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Danny Masterson: They called me an ‘agent’ of Scientology, so I get to sit in on arbitration

 
We have a fairly chilling document for you today which was filed by Danny Masterson in anticipation of a court hearing on Monday.

The hearing is intended to clear up what is going to happen with Bobette Riales and her portion of the lawsuit filed against Masterson, the Church of Scientology, and its leader David Miscavige by Danny’s sexual assault accusers.

Four of the plaintiffs — Chrissie Carnell Bixler, her husband Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and two women going by Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2 — were all former Scientologists, and the church convinced Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Steven Kleifield that contracts they signed obliged them to take their grievances to Scientology’s internal “religious arbitration,” derailing their lawsuit. An appellate court has put a stay on any arbitration from happening as it considers a petition filed by the four former Scientologists.

But Riales was never a Scientologist, and the court has struggled with what to do with her claims while the rest of the lawsuit is on hold.

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Like the others, Riales alleges that she was subjected to years of harassment by Scientology and Masterson after she joined the others in an LAPD investigation of their claims that Masterson had violently raped them in incidents between 2001 and 2003. (Since they filed the lawsuit in August 2019, Masterson was charged last June with three counts of violently raping three of the women who are suing him, and he faces 45 years to life in prison if convicted.)

Judge Kleifield asked for statements from the various parties about what they think should happen with Bobette’s case while the rest is on hold. Both Masterson and the church responded that they were in favor of Kleifield putting her case on hold in the meantime, and it looks like that’s the most likely outcome.

But we were struck by something else Masterson addressed in his filing.

He used the opportunity to make clear once again that if and when the Scientology arbitrations do occur with Chrissie Carnell-Bixler and the others, he wants to take part. And to justify it, he is taking an argument that Bixler’s attorneys used against him and has turned it back on them.

To explain what we mean, we need to go back to the earliest period in this lawsuit, when Masterson filed something called a “demurrer” in an attempt to get himself dropped from the suit. Masterson argued that he had nothing to do with the women or their claims.

In order to counter his motion, Chrissie and her attorneys argued that Masterson is, in fact, an “agent” of Scientology as a prominent celebrity actor in the church who acts as a “Field Staff Member” to help the church bring in new members, and that he’s compensated for it.

Chrissie argued that as an agent of the Church of Scientology Masterson deserves to be part of a lawsuit alleging that the church harassed his rape victims when they dared to go to the LAPD.

Masterson’s demurrer was denied, and he remained a defendant in the lawsuit.

But now, more than a year later, the lawsuit has taken a serious turn against Chrissie, Cedric, and the two Jane Does. Judge Kleifield has decided that as former Scientologists who signed service contracts with the church, they have no right to trial and have to take their greivances to Scientology’s internal arbitration, which requires arbitrators who are members of the church in good standing.

And it stunned us that Judge Kleifield also ruled that Masterson could take part in such an arbitration, even as he’s facing 45 years to life in prison for raping the three former Scientologists, and while those women are under a protective order in the criminal case.

Masterson once again, in this new document, indicates that he would take part in an arbitration, and to twist the knife, he says that the justification for his participation is that, as the plaintiffs said, he’s an “agent” of the church.

Masterson’s participation in the Court-ordered arbitration is consistent with Plaintiffs’ theory of the case – i.e., that Masterson is an alleged “agent” of the other
Defendants…As an alleged “agent” of the signatories, Masterson is entitled to the benefit of the arbitration provision….As the Court has previously recognized, Plaintiffs’ claims against Masterson are predicated on the allegation that Masterson is an agent of the other Defendants, who are parties to enforceable arbitration agreements with Plaintiffs (except Plaintiff Riales). (Order of December 30, 2020, at 14.) Therefore, Masterson is entitled to enforce the arbitration agreements vis-à-vis those Plaintiffs.

Scientology loves nothing better than to turn your own arguments against you in a court case like this.

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These women had argued that Danny Masterson was an agent of the Church of Scientology because they believed that he and the church had conspired to harass, libel, and stalk them because they dared to go to the LAPD.

And now Masterson is using that argument, that he’s an agent of the church, to put himself in the room with them as they sit in Scientology’s star chamber and seek justice from a kangaroo court.

It’s diabolical, and it’s central to the relief that these women are asking for in appellate court.

We’ll be listening Monday morning to see what Judge Kleifield has to say about all this.

 
Here’s Masterson’s filing.

 
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David Miscavige is into the quarterfinals!

The Twitter user “Tin Foil Awards” runs an annual bracket tournament to name the Tin Foil champion of the year.

Last year, it named anti-vaxx dumbass Andrew Wakefield as the 2020 winner.

This year, Scientology leader David Miscavige is making a Cinderella run, having bested racist loon and former congressman from Iowa Steve King, White House villain Stephen Miller, and British wackjob Katie Hopkins.

Here was his latest victory:

 

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C.O.B. is on a tear!

He’s got a tough opponent in the quarterfinals in anti-vaxx crackpot Robert Kennedy Jr., but if he can win that match, he’ll advance to the semis. Here’s just his part of the bracket:

 

 
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Source Code

“There’s a population explosion going on and I wish to Christ somebody would inform me how men are far scarcer in l972 than I ever found them in 325 B.C. How could they expend them back then? I remember around the turn of the millennia and so on, there were just mobs unemployed. Well, right now they keep them all that way with relief and dough and this and that and the other thing, and they’ve got some workable scheme or another. One of the silly ones which you hear, we did a survey, we did a survey on people, what they liked and so on, just a general survey in the Scandinavian area, and we found what they liked best was welfare and what they hated most was taxes. Oh, brother. Outpoint to end all outpoints.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 5, 1972

 
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Avast, Ye Mateys

“INCOME: As Income at Flag in actual money not just credit is creeping steadily up, I think we should get alert to fully establishing org form and appearances of all three orgs especially the FSO. A mission just concluded shows the FSO in need of improvement in form and appearance, both of ship and FSO members. The basic and reasonable recommendation is that an LRH Comm FSO be appointed so that LRH orders and projects will get compliance by the senior officers as these orders and projects have built what was there. With rising Flag income potential, real meaning is given to this recommendation.” — The Commodore, March 5, 1971

 

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Overheard in the FreeZone

“A Rons Org dude said to me Miscavige is in a Marcabian valance but didn’t want to directly say this because it was such special deep high gradient data which only Rons Org OTs know. You know how OTs act like they have superior knowledge and do that cheeky smile look. Anyway, it’s so silly because CBR’s ideas about Marcabians are exaggerated imagination delusions based on a fact that aliens do exist. He takes conspiracies too far. So it’s funny saying Miscavige is in a Marcab valance when the truth is that he is actually in an LRH valance which LRH made popular throughout Scientology and that’s why we have these hardcore angry Sea Org members and the severe reality adjustments. Want to know what LRH was like sometimes? Listen to the stories about Miscavige.”

 
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Past is Prologue

1999: Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger published an article this week on the charges against Scientology in Spain. “The indictment described Scientology as extremely dangerous. The members are said to be financially exploited and subjected to brainwashing. The twelve charges range from tax evasion to the formation of an illegal organization. The Scientologists promise cures without possessing the proper education or permits. The District Attorney even rates using the personality test for the recruitment of new customers as criminal. The person being tested is then told that he has (fictitious) psychic problems, which can be corrected with expensive courses and therapies, stated the District Attorney. The reality is that many people tested become psychically ill only after having taken the ‘therapy.’ The charges state that a diabetic was talked into believing that his illness was caused by psychic illness, and that it could be healed with Scientology courses. The patient later fell into a diabetic coma. The charges also include the Scientology co-organization of Narconon, which offers controversial therapy for drug addicts. This therapy includes daily sessions of up to five hours in the sauna and mega-doses of medications. The Scientology therapy center lacks any professional medical or psychological care, said the District Attorney. In addition, disobedient Scientologists were said to be locked up for days at a time.”

 
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Random Howdy

“Seeing as how Scientology is the only ‘religion’ that doesn’t have theologians, there’s no worry about theological inconsistency. As far as plot-holes in the story go, the one thing that keeps them in is this steadfast assertion that they have observed auditing and the rest of the tech to actually work. If they can’t get past this and realize they have been tricking themselves, then at best they’ll be indies/FZ for the rest of their lives.”

 
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

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Criminal prosecutions:
Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Masterson arraigned Jan 20. Next conf to set prelim, March 24.
Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing delayed to April 13.
Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for May 20 in Los Angeles
David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Charged in Brooklyn federal court on Feb 4. Arraigned on Feb 9. Pretrial conference set for Apr 29.

Civil litigation:
Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for writ of mandate denied Oct 22 by Cal 2nd Appellate District. Petition for review by state supreme court denied Dec 11.
Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Dec 30, Judge Kleifield granted Scientology’s motions to compel arbitration. March 8: Status conference.
Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Dec 17: Feshbachs sign court judgment obliging them to pay entire $3.674 million tax debt, plus interest from Nov 19.
Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 24.

Concluded litigation:
Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.

 
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SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks

The Australian Seven News network cancelled a 10-part investigation of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks. Read the transcripts of the episodes and judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.

SCIENTOLOGY: FAIR GAME

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’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] Naturally, shady Scientology operators are drawn to the gold rush of stem cell therapy
[TWO years ago] What’s creepier than a Scientology street fair? Apparently, not much.
[THREE years ago] Scientology turning to focus groups in anticipation of its TV ‘network’ premiering
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s Narconon rehabs haven’t changed in the least, even after dozens of lawsuits
[FIVE years ago] Outfront Media rescinds contract for Scientology ‘disconnection’ billboard in Hollywood
[SIX years ago] ‘Will Smith is not a Scientologist’ — we elaborate on our quote the press went wild for yesterday
[SEVEN years ago] Larry Anderson: Scientology’s pitchman becomes a Bunker regular
[EIGHT years ago] Today, You Begin Your Training as a Scientologist
[NINE years ago] Paulette Cooper, With Help From the Voice, Discovers Her Heartrending Past
[TEN years ago] Daniel Montalvo Hits Scientology With Stunning Child Labor Lawsuits

 
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Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,231 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,735 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,255 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,275 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,166 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,473 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,341 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,115 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,919 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,235 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,801 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,720 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,888 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,469 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,730 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,768 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,481 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,006 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 361 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,536 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,087 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,236 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,556 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,411 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,530 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,886 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,189 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,295 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,697 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,569 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,152 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,647 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,901 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,010 days.

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Posted by Tony Ortega on March 5, 2021 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, 1995-2020 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2020), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele

 

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