[NOTE: Don’t miss yesterday afternoon’s breaking news about the Danny Masterson case.]
We’re now at the point in our countdown when we reach the non-Scientologists who Scientology leader David Miscavige relies on the most to keep him out of trouble.
One of Dave’s problems is that the media keeps wanting to ask him difficult questions. For a short time, Dave experimented with trying to manhandle the press. From about 2006 to 2011 he trotted out young upstart Tommy Davis to be an aggressive spokesperson, thinking for some reason that trying to get tough with reporters was a smart way to deal with controversy.
As our readers know well, that strategy backfired badly. Tommy’s antics, whether it was walking out of an interview with ABC’s Martin Bashir, getting into a shouting match with the BBC’s John Sweeney, lying like a rug to CNN’s John Roberts, or underestimating local reporter Nathan Baca, made the church look even more unhinged and clownish. The final straw was Lawrence Wright burying Tommy in his 2011 New Yorker feature, “The Apostate,” which cost Tommy his job.
So what did Miscavige do when the press kept coming with tough questions? Rather than send out another Sea Org cadet on a suicide mission, he trotted out his most trusted personal attorney: DC tax lawyer Monique Yingling.
It makes no sense, of course, that a multi-billion dollar international organization like Scientology can’t produce a single actual member of the church to sit in front of a camera and answer media questions. But after Tommy’s multiple debacles, Miscavige apparently believes he has no other option
Monique’s performances in the hot seat have been legendary. Her excessive blinking, offering baked goods to reporters, and describing Scientology’s secretive Int Base as a “worker’s paradise” all played out on national television, and our readers had a field day with it at the time.
After her 20/20 performance in 2016, we noted what a lucrative gig it has been for Monique to represent David Miscavige.
Monique’s history with Miscavige goes way back, and her husband, attorney Gerald Feffer, was a major figure for Scientology before he died in 2013. Mike Rinder has described what an influence peddler Feffer was in Washington DC, and helped guide Miscavige and Scientology through the tax exemption process with the IRS in the 1990s. That’s why, to this day, Dave’s most trusted personal legal advisor is a DC tax lawyer.
And while Monique’s forays on national television have made for good theater, don’t forget that she’s been quite willing to do Dave’s dirty work behind the scenes. Perhaps none dirtier than when she was sent out to handle Mike Rinder after he had defected from Scientology. Mike has told this story in detail, but what’s heartbreaking about it is that Yingling was sent out to Denver to see him, where he was living for a while, and kept from him the news that his son, Benjamin, had been diagnosed with cancer. Rinder charges that Yingling later lied about it to the Tampa Bay Times, saying that she informed him about it and Rinder didn’t want to see his son anyway.
It’s a vile, vile accusation, and shows the lengths Yingling will go.
Also, keep in mind, when Monique is sent in on a case, you know it generally means that Miscavige is freaking out or hopping mad.
That was certainly the case the one time we’ve been in her presence, when she showed up to join the scrum of attorneys Scientology brought to a small county courthouse in Texas for the Monique Rathbun lawsuit. The Rathbuns were trying to get Miscavige into a witness chair, and nothing causes more panic in the church.
Dave knows that when things get really hot for him personally, he can always turn to Yingling for help.
Honorable mention: When Monique is called in on an issue, it’s often in concert with Eric Lieberman, another expensive attorney that David Miscavige throws at his biggest problems.
The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology
2: Monique Yingling
4: The LAPD
5: The dirty tricks private eyes
6: The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
7: The litigators
8: The ghost private eyes
9: The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office
10: Political shills
11: Gary Soter
12: The city of Clearwater, Florida
13: Google and other tech titans
14: The Los Angeles Times
15: Jeffrey Riffer
16: James Packer
18: Mark “Marty” Rathbun
19: Wally Pope
20: Gensler
21: Parents who subscribe to ABCMouse
22: Graham Norton and other celebrity strokers
23: The apologist academics
24: Rebecca Dobkin and other low-level PI grunts
25: DirecTV and filmmakers buffing Dave’s channel
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“The road into this universe is successive unawarenesses. And the road out is successive awarenesses. But not just bare-breasting your chest to the whole universe. No, you have to find out why the individual didn’t want to be aware at those points, and he didn’t want to be aware because he solved it. Well, what’s this solution? Well, that was yesterday’s problem. Yesterday’s solution, problem, solution, problem, solution — they’re all the same line of cat. He got himself into trouble by solving himself into trouble. And when he has solved himself all the way into trouble totally, he’s here, and he’s the fireman down in the stokehold. And therefore there are no lower levels of subconscious for you to explore; there are only upper levels of awareness.” — L. Ron Hubbard, April 21, 1964
“We’re having a VIP function aboard at 1900 tonight. The Mayor, Harbour Master, news photographers and approx 20 others are invited. Just like crew became so expert at handling in February. Everyone’s agreement and assistance will be much appreciated.” — Lt. Barry Watson, Pub Exec Officer, April 21, 1970
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“John McMaster failed to see that in this planet (a floating insane asylim) most of the population is PTS to a very few SPs, and upstat people are fairgamed continually. Protectors of the Earth are continually shot to death (R2-45) and innocent children are put into pedophile rings where they are raped and murdered. On the contrary, the ethics system at the Flagship Apollo rewarded hard working and effective people and punished down statistics and SPs with fairgame, R2-45 and chain locker punishments. LRH had the viewpoint and task to create an empire. John McMaster didn’t. Are you starting to get a clue yet?”
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1996: David Mayo, author of Scientology’s NOTs levels, won his appeal in District Court this week. Judge A. Wallace Tashima also criticized Scientology heavily for its litigation tactics, intended to harass and destroy rather than win the case. The ruling quotes Judge Ideman, who has since recused himself. “This noncompliance has consisted of evasions, misrepresentations, broken promises and lies, but ultimately with refusal. As part of this scheme to not comply, the plaintiffs have undertaken a massive campaign of filing every conceivable motion (and some inconceivable) to disguise the true issue in these pretrial proceedings. Apparently viewing litigation as war, plaintiffs by this tactic have had the effect of massively increasing the costs to the other parties, and, for a while, to the Court. The appointment of the Special Master 4 years ago has considerably relieved the burden to this Court. The scope of plaintiff’s efforts have to be seen. to be believed. (See Exhibit ‘A’, photo of clerk with filings, and Exhibit ‘B’, copy of clerk’s docket with 81 pages and 1,737 filings.) Yet it is all puffery — motions without merit or substance.”
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“Most people have never heard of the guy who invented the mouse. But a lot of them have heard of L Ron Hubbard. This is why I drink.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Prelim set for May 18.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for May 20 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: 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. June 7: 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.
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] City of Inglewood: Brian Statler shouldn’t have resisted arrest and forced us to shoot him dead
[TWO years ago] Scientology’s mad real estate splurge has real consequences for its indentured workers
[THREE years ago] Hana Whitfield’s book excerpt: L. Ron Hubbard’s amidships meltdown over ‘Xemu’ and OT 3
[FOUR years ago] Bunker reader Dee Findlay stole the show as Clearwater stood up to Scientology last night
[FIVE years ago] How Lisa Marie Presley became Scientology leader David Miscavige’s worst nightmare
[SIX years ago] Marc Headley reveals the embarrassing technological secrets of Scientology
[SEVEN years ago] Convicted of fraud by France’s highest court, Scientology still pursues creative appeals
[EIGHT years ago] Sunday Funnies: The United States of Scientology
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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 2,278 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,782 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,302 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,322 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,213 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,520 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,388 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,162 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,492 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,966 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,282 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,848 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,767 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,935 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,516 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,777 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,815 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,528 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,053 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 408 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,583 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,134 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,283 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,603 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,458 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,577 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,933 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,236 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,342 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,744 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,616 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,199 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,694 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,948 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,057 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on April 21, 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
