complex, his hands can be excessively wet. Either of these two conditions in hands or feet can produce an incorrect TA position.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1972
——————–
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
——————–
“As I used to be president of the American Fiction Guild author’s league up in New York, when I was a kid — that’s right, I was a kid — it was very funny to me, I used to laugh myself silly, all of the confession stories written in America are written by unmarried ladies who have reached 40 or 50. Now, there’s nothing wrong with being an unmarried lady reaching 40 or 50. This is perfectly fine. But how come all these confession stories? Yeah, that’s interesting. Because it was out of the current lifetime’s field of experience. I realize now they were writing about past lives, that they were picking it up Whole Track and just putting it in modern dress. But they didn’t know what they were writing about, basically, in this lifetime.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 2, 1960
——————–
“This very nice tribute and list was sent me by Lt. Cmdr. Joan Robertson:
Dear Sir, Like you, I am burying the old year not praising it. YET — Thank you for the wild and wonderful year we have just finished
for restoring all Tech
for restoring Power
for OT VII
for the Sanity Tech Breakthrough
for the C/S Series
for the EP’s
for revitalizing training
for all the other Brilliant Tech Breakthroughs.
And thank you for the Tech of Admin —
for restoring all Policy
for the Bureaux
for the FEBC, HC, OEC —
Supervisor Courses
for Exec Dirs
the Org Boards
for the Aides Conferences
the personal Conferences
the Personnel Series
the Org Series
the PR Series
this Brilliant Management system
the Org and Product Officer System.
Your help on ship lines and to me as an Aide, an officer, a Con, and as a Being.
And for your trust in me in letting me help.
I pledge again my love, loyalty, devotion and work.
A very Happy New Year — Sir!” — The Commodore, January 2, 1971
——————–
“If you are for Scientology having secrets because people are not ready for them, then you should be OK with the government keeping all its alien secrets from us. They have met with them, worked with them, Apollo 11 actually was checking out ancient alien ruins on the moon, and they kept this secret from us because apparently we are not ready for this information and will go crazy if exposed to it. That’s literally what they think. Well I say this is disgusting, just as it’s disgusting keeping Scientology information from lower level Scientologists. I do not stand for secrets, I think it’s wrong, and I genuinely hate the government for not telling me aliens exist. A Scientology radio show that is pro secrets is boring to listen to, just as the ABC Australia radio show is boring to listen to. They are pro secrets, they wouldn’t dare talk about the government controlling the weather or aliens. They don’t go into any interesting juicy stuff, it’s just PR ‘Oh I like to walk the dog on a Sunday afternoon’ or ‘Yes, sweet jazz music’ type stuff. It’s just so boring, it’s depressing really. It’s forcing people into a lame Truman Show life. You must support freedom of speech and the press. So that’s why I’m against secrets. It makes a worse world. As Hubbard says ‘If someone’s lying to you they are controlling you.’ And omitting data from stuff is a form of lying.”
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
——————–
1998: Television show 60 Minutes aired a piece on the demise of the Cult Awareness Network due to Scientology this week. James Cherry provided a transcript. Some excerpts: “LESLEY STAHL: There was a time, if you were worried about your son or daughter being in a cult, you could get help from a small, nonprofit organization called the Cult Awareness Network, or CAN, for twenty years the nation’s best-known resource for information and advice about groups it considered dangerous. Among them was Scientology, a church not known for turning the other cheek. And while Scientology did attack its enemies in the past, Church officials say they don’t do that any more. But recently, the Cult Awareness Network was forced into bankruptcy, and its leaders blame the Church of Scientology. KENDRICK MOXON: I don’t know if she’s a topless dancer or not. STAHL: Did you tell our producer that you didn’t believe that was true? MOXON: I told your producer that I thought, looking at Cynthia Kisser, it seemed improbable that she could have been a topless dancer because of the way she looks. STAHL: Yet despite his own view and the evidence from Investigator Shomers, Moxon, also a minister in the Church, persisted in bringing it up. MOXON: I mean, we’ve got a declaration already indicating that she had been a topless dancer. STAHL: I can’t believe you’re continuing to talk about her being a topless dancer! STAHL: Were you a topless dancer? CYNTHIA KISSER: No, and later the person that they claimed told them that retracted it…issued a retraction saying that it wasn’t true. KISSER: I got hit with twelve suits in one week! I would open the door, a process server would give me a suit. They were suing us all over the country, sometimes simultaneously. STAHL: In all, CAN was hit with more than fifty lawsuits. Even though most of the suits were eventually dropped or won by CAN, she says the cost of defending them, nearly two million dollars, drove CAN to the brink of bankruptcy. HEBER JENTZSCH: I would say that the individuals who were involved definitely wanted to do something about CAN. What are you going to do when they’re trying to destroy you? Look, if you’re a Jew, no Jew is going to cry about the fact that the Nazi party is gone. If you’re an African American, no one is going to cry that the KKK is gone. I’m not crying because CAN is gone, OK? They were a vicious group — STAHL: My question is, would you concede that at least part of what happened with those lawsuits was a deliberate attempt to harass and intimidate them into silence? JENTZSCH: No, absolutely not — STAHL: Well, you’re not going to make us believe that there were these thirty or fifty lawsuits that all sprang up, you know, just… serendipitously. MOXON: They didn’t spring up serendipitously. A number of Scientologists came to our firm and said, ‘I’m being discriminated against by CAN.’ We have these complaints in the computer. STAHL: We deny the Church’s accusation that we have a conflict of interest in this story, because producer Richard Bonin has an aunt who’s a lawyer involved in litigation against the Church. Though that’s true, our producer’s aunt Leta had nothing to do with our story.”
——————–
“Alex Jones and L. Ron both became millionaires by selling people crazy. The $64,000 question is whether it was (A) a cynical scam (B) they’re both insane (C) all of the above.”
——————–
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 January 13, 2025.
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] Ooh la la! Scientology is bursting about its soon-to-open Paris cathouse
[TWO years ago] A video that answers, what’s it like in Scientology with business so down these days?
[THREE years ago] TODAY: Scientology wants you to make a resolution to fork over every penny in 2022
[FOUR years ago] Worst part in the Scientology ‘arbitration’ ruling? Danny Masterson can participate.
[FIVE years ago] Graham Berry shares a Scientology secret with us that might explain everything
[SIX years ago] Scientology smears ‘Aftermath’ guest with info from his supposedly confidential files
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology’s original case of ‘disconnection’ — L. Ron Hubbard and his doting mom and dad
[EIGHT years ago] David Miscavige has plenty of new Scientology buildings set to open in 2017
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s 2016: CNN plans to give L. Ron Hubbard his best press in decades
[TEN years ago] LEAKED RENDERINGS: What Scientology’s (post-KCET) new media center will look like
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology’s snitching culture: Jefferson Hawkins explains the ‘Knowledge Report’
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Giving this “Internet” Thing a Whirl
——————–
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.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,132 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,627 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,142 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,692 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,682 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,068 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,563 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,867 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,738 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,290 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,631 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,198 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,117 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,285 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,867 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,127 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,163 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,879 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,443 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,758 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,933 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,615 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,952 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,806 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,921 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,283 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,586 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,692 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,090 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,966 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,531 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,042 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,298 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,406 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on January 2, 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 patriot: Trump is ‘God’s warrior on a divine mission to save humanity from the Illuminati’
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Community Notes can’t keep up with the amount of MAGA misinformation about the New Orleans terror suspect. These three were flagged, but there are countless others.
Looks like 2025, will be much like 2024 for these MAGA misinformation accounts. pic.twitter.com/9NSkvw2yCB
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 1, 2025
If “@shamjabber” was Shamsud-Din Jabber’s Twitter/X account, he followed a Veterans crisis management account according a message from PTSD treatment pioneer Shad Meshad.
Meshad founded National Veterans Foundation which also runs a Veterans suicide prevention hotline. pic.twitter.com/KvP7API6GF
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 1, 2025
Trump needs to pick better nominees pic.twitter.com/gyDLv9xb7q
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 1, 2025
Caught MAGA people talking about Trump’s rally 3 days ago… https://t.co/Hp3KJs57Rw
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 1, 2025
GOP Senator Rand Paul attacks Mike Johnson ahead of Speaker vote pic.twitter.com/w2fG2vkStW
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 1, 2025
Trump would never let his MAGA base get this close to him pic.twitter.com/sYjYJvyCbl
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 1, 2025
Hussain Sajwani, a Dubai real estate investor, was sitting at Trump’s table at his New Year’s Eye Mar-a-Lago party. pic.twitter.com/YbibyTJSUC
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 1, 2025
Liz Crokin is melting down and screaming about Elon being some sort of Deep State operative Trump is going to expose in the near future. Exactly how this is all going to shake out isn’t clear but Liz is work shopping it. pic.twitter.com/GkLPw4ln2T
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 1, 2025
“Trump is not our God. He is merely God’s warrior on a divine mission to save humanity from the Illuminati.” Oh when you say it like that it doesn’t sound crazy at all. pic.twitter.com/2TeiwbmsUf
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) January 1, 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 2, 2025 at 08:00
January 1, 2025
Scientology rings in 2025 in Los Angeles: The photos!
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: A big thanks to Apostate Alex who, about an hour after we had rung in the new year here in New York, sent us a message that he noticed Scientology had put up at its website a slideshow and press release for its celebration of 2025 arriving. Let’s take a look! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“The problem of PTS is not very complicated. Once you have grasped the two data first given, the rest of it becomes simply an analysis of how they apply to this particular person. A PTS person can be markedly helped in three ways: (a) gaining an understanding of the tech of the condition (b) discovering to what or to whom he is PTS (c) handling or disconnecting.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1972
——————–
THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON
We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
——————–
“There’s lots been doing lately and there’s lots of road ahead. If there’s ever been a point where we jumped off this is it. You know, we jumped off in 1950 — something on the order of the Christians going into the Roman arena. And those psychiatrists were very hungry lions; they were very hungry, very hungry — very proud, very proud lions, beating their paws against their somewhat mangy chests, saying, ‘We are the bosses of this here arena.’ That’s what they thought. And today I hope that you will get information which will permit, in another year, a Scientologist to say, ‘Scientology processes more psychiatrists in any given year than any other psychotherapy.’ That’d be fun, wouldn’t it? Nice ad in The Saturday Evening Post.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 1, 1960
——————–
“OLD 1970: So Good-bye 1970. It was a tough year on the world. But it was a great year for development. Both tech and Admin research results were the greatest since 1950. All the years contributed but the payoff was 1970. So Happy 1971, AD21. Let’s make the new tools take the world.” — The Commodore, January 1, 1971
——————–
“Being aberrated in an aberrated society actually raises your survival potential in the SHORT TERM (not the long term) and that’s what I’m having a hard time overcoming right now in my journey with Dianetics and Scientology. I’ve taken on the valence of a rat who hides and sneaks around trying to use and steal things for his own benefit without being detected and sadly, its working.”
1997: The Daily Telegraph ran an article concerning a decision in the UK to recognize Scientology leaders as ministers, not cultists. “LEADERS of the sect of Scientology are to be allowed to enter the United Kingdom as recognised religious ministers following a revision in Home Office immigration guidelines. Scientology has previously been defined as a cult by the Home Office. In 1968 it was deemed ‘socially harmful’. Members were prohibited from entering the country to study or to minister. The rules were softened in 1980 and cases were judged individually but no scientologists qualified for the provision for missionaries and religious ministers until this month. The sect was informed of the change by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office via a letter to their solicitors on Dec 10. The news was welcomed as a ‘breakthrough’ by the sect which has its headquarters in East Grinstead, Sussex, and has been struggling to be accepted as a mainstream church since its inception in 1954. A spokesman for the Home Office said: ‘Previously we did not see Scientology as a religion but as a cult. ‘That position has changed which shows that we do what we say which is to keep things under continual review’. The 1971 Immigration Act provides provision for religious ministers to enter the country providing they can prove experience of ministry, religious training and that they are invited by a congregation in Britain.”
——————–
“In the 1980s Scientology had 100,000+ members. Today, it has 20,000 or less, plus the more competent members have left. In the 70s & 80s there was Operation Snow White, Operations Daniel and Dynamite (Paulette Cooper) etc. Today, It’s Squirrel Busters, Freedumb Magazine and smear sites no one sees. We have THEM running scared. OSA is a joke.”
——————–
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 January 13, 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] It was a conversation about Scientology she’d wanted to have forever. And then it happened.
[TWO years ago] The Scientology oversharer explains the thinking behind donating so much
[THREE years ago] Ten years later: Debbie Cook’s indictment of Scientology under David Miscavige, annotated
[FOUR years ago] VIDEO: Ex-JW activist Lloyd Evans chased from home by Croatian earthquake
[FIVE years ago] Mike Rinder: What the Church of Scientology has coming in 2020
[SIX years ago] Tonight, Leah Remini exposes the crazy grift of Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs’
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology watchers, start making your plans for HowdyCon 2018 in the Windy City!
[EIGHT years ago] Five years later: Debbie Cook’s indictment of Scientology under David Miscavige, annotated
[NINE years ago] Scientology watchers, we’re kicking off the new year by revealing the poster for HowdyCon 2016
[TEN years ago] A Scientology untold history special report: ‘My lunch with Quentin Hubbard’
[ELEVEN years ago] BUNKER SPECIAL: David Touretzky on L. Ron Hubbard, Mark Twain, and Mary Baker Eddy
[TWELVE years ago] Another Indie Goes All the Way: Simi Valley Ditches Scientology For Good
——————–
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.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,131 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,626 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,141 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,691 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,681 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,067 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,562 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,866 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,737 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,289 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,630 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,197 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,116 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,284 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,866 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,126 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,162 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,878 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,442 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,757 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,932 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,614 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,951 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,805 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,920 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,282 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,585 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,691 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,089 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,965 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,530 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,041 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,297 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,405 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on January 1, 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…
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
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