Tony Ortega's Blog, page 68
December 12, 2024
Mar-a-Lago is the place to be for MAGA’s leading lights
Some links to Q-related items today
FBI Director Christopher Wray announced to employees today that he's leaving at the end of the Biden administration.
"In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the Bureau deeper into the fray," he said.
Trump has nominated Kash Patel to take over the FBI. pic.twitter.com/kfgL6ddaOK
— Eric Geller (@ericgeller) December 11, 2024
NEW: A Jan. 6 defendant on probation attempted to flee the country and join Russian forces fighting Ukraine. Now prosecutors want to put him in jail for six months. https://t.co/ApwQzl6Boi pic.twitter.com/d8VoYx649e
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) December 11, 2024
Actor Jim Caviezel, who has promoted QAnon conspiracy theories, was at Trump Mar-a-Lago home last night. pic.twitter.com/QRAwPoawX7
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 12, 2024
Trump with Michael Flynn last night at Mar-a-Lago. Flynn associates with some of the most fringe individuals in the MAGA movement. pic.twitter.com/uB7kFb62IO
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 12, 2024
At Mar-a-Lago, Mel Gibson Implies Trump’s Political Opponents Started California Fire
Trump’s association with Mel Gibson highlights troubling endorsement https://t.co/fkNz5Ihg4p
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 12, 2024
Is JD Vance allowed to leave Mar-a-Lago? pic.twitter.com/aJsNIQDeWJ
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 11, 2024
Cheryl Hines, Mike Tyson, and RFK Jr at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home last night. pic.twitter.com/R7efO8ww36
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 11, 2024
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 December 12, 2024 at 08:00
December 11, 2024
Reincarnated Scientology founder can’t get a new judge while in Tennessee lockup
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Last time we checked on Lafayette Ronald Hubbard — a/k/a LRH 2.0, the former California prison inmate who says he’s the returned Scientology founder — he was complaining to followers about a toothache. Now, we have another update from the jail where he’s been sitting since 2021. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“All great pieces of art have this one factor in common. First of all, before one looks at the faces on the canvas or hears the meaning of the song, there is the TECHNICAL EXPERTISE there adequate to produce an emotional impact. Before one adds message or meaning, there is this TECHNICAL EXPERTISE. TECHNICAL EXPERTISE is composed of all the little and large bits of technique known to the skilled painter, musician, actor, any artist. He adds these things together in his basic presentation. He knows what he is doing. And how to do it. And then to this he adds his message.” — 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 should have things which are motion sources in there. The level of truth of that universe ought to be good. You would BE faith in that universe; or your mock-ups, as far as faith is concerned, you would probably rely on a mock-up a heck of a lot quicker than you’d ever rely on a piece of MEST. I mean that seriously. You’d just rely on the mock-up. That’s not bad; if you can create a Cadillac which can outrun Cadillacs, I think you’d depend upon your Cadillac. Get the idea? But if you were really up at the top of the mock-up curve, you’ve made a Cadillac, you would drive your Cadillac much in preference to a Cadillac. You get the idea? It sounds strange, it sounds peculiar, but if you were doing that, and you really set out to make a Cadillac, yours would be a better Cadillac, for you.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 11, 1952
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“I’ve decided to release OT VII when SMERSH is vanquished and things are safe for Scientology over the world.” — The Commodore, December 11, 1968
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“‘There are reports of euphoria in the financial markets and elsewhere over the arrival of the vaccines.’ LOL! I was going to say that ‘things are as bad’ that now it seems plausible that the ‘fake’ LRH issue about OT 8 seems to be true. Namely that wogs and Scienos (below OT 8) are genetically manipulated so that they now are being controlled by telepathy from the Marcabians. But apparently things are far worse than that! LOL! LRH was Right! ‘Democracy’ for these R6 humanoids is worse than democracy on a cage of monkeys! The cage of monkeys won’t kill themselves with ‘democracy,’ but R6ers with ‘democracy’ will make sure nobody is left alive! Hurry up and do your Bridge!”
1997: Several of the Clearwater protesters had Scientology flyers and/or pickets at their homes during their time away. Dennis Erlich, Deana Holmes, Rod Keller, Bob Minton, Ron Newman and Grady Ward received very similar flyers. From Dennis Erlich: “I returned home from Clearwater to find that the scienos had picketed my home and spread the same hateful leaflet around the neighborhood that they did with Bob Minton. Same wording, exactly, only with my name. ‘THE FACE OF RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY – YOUR NEIGHBOR, DENNIS ERLICH IS NOT ALL THAT HE SEEMS – THIS WEEKEND HE IS LEADING A KKK-STYLE RALLY AGAINST PEACEFUL MEMBERS OF A RELIGION – WHEN HE’S NOT STIRRING UP HATRED IN THE STREETS, ERLICH IS POISONING THE INTERNET BY FILLING IT FULL OF RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY AND INTOLERANCE – ERLICH’S HATRED PUTS FAMILIES AT RISK – NEXT TIME YOU SEE THIS MAN, RECOGNIZE THE FACE OF RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY'” From Deana Holmes: “On Monday I called over to the org and asked to speak to the DSA. She was the one who answered the phone, and she announced herself as ‘Judy, holding DSA’. I repeated who I was and asked if they had picketed my home on Friday. She said they had, and stated that it was a First Amendment right to picket. I stated that in SLC, you need to have a permit to picket a private residence. She claimed that they did. I tried to find out how many people were out there and what was on the signs, but she wouldn’t tell me, she told me to ask my neighbors as they had seen the signs.” From Grady Ward: “My wife Felicity reported to me this evening that five scientology picketers from San Francisco picketed our home at 3449 Martha Ct. in Arcata, California Saturday from 1 to 4 pm. The two adults, teenager, and children carried placards accusing me of being an ‘Internet pervert’ and ‘Religious bigot.’ Humorously enough a neighbor reported today that he saw the adult pay money to three of the kids before the kids took off on their own and the adults drove off in a van. The neighbor also said that the three kids in question were leaning on their signs, holding them upside down and generally seeming not to have very much heart in sending out the cult’s hate message.”
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“Thing is he knows that if Lou called up a restaurant or a movie theater and said ‘Mr. Miscavige would like to visit your establishment, could you please close for the evening to accommodate this,’ they would respond ‘Who?’ His frail ego couldn’t handle this. That’s why the only time he goes out is when he’s with Cruise.”
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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] Breathe easy, space cadet: Your Scientology holiday shopping guide has arrived!
[TWO years ago] VIDEO: This right here is why Scientology is going to clear the planet, you doubters
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s legendary ‘Liability Cruise,’ including color photos, like it was yesterday
[FOUR years ago] VALERIE HANEY DENIED AGAIN: State supreme court won’t hear case
[FIVE years ago] LEAH REMINI: ‘Jackie Lacey, you have forgotten what side you are on’
[SIX years ago] Tonight, Leah Remini examines her own role in the bizarre Scientology – Nation of Islam dance
[SEVEN years ago] DOX: An inside look at how Scientology gets what it wants at ‘Ideal Org’ events
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology: Not very effective in Washington politics, but it tries, tries again
[NINE years ago] Jon Atack: Scientology’s notion of ‘case gain,’ and how it reinforces the prison of belief
[TEN years ago] The questioner: Scientology brings in its legal ringer for a Florida showdown
[ELEVEN years ago] TEXAS SKIRMISH: Mike Bennitt is on the scene as Monique Rathbun’s lawsuit is back in court
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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 3,110 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,605 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,120 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,670 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,660 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,046 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,541 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,845 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,716 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,268 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,609 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,176 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,095 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,263 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,845 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,105 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,141 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,857 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,421 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,736 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,911 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,593 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,930 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,784 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,899 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,261 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,564 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,670 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,068 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,944 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,509 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,020 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,276 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,384 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on December 11, 2024 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
The manifesto, and Q patriots are already baking everything Luigi
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});I've obtained a copy of Luigi Mangione's manifesto: https://t.co/bnlcbLygkj
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) December 10, 2024
The Daily Beast reports that it has confirmed the authenticity of the manifesto I published 🎯 pic.twitter.com/BKwQUUzh47
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) December 11, 2024
In QAnon trying to find meaning in Q’s vague messages is known as “baking”. We got 22 million views for somebody trying to bake why Luigi picked the Pokémon he did. pic.twitter.com/Auf3ijqQZw
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) December 10, 2024
Conspiracy world is now doing a full 180 on the CEO shooting and now he was a brave hero about to blow the whistle on Pelosi’s corruption and she had her MKULTRA sleeper take him out. pic.twitter.com/4Vgox89sdH
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) December 10, 2024
Scoop:
Luigi Mangione appears to have been an active Redditor.
A subreddit centered around spinal pain has surfaced his alleged account, which once commented that contemplating a life of chronic pain "completely destroyed" them.https://t.co/HDjj7hr2QE pic.twitter.com/POaPXbJag8
— sarah emerson (@SarahNEmerson) December 10, 2024
This platform has multiple “Verified” accounts claiming to be operated by JFK, Jr.
The posts from these accounts are never corrected by community notes, despite the fact that JFK, Jr. died in a plane crash in 1999. https://t.co/jamTHSUAqi pic.twitter.com/IvPcLyPdjK
— Travis View (@travis_view) December 11, 2024
In a new Twitter/X Space, QAnon influencer Ben Moore (known online as "Sun Tzu") claimed that during Trump's 1st term, while posting about QAnon, he was getting messages from political figures like mayors & members of Congress thanking him & other "anons" for "saying the truth." https://t.co/rwABHvEO8D
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) December 10, 2024
Trump sent Don Jr’s ex-girlfriend Kim packing. It would have been awkward to have her at Mar-a-Lago every day, plus she knows things that could be embarrassing for the Trump family. pic.twitter.com/NU267KblGu
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 10, 2024
NEW: DOJ sidestepped key procedures when it pursued journalists' phone/email records during Trump's first term, a watchdog concluded. https://t.co/ZRzTSTbZxt pic.twitter.com/ofoA5wfLgG
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) December 10, 2024
New:
Ann Vandersteel, a far-right conspiracy theorist who has promoted Pizzagate, QAnon, and sovereign citizens ideology, said she's had “private conversations” with Trump “border czar” Tom Homan about mass deportations.https://t.co/jXfR5QDsoj pic.twitter.com/994g2oXL4K
— Alex Kaplan (@AlKapDC) December 10, 2024
New from 404 Media: a location data firm is offering to help cops track targets via their doctor visits. Cops fill out form about their target, including doctor's address. Fog Data Science will then map out person's movements using massive bank of data https://t.co/i7MJUSBOJg
— Joseph Cox (@josephfcox) December 10, 2024
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 December 11, 2024 at 08:00
December 10, 2024
Scientology delays again in Whitney Mills case, hinting they expect to be off the hook
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: The Scientology defendants in the Whitney Mills wrongful death case are again asking for more time to answer the newest version of the lawsuit, and once again they are hinting that they believe changes are imminent that will favor them. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“Were you to watch a crowd watching a magician, you would find one common denominator eliciting uniform response. If he is a good magician he is a smooth showman. He isn’t showing them how he does his tricks. He is showing them a flawless flowing performance. This alone is providing the carrier wave that takes the substance of his actions to his audience. Though a far cry from fine art, perhaps, yet there is art in the way he does things. If he is good, the audience is seeing first of all, before anything else, the TECHNICAL EXPERTISE of his performance. They are also watching him do things they know they can’t do. And they are watching the outcome of his presentations. He is a good magician if he gives a technically flawless
performance just in terms of scenes and motions which provide the channel for what he is presenting.” — 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.
——————–
THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH
— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see
[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
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“Recently I contacted some very interesting facsimiles of Captain Frank de Wolfe of the United States Army, who was wounded at Fort Donelson in 1862. You may think I am talking about a past death; I am not. I am talking about a sympathy facsimile picked up when I was about a year and a half old, evidently, on the death of my great-grandfather. I almost killed myself. I started running out a lot of emotional curves and life began to look more and more interesting, and then when I went to get up out of the chair I couldn’t get up. I wondered what this was all about so I began to run some more emotional curves, and then I suddenly recalled that my great-grandfather had a black cane with a solid gold dog’s head. It was a great little gimmick, this solid gold dog’s head. The facsimile which I had just finished running out was the facsimile of the death of my dog when I was 14, which tied in to the cane with the dog’s head, which was the death of my great-grandfather that occurred while I was still sick with pneumonia when about a year and a half old. Evidently my legs from the waist down had been out of valence most of my life.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 10, 1951
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“So evidently there’s a grade of ‘animal’ according to the very best professors. Looking it over, modern ‘education’ and all, we then have the job of moving people up on this course action with which there would be wide agreement due to teachings in universities. Animal + Technique Zed = Human Being + Dianetics to Grade IV = Homo Novis + Power, R6EW and CC = Clear + OT grades to OT VII = Operating Thetan + what research I’m now doing equals ( ). There are a lot of in betweens and a lot of tech but those are the major points.” — The Commodore, December 10, 1970
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“Every person he owed money to, including me and except Mary who took hers to Court (hers was different, not an advance payment but a specific loan) we worked out a handle so the person wasn’t harmed. He then received L10 and L12 from me. So how then is he in a condition of Enemy? The treason/enemy conditions were always wrong indications, the condition was danger that never never were fully handled and so repeated.”
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
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1996: Jason Scott, victor in his case against the Cult Awareness Network, has changed attorneys. Scientologist Kendrick Moxon, who has attempted to liquidate CAN, was dismissed. In his place, Graham Berry. “Mr. Moxon’s replacement, as attorney for Jason Scott, is Graham E. Berry of the Los Angeles law firm of Musick, Peeler & Garrett. Mr. Berry has successfully represented a number of defendants against the Church of Scientology and its related entities. Recently, he replaced Faegre & Benson of Minneapolis as FACTNet, Inc.’s lead lawyer in Scientology’s internet related litigation against FACTNet, Lawrence Wollersheim, and Robert Penny, now pending in Federal District court, Denver, Colorado. In replacing Kendrick Moxon, Jason Scott said that he had not seen a penny of his judgment against the Cult Awareness Network and that he was now retaining Graham Berry to try and negotiate a settlement that would both put a reasonable sum of money in his pocket and perhaps enable the Cult Awareness Network to emerge from the bankruptcy it filed as a result of his judgment against it. In addition, Mr. Scott said that he was tired of being a Scientology poster-boy, and that he felt Kendrick Moxon had discarded him after he had obtained the judgment against the Cult Awareness Network. Now, said Mr. Scott, he merely wants to settle his claims against CAN, obtain some money, reunite with his wife and family and put this whole saga behind him.”
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“Miscavige is a crime boss. If you’re a crime boss or a loan shark you can’t let somebody disrespect you or not pay back a loan, you have to make an example out of them to keep the rest of the underlings in line. This is more important than public perception.”
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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.
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] Today at the Daily Beast: What Valerie Haney’s Scientology ‘arbitration’ was really like
[THREE years ago] Who will cry for ‘fallen artists’ like Elvis and Hemingway if not Scientology?
[FOUR years ago] Danny Masterson accusers: Scientology’s illegal behavior shouldn’t count as ‘commerce’
[FIVE years ago] George Gascón goes there: Elect him Los Angeles D.A., and Danny Masterson gets a fresh look
[SIX years ago] Scientology school sinks to new low, but the federal dollars keep pouring in
[SEVEN years ago] A close up look at how human rights abuser Scientology is touting human rights as a front
[EIGHT years ago] The way to break free from Scientology’s mind trap: Admit to yourself that you’re gullible
[NINE years ago] DOX: Woman sues Pasadena company for forcing Scientology on her
[TEN years ago] Marc Headley responds to sliming Scientology gave him at the ‘International Business Times’
[ELEVEN years ago] The big reveal: What you actually learn on Scientology’s Operating Thetan Level Three
——————–
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 3,109 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,604 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,119 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,669 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,659 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,045 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,540 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,844 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,715 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,267 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,608 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,175 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,094 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,262 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,844 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,104 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,140 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,856 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,420 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,735 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,910 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,592 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,929 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,783 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,898 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,260 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,563 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,669 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,067 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,943 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,508 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,019 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,275 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,383 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on December 10, 2024 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
Rich kid assassin nabbed at McDonald’s in Altoona, circus trial ahead
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});i think it's funny that for all the billions in nyc tax dollars spent on surveillance tech & even with nypd having its own intelligence branch what got the united healthcare shooter caught was some dude at mcdonald's in pa being like heyyyyy wait a min, i know those eyebrows
— matthew. (@iAmTheWarax) December 10, 2024
New from 404 Media: the gun found on Luigi Mangione, the person of interest in the UnitedHealthcare shooting, was a 3D printed Glock frame, according to members of the 3D printing firearms community. Specifically it's the Chairmanwon V1 they said https://t.co/4LHSbBREu7 pic.twitter.com/kMwY43ljYx
— Joseph Cox (@josephfcox) December 10, 2024
Luigi Mangione reviewed the Unabomber manifesto "violence is necessary to survive": pic.twitter.com/AbexHakZQY
— Mike Wendling (@mwendling) December 9, 2024
At the end of the day, here's the thing about Luigi Mangione's online footprint: it cuts off six months ago. That means no one has any idea what he was up to or the catalyst that finally got him to the point of killing someone. Anyone who claims otherwise is lost in the sauce.
— Jared Holt (@jaredlholt) December 9, 2024
UPDATE: 'Conspiracy cop' Shawn Taylor resigns from Millersville Police Department amid criminal probe https://t.co/kvYVj9JjAY
— Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) December 9, 2024
Fox Business: “Trump's proposed tariffs could drive up food prices, experts say” pic.twitter.com/etd6b5v0h0
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 10, 2024
Trump claims he didn’t have a network backing him during his presidential run (Fox News, OAN, Newsmax?), but says Google is now kissing his ass. pic.twitter.com/QAha6gehY5
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 9, 2024
Trump Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi with MAGA rapper Forgiato Blow pic.twitter.com/xMdvyc3Kpz
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 9, 2024
Some weekend entertainment from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home pic.twitter.com/y0bWXezfe3
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 9, 2024
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 December 10, 2024 at 08:00
December 9, 2024
Scientology and Christmas: How one Hubbardite space cadet got the Santa magic back
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Valerie Ross is back to help us understand what Christmas can mean to the committed Scientology member, and what it means after getting out. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“In this time of century, there are many communication lines for works of art. Because a few works of art can be shown so easily to so many there may even be fewer artists. The competition is very keen and even dagger sharp. To be good one has to be very good. But in what way and how? Well, when I used to buy breakfasts for Greenwich Village artists (which they ate hungrily, only stopping between bites to deplore my commercialism and bastardizing my talents for the gold that bought their breakfasts) I used to ask this question and needless to say I received an appalling variety of responses. They avalanched me with technique or lack of it, they vaguely dwelt on inherent talent, they rushed me around to galleries to show me Picasso or to a board fence covered with abstracts. But none of them told me how good a song had to be to be a song.” — 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({});
——————–
“These things called ‘universes’ are games. And really the most valuable thing that a thetan possesses is his spirit of play. His spirit of play is sensation of play, and is not just energy. It’s a tremendous sensation. A guy has practically lost it if he’s here on Earth at all. Spirit of Play. It’s tremendous: he’s depending on all sorts of the soggiest, low tone scale emotions imaginable in order to get any sensation. In substitute for what? Spirit of Play. For instance, sex is, boy, that’s about eighth-rate as an emotion. It is just dull, incalculably dull compared to the rapidity, randomity and actual sensation of the Spirit of Play. It’s way up there. And you couldn’t possibly think that anybody could be serious and win through this universe. The more serious they get — 1.5 is real serious — why, of course, the more serious they get the more they have to do things by flows, and the acre they have to agree and the more they have to follow the rules, and the more broken the piece becomes.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 9, 1952
——————–
“In answer to Income Clerk’s query, the following points apply with No exceptions: 1. Persons leaving SEA ORG get billed for all their courses they may have incurred at full price. 2. A Course whether finished or just started is always charged for at full price. 3. Reviews are paid for by the hour and at full price — includes the leaving Review. 4. If the person has worked at an Advanced Org prior to coming to Sea Org any courses they may have incurred whilst there are also billed for at full price. We are not in the business of free services and arrangements must be made prior to the person leaving regarding meeting weekly payments for the debt he has incurred with the Sea Org.” — Lt. Robin Roos, CS-3, December 9, 1968
——————–
“Jonathan Burke is hereby assigned a CONDITION OF ENEMY in regards Scientology and Scientology in the Independent Field. Per LRH ‘Condition of Liability’ he is not to be trusted. Jonathan Burke is encouraged to seek out a standard Ethics Specialist and work out of his lower conditions and to make restitution and amends as necessary and move up the conditions and back into Normal Operation. Once this has been accomplished and validated, an Ethics Order will be issued to the same distribution advising them of Mr. Burke’s achievement.”
——————–
1995: Diane Richardson posted a report from the American Cancer Society documenting Hubbard’s offer to research auditing as a cure for cancer. “The earliest reference in the American Cancer Society files is a letter dated February 6, 1951, from Donald H. Rogers, Director of Research for the [Hubbard Dianetic Research] Foundation, offering the Society the opportunity of doing research in the field of Dianetics, since ‘engrams have been discovered which might account for the physical symptoms of cancer.’ In New Jersey, the Foundation was charged with violation of the medical-practice act. It moved to Wichita, Kansas, where its name became the Hubbard Dianetic Foundation, Inc. In 1953, this Foundation wrote the Committee on Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy of the National Research Council offering them a chance to cooperate in research on Dianetics and reporting that ‘we have seen enough evidence of a significant nature to indicate that cancer may well be psychogenic in character.'”
——————–
“Miscavige has billions at his disposal and he has thousands of lackeys and soldiers to order around. He’s the Teflon Pope.”
——————–
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.
— ‘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 November 15.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud.
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: motion to file new complaint, hearing on May 29.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, on hold until appeal over new judge heard.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.
——————–
After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.
LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH
An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.
SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z
Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Scientology’s co-opting of Christmas is back, and we have a grim reminder about it
[THREE years ago] Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard in WW2: Notes from a prohibited war diary
[FOUR years ago] Date night at the Scientology Sunday service: How one teenager was lured into Hubbardism
[FIVE years ago] Jingle Bell Crock: LAPD cozies up to Scientology at its faux-Christmas shindig
[SIX years ago] David Miscavige will be in Africa on New Year’s Day to mark an actual Scientology expansion
[SEVEN years ago] DID BOB BLOW? Evidence that Scientology may have lost its biggest donor of all time
[EIGHT years ago] Disconnection, neglect, and suicide: Scientology, it’s even worse than you think
[NINE years ago] Document leak: When the FBI investigated Scientology’s bizarre New Mexico vault
[TEN years ago] Scientology ambush! Another crazy encounter, this time with Marc Headley at Int Base
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology asks for psychiatric examination of Laura DeCrescenzo in forced-abortion lawsuit
——————–
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 3,108 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,603 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,118 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,668 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,658 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,044 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,539 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,843 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,714 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,266 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,607 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,174 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,093 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,261 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,843 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,103 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,139 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,855 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,419 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,734 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,909 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,591 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,928 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,782 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,897 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,259 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,562 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,668 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,066 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,942 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,507 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,018 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,274 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,382 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on December 9, 2024 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 don’t care if libturds aren’t ready for the promised land
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Trump posts article with image depicting himself as a Moses-like figure holding the Constitution pic.twitter.com/zlfpWaspgZ
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 8, 2024
The duality of QAnon is that my timeline has one post on top of the other contradicting themselves. Assad's fall is both proof of The Plan and that the Deep State is still capable of counter attacking. pic.twitter.com/TPVx0VcMCN
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) December 9, 2024
Putin backed Assad so Assad losing is bad for QAnon so they have to spin that it’s not really a loss and some 9D chess is being played here and that Patriots are In Control and all that jazz. pic.twitter.com/M9doE8IV5H
— Poker and Politics (@PokerPolitics) December 8, 2024
Here is Kristi Noem, Trump DHS nominee, backing the end of birthright citizenship. pic.twitter.com/mnWNHTQIYG
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 9, 2024
Trump names Alina Habba as his counselor to the president. The taxpayers are now paying his personal lawyer. pic.twitter.com/vA19DMN11q
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 9, 2024
The Flynn family spent years arguing in court that they didn't know what QAnon was or what WWG1WGA meant, and that it was a "family motto." All the while, they made millions off the beliefs of the Q community. https://t.co/cfqCHvAYvL
— Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd on blu sky) (@rothschildmd) December 8, 2024
That classic Christmas message: “Fight! Fight! Fight!” pic.twitter.com/UVYJ2LaSis
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 8, 2024
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 December 9, 2024 at 08:00
December 8, 2024
What Scientology leader David Miscavige told his minions at the IAS gala
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: We know that David Miscavige can’t level with his followers and admit that Scientology has been on a long, slow decline. However, we did find it interesting that he came close in October to admitting that these days, it’s a struggle to be a Scientologist. Also: More donors! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“Students who doped in Class, nattered or got upset have been known to blow (leave hurriedly). But also, students who are interrupted too often when F/Ning may also blow! On a ‘w/h of nothingness.’ These points – ‘not helped by the Super’ and ‘interfered with too much’ – must BOTH be checked on getting blown students back. ARC Brk Registrars and Tours people run into these blown students. They must know how to handle.” — 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
——————–
“One of the more fiendish tests that I conducted on this was on my own kid, I wouldn’t have done it to somebody else’s kid. I pretended to scatter an enormous amount of pepper into the palm of my hand and then pretended to eat it with some relish. I didn’t scatter any pepper at all on my hand. Hand it to my little girl, she promptly threw some pepper into the palm of her hand and ate it with considerable relish. And for some days was busy enjoying pepper in great quantity.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 8, 1954
——————–
“PROGRESS: We are continuing to make progress against the enemy who has shot at us and the planet for 18 years. The code name he now has is ‘SMERSH’ (from 007 fame) and his branch of offices are ‘Black Hats.’ He is oddly enough on both sides of existing political parties except in SA where he is mainly UP. This was a hidden government. It aspired to world domination! If you can imagine a psychiatrist in such a role. Wonder what it would be like to be governed by shock cases. Red as paint, he was really having a ball. We were in his road. Because we were fully effective. We undid his implants. A real psychotherapy had come along. This was not part of his plans. He shot at Scn to discredit it. It is quite obvious that western governments are fantastically weak and very unaware. They cannot or will not protect their people or their institutions. Thus, only one course is left open. To get rid of SMERSH and their thousands of kills weekly. Oddly enough, we’re doing just that. The one BIG mistake they made was to attack Scientologists. Which they did from hiding for 18 long years. It set us back, kept our field upset, our staffs enturbulated. But it also made us get tough and grow strong. SMERSH was the hidden government. Long may it fall.” — The Commodore, December 8, 1968
——————–
“We need to put the National Guard under the command of a Scientology commander. That way the National Guard only needs to send Bernie Sanders, the squad commies, and the BLM lesbian Maoists to FEMA camps and there will be peace on the elections.”
2001: San Francisco Weekly reported that Scientology celebrity Jenna Elfman presented a seminar on film and TV at the new Mission Street org. “Friendly Persuasion: Jenna Elfman, star of the S.F.-set (but L.A.-shot) TV show Dharma & Greg, returns to town Saturday, Nov. 24, to lead a seminar called ‘Getting Started in Film and TV.’ It’ll be held at the Church of Scientology building at 966 Mission (near Sixth Street) that Elfman sponsored, and which had its grand opening two months ago. ‘She goes into how she got into acting and how she owes a lot of her success to Dianetics and Scientology,’ reports church spokesman Jeff Quiros. ‘It’s just her story; it’s not that Scientology is a one-way ticket to stardom. But if someone wants to take the classes she took, no one’s going to turn them away.’ Elfman sponsored the mission here because she felt, according to Quiros, that there are enough missions in the San Fernando Valley, where she grew up. As for Elfman’s event, Quiros candidly admits, ‘It’s obviously meant to interest people in Dianetics and Scientology.'”
——————–
“On more than one occasion I have met someone and after a few minutes of casual conversation I have been forced to ask myself whether this person is the sort of fellow who is going to attempt to run off with my wife and my car or if he’s the kind of guy that’s going to try and run off with my girlfriend and my boat. Thanks to L. Ron Hubbard I have knowingness of scamingness.”
——————–
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.
— ‘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 November 15.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Leah seeking to amend her complaint.
— 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: motion to file new complaint, hearing on May 29.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, on hold until appeal over new judge heard.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.
——————–
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] Tom Cruise’s ‘religion’: Scientology has kept this family apart for a decade
[TWO years ago] EXCLUSIVE: The Danny Masterson jury foreman speaks in first public interview
[THREE years ago] Irish courts issued 14,000 words on Narconon rehab: Not a single one was ‘Scientology’
[FOUR years ago] Scientology social media: Gearing up for R6, or what you humans call ‘Christmas’
[FIVE years ago] Scientology’s biggest donors of late 2019: The whales giving millions to David Miscavige
[SIX years ago] Academic goes ‘Among the Scientologists’ to bring back what we already knew
[SEVEN years ago] A grim anniversary that should remind us Scientology has no business ‘testing’ anyone
[EIGHT years ago] Leah Remini told you about Scientology’s ‘Fair Game’ — and here’s the worst example of it
[NINE years ago] Leaked Scientology video: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes front and center for ‘psych busting’!
[TEN years ago] SUNDANCE BOUND: HBO’s film about Scientology will debut in Utah on January 25
[ELEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology Gets Ideal in Taiwan
——————–
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 3,107 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,602 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,117 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,667 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,657 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,043 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,538 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,842 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,713 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,265 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,606 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,173 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,092 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,260 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,842 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,102 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,138 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,854 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,418 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,733 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,908 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,590 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,927 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,781 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,896 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,258 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,561 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,667 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,065 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,941 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,506 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,017 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,273 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,381 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on December 8, 2024 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
The folk hero making CEOs nervous everywhere
Some links to Q-related items today
Advertisement(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});MSNBC is reporting that the backpack that the Midtown shooter ditched in Central Park was full of Monopoly money pic.twitter.com/FiTzacysZV
— Aric Toler (@AricToler) December 8, 2024
This is good https://t.co/SBMUFlG6EB
— Brandy Zadrozny (@BrandyZadrozny) December 7, 2024
The Epoch Times case is heating up! The CFO has already been charged; now a little-noticed filing last month reveals charges against a Vietnamese employee who allegedly laundered millions through identity theft as part of ET's "Make Money Online" team. https://t.co/YpoCRbyDh7
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) December 7, 2024
Trump: “I’m in charge” pic.twitter.com/h5SuUWnG0j
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) December 8, 2024
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 December 8, 2024 at 08:00
December 7, 2024
Scientology’s IAS trophy winners part 2: The big whales keeping Dave afloat in 2024
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Yesterday we showed you the first half of donors who were recognized at October’s Scientology gala, with those whose donations totaled between $250K and $1 million to the IAS. Today, we have the really big whales, the kind who are targeted by church leader David Miscavige. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“An assist is not engaging in healing. It is certainly not engaging in treatment. What it is doing is ASSISTING THE INDIVIDUAL TO HEAL HIMSELF OR BE HEALED BY ANOTHER AGENCY BY REMOVING HIS REASONS FOR PRECIPITATING, AND PROLONGING HIS CONDITION AND LESSENING HIS PREDISPOSITION TO FURTHER INJURE HIMSELF OR REMAIN IN AN INTOLERABLE CONDITION. This is entirely outside the field of “healing” as envisioned by the medical doctor and by actual records of results is very, very far beyond the capability of psychology, psychiatry and “mental treatment” as practised by them. In short, the assist is strictly and entirely in the field of the spirit and is the traditional province of religion.” — 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
——————–
“The automobile manufacturer is going to be very surprised in a few years. His motors are going to start less and less and less, in spite of the fact that they get brighter and brassier and newer and more sure-fire. Because he’s running out of people who can start motors. Now, this sounds very, very esoteric and supernecromantic. But the living truth of the matter is, you must have some of the ability within yourself to know before the MEST universe will run for you. You’ve got to get the idea of things, you know? You look at something and here’s a strange piece of machinery. You’ve never seen it before, you haven’t any idea what it’s for and you look at it and you get an idea of what it’s for. And you look at it a little longer and you get an idea of how it runs. And why is this? What is a machine? This is a machine society. They turn men into machines, and machines into machines, and there are more and more machines and less and less men. Although the birth rate keeps increasing and the death rate keeps decreasing, that’s still true….You will see babies in a few years being born with slots in their heads so that you can drop a quarter in. And the government will collect the quarters. What are we doing? We’re going further and further and further from an idea, and more and more and more toward a fixed idea. An adding machine, in essence, is a fixed idea. An automobile is a fixed idea. It is an idea surrounded by and trapped in MEST. See that? A fixed idea. How are you going to fix an idea in the MEST? Well, that’s quite a trick and that’s why people can’t start cars. You have to sort of know it goes before it goes. That’s the truth of the matter.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 7, 1953
——————–
“TECH BREAKTHROUGH: I have just made a fantastic tech breakthrough. For some days I have been spending hours each day on a Personality Change Research Project. I find it is not Personality but anti-social behavior that neither the person nor anyone else likes that is the change point. And I did it. I’ve got it. All cases benefit as it speeds exteriorization. It makes OT far more OT faster. Also it resolves the slow case gain case, the no case gain case, also the psychopathic personality and the criminal. The violent and depressed, the well and the sane are all covered now by one process series where the person will sit still. The Dianetic folder of a pc is used and what’s already in it is reworked…The substance of it is to attain at 10 the Really You, one’s Basic Personality and full OT Power. But as a single breakthrough it is very important as it opens the door not only to fast gains but also rids the universe of oppression. There was a common denominator to all cases good and bad. SO SAVE THOSE DIANETIC RECORDS AND WORKSHEETS. They are reused in this action and zoom!…You wanted to Clear the planet and end off SPs on the track. Well, boy, we’ve really got it! It’s been a valuable several days. Thank you for keeping things cool and going so I could work.” — The Commodore, December 7, 1969
——————–
“I would call this planet more of a homeless shelter planet than a prison planet. People here are not necessarily guilty of a crime they were just of a lower class and unwanted on their home planet. Originally humans were put on earth as a warrior race but when it was seen what lousy warriors we made they declared earth a prostitute planet. This explains the sexual nature of many abductions. The reason I reject the Xenu story is that in the grand scheme of things a volcanic eruption isn’t that traumatic. I am sure anyone can think of a worse fate than being blown up in a volcano. If it is just force and flows you are talking about then a supernova has outward flow that dwarfs that of even the largest super volcano.”
2000: Kimberley Heitman reported that a lawyer who is attempting to shut down an Australian web site critical of Scientology has resigned from the board of an electronic rights organization. “The Board of EFA has noted with concern the criticism of EFA Board member Jeremy Malcolm for representing the Church of Scientology in a conflict with Steve Zadarnowski’s web site and posts to Usenet. In many respects the Board shares those concerns, given that the Church has instructed Jeremy to employ legal process to stifle Steve’s criticisms and comments on the Church. While supporting the right of anyone to legal advice and representation, EFA is of the view that the use of defamation law to stifle free expression and debate is to be condemned in the strongest terms. EFA is ready, willing and able to support any person who has their rights to free speech threatened by the legal process. To respond to concerns that the presence of Jeremy Malcolm on EFA’s Board compromises EFA’s committed stand for freedom of expression, Jeremy has voluntarily stood down from the Board until further notice. On behalf of EFA I deplore the heavy-handed use of the legal process to stifle criticism of the Church and note that the site has been mirrored elsewhere. Defamation law, an uncertain and expensive legal process, is ill-used in relation to the Internet. The 1999 amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act, strongly criticised by EFA for its censorship provisions, nonetheless created section 91 which protects ISPs from liability as publisher in circumstances not yet tested in Court. Steve’s web site and Usenet posts represent opinion and social commentary that deserves the highest standards of protection as free speech. EFA is committed to assisting persons in his situation and to offer such support as may be of help, including legal assistance.”
——————–
“Hubbard was navy-obsessed. You have to climb up to get to the ‘bridge’ on a ship.”
——————–
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.
— ‘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 November 15.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Leah seeking to amend her complaint.
— 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: motion to file new complaint, hearing on May 29.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, on hold until appeal over new judge heard.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.
——————–
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] Confirmed: Scientology leader David Miscavige is coming to Los Angeles this month!
[TWO years ago] VIDEO: Watch this, and you will run to Scientology’s ‘spiritual mecca’
[THREE years ago] Jan 6 defendant accuses Scientology in wild 82-page motion to dismiss
[FOUR years ago] The 2020 Scientology holiday catalog is here! What are you getting for your favorite thetan?
[FIVE years ago] The rich donors keeping Scientology afloat at the end of 2019: Part 1, the lesser whales
[SIX years ago] Scientology is quick to cry ‘bigotry,’ but these photos prove David Miscavige’s hypocrisy
[SEVEN years ago] KID CORPS: When Scientology’s Sea Org parents were told to stop wasting time on their kids
[EIGHT years ago] What to get the Scientologist who has everything: It’s the Scientology Xmas Catalog!
[TEN years ago] Scientology Sunday Funnies: Special Pearl Harbor Day edition!
[ELEVEN years ago] Lori Hodgson and her son Jeremy: What you didn’t hear on Inside Edition
——————–
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 3,106 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,601 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,116 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,666 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,656 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,042 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,537 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,841 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,712 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,264 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,605 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,172 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,091 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,259 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,841 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,101 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,137 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,853 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,417 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,732 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,907 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,589 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,926 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,780 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,895 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,257 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,560 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,666 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,064 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,940 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,505 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,016 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,272 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,380 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on December 7, 2024 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
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