You might remember that a couple of years ago an apologist publication that goes by the acronym CESNUR tried to claim it was a myth that Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard ever lied about having an engineering degree.
We subsequently published a letter written and signed personally by L. Ron Hubbard in which he most definitely claimed falsely that he possessed such a degree. (Hubbard never finished college after dropping out of George Washington University in his sophomore year.)
Professer Stephen Kent of the University of Alberta, the best academic on Scientology in the business, used that letter we published in an article that demolished CESNUR’s claim (and that, to its credit, CESNUR published).
But CESNUR has now struck again, and we hate to even bring it up. But this time they are smearing Gerry Armstrong, and we wanted you to know something about it.
At issue is one of those well-known things about L. Ron Hubbard that has appeared in a lot of books. It’s the claim that in 1967, while he was working up Operating Thetan Level Three (OT 3), the crazy auditing level that deals with Xenu the galactic overlord, Hubbard had written to his wife Mary Sue, saying that he was drinking rum and “popping pinks and greys.” The notion that Hubbard was drinking and using drugs, it has been thought, helped explain why he came up with something so outlandish for OT 3, also known as the Wall of Fire. It has also been considered a surprising admission by Hubbard because he was known for eschewing drink and drugs, and Scientology itself was founded on the idea of being drug-free.
The assertion about the letter’s existence originated from Armstrong, who said he found it in a stack of them that he received from Omar Garrison, the official biographer Scientology had hired, and that Armstrong turned over to his attorney.
Please see our previous series about Gerry’s legal saga to understand why he had these documents and why the act of trying to preserve them made him the target of years of hellacious Scientology litigation.
Anyway, CESNUR, after getting completely destroyed for falsely claiming that Hubbard never said he had an engineering degree, now is calling the “pinks and greys” letter into question.
Where is it, they ask? Why isn’t it included in the Armstrong court transcript? Why isn’t it included in the court file? Armstrong is quoted by Bent Corydon that the letter was in the court file, and so is the lack of it there proof that the letter never existed?
Armstrong has responded with several long essays at his own website, and we don’t want to go into the kind of detail that he did there, but at the risk of engendering his ire in summarizing him, we will say that he patiently explains that the letter is not in the court file for very good reasons.
The letter to Mary Sue was merely one item in a huge pile of letters and other documents which Armstrong had submitted to the court.
But as he clearly showed in transcripts from his trial, Mary Sue’s attorney objected to some documents being entered as evidence because of her privilege as a spouse.
So for that reason the pinks & greys letter, along with many others, did not become part of the court record.
But as Gerry points out repeatedly at his website, what’s in the court record is really irrelevant anyway, and CESNUR is playing games trying to use it to smear him.
We are left with this simple fact: We only know about the existence of the pinks & greys letter because Gerry Armstrong remembers seeing it.
That’s it. You either believe Gerry Armstrong that he saw such a letter, or you don’t.
We choose to believe Gerry Armstrong because of his long history of credibility and integrity.
CESNUR, on the other hand, has already proved that it has no credibility at all.
As with the letter proving that Hubbard did boast about having a nonexistent engineering degree that CESNUR never apologized for claiming didn’t exist, do you think CESNUR will now issue an apology for smearing Gerry Armstrong?
Of course not. It will simply move on to its next attempt to rescue L. Ron Hubbard from his own well documented history of ignominy.
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Derek Lambert and Karen de la Carriere
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“I toured around the empty ship and it looked lonesome. The galley was kept going by deckhands. Vixie had some trouble towing the ship out to anchor but made it. (The Commodores Messenger couldn’t find the Main Engine throttles as the engineers evidently took them on liberty.) Six new X trainees came aboard and were quickly trained up and fired by Dimples the man-eating shark — at least she said they had been fired. All in all it was quiet and restful.” — L. Ron Hubbard, August 26, 1971
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“The Con of All Hands, the Navigator and the forward well deck fender tenders are assigned a Condition of Non Existence for approaching a dock too fast at too steep an angle and not correcting or recovering from an obvious pilot error and not buffering it with fenders. This resulted in a small dent and a crack in the hull. They may not have any liberty in this port. The area crack is to be welded and a small plate placed over it.” — The Commodore, August 26, 1969
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“Prior to the writing of the American Constitution it was known that true governments can oppress true citizens along with the open and ongoing, more inclusive and integral, development and advancement of what is true, truth, and evermore truthful. KSW is part of a more Conscientiously Integral Science advancing in our society.”
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1997: Martin Hunt and Tilman Hausherr reported that Scientology is planning a large march on Berlin, to protest alleged human rights violations. “In a recent event, they said they need to ‘terminatedly handle’ the ‘situation’ in Germany by staging a mass crusade in Berlin, something like the Portland Crusade, hoping to attract 25,000 people. The date is set for the day after the IAS Int Day on October 8. They also plan to flood the market with 6,000,000 Freedom Magazines. 10,000 IAS members will be flying into Berlin from all over the world on October 6 to protest Germany’s suppression of Scientology. The trip package costs $5,000 and each member will get a pin from DM, himself, at AOSH UK, before flying on to Berlin. Jentzsch, Travolta, Corea, Archer, the Head of NAACP, etc. will be coming.”
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“Hubbard was making the whole thing up as he went along, and the ‘tech’ is nothing but mumbo jumbo. Until these people realize that LRH was the flim flam man, they will never be truly free.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next hearing set for November 10. Trial tentatively scheduled for February.
— 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: Pretrial conference October 7 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Sept 9.
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30, 2020 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition to US Supreme Court submitted on May 26. Scientology responded on June 25.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: California Supreme Court granted review on May 26 and asked the Second Appellate Division to direct Judge Steven Kleifield to show cause why he granted Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Oral arguments scheduled for Oct 5.
— 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: Third 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 23. Appeal hearing scheduled for Aug 23-27.
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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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, including our four days in Los Angeles covering the preliminary hearing and its ruling, which has Danny facing trial and the potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
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] Ahead of next week’s hearing, Danny Masterson’s accusers blast his attacks on their lawsuit
[TWO years ago] Tonight, Leah Remini ends ‘Scientology and the Aftermath’ with a hard look at Danny Masterson
[THREE years ago] Scientology keeps pushing for ‘Ideal Orgs’ in places where it’s pure madness
[FOUR years ago] DOX: The FBI’s 2008 investigation of Anonymous and its attacks on the Church of Scientology
[FIVE years ago] Is the Enquirer’s ‘exclusive’ on Scientology’s ‘hooker orgy’ a David Miscavige backfire?
[SIX years ago] So much for tabloid rumors: Tom Cruise visits Scientology’s ‘Ideal Org’ while he’s in Bogotá
[SEVEN years ago] More trouble for Scientology’s drug rehab network, Narconon — this time in Florida
[EIGHT years ago] ANETTE IREN JOHANSEN: “I Auditioned To Be Tom Cruise’s Wife”
[NINE years ago] (2012’s) Top 25 People Crippling Scientology, Nos. 14-16
[TEN years ago] The Top 25 People Crippling Scientology, No. 16: Marc Headley
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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 2,404 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,909 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,429 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,449 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,340 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,647 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,515 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,289 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,619 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,093 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,409 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,975 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,894 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,062 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,643 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,904 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,942 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,655 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,180 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 535 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,710 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,261 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,410 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,730 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,585 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,704 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,060 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,363 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,469 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,867 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,743 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,326 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,821 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,075 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,184 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on August 26, 2021 at 07:00
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Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2020 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
