In 1950, a well known writer for the pulps, L. Ron Hubbard, announced that he had figured out the meaning of existence. In his book published that year, Dianetics, he revealed that the thing propelling all life was the compulsion to survive.
Anything standing in your way, he said, “suppressed” that survival. And some people were suppressive themselves. “Suppressive persons” or SPs were diabolical and meant harm to the young Dianetics movement, which later turned into Scientology.
One of the bedrock concepts of Scientology today, more than 70 years later, is that bad things happening in your life (like an illness, for example) are being caused by your connection to a Suppressive Person who means Scientology harm. Or, your connection to a “Potential Trouble Source,” a person who may be in turn connected to an SP.
Former Scientologists have told us that when they literally come down with so much as a cold, they would be asked to sit down immediately and write up a report on who the SP might be in their life, or the PTS who was connecting them to an SP.
And one of the most important early courses on the “Bridge to Total Freedom” is known as the PTS/SP course, which teaches a Scientologist how to “shatter suppression” and make sure that they are applying standard Scientology “tech” in their lives.
When Katie Holmes split from Tom Cruise in such a decisive and public way in 2012, we were asked constantly if she would be declared an SP by the Church of Scientology and, by extension, if her child with Cruise, Suri, would be declared PTS.
Our answer was always the same: We just don’t know. David Miscavige, Scientology’s leader, doesn’t make those kinds of determinations public. And anyway, Cruise was not only a celebrity and therefore immune to such rules, but he was Scientology’s biggest celebrity and could damn well do what he pleased.
But then, to our astonishment, a few years later, Cruise began to act as if he did, indeed, consider his ex Katie an SP and his daughter PTS. All evidence suggests that he has simply cut them out of his life, or “disconnected” from them.
While we’ve seen plenty of evidence that his older children, Isabella and Connor, are dedicated Scientologists, Cruise has apparently chosen the Church of Scientology over his younger daughter.
And again, even if David Miscavige were unhappy with the way Katie surgically removed Cruise from her life while he was in Iceland filming a movie, and therefore embarrassed Scientology in the press, and if Miscavige did declare Katie SP and Suri PTS, Tom’s stature as Scientology’s number one celebrity would mean that he could ignore those rules and visit them any time he wanted.
But that’s not what happened.
After more than 30 years in the church, it turns out that the superpower that Tom Cruise has chosen to use the most has been his shattering of PTS/SP, and he turned it against his own ex-wife and daughter.
And somehow, he is never asked a single question about this by the entertainment reporters and gushing TV show hosts who gladhand him.
Now that’s superpower.
Tom Cruise’s Scientology superpowers
1. Shattering the suppression from a 15-year-old
2. Achieving godhood
4. Destroying a planet with the touch of a finger
5. Leaving his body with full perception
6. Resuscitating the recently deceased
7. Pulling in objects with tractor beams
8. Recovering unspeakable acts from the past
9. Mocking up an automobile out of thin air
10. Drying out from space coke
11. Levitating an ashtray
12. Resisting illnesses with his mind alone
13. Communicating with anyone on any subject
14. Helping at the scene of a car accident
15. Always finding the best parking spot
Update on Irish Narconon as it awaits appeal
Today’s Irish Business Post reports that in 2019, Scientology’s yet-to-be-opened Narconon drug rehab clinic in Meath County received about $2.37 million from Scientology leader David Miscavige’s slush fund, grants from the International Association of Scientologists.
The financial disclosure also revealed that the unopened clinic, planned for 56 beds, had total reserves at the end of 2019 of about $15.1 million.
For years, we’ve watched as Miscavige shifted his strategy about Narconon and its quack cold-turkey regimen, closing most of his clinics here in the US after several patient deaths and focusing on overseas facilities where oversight was less rigorous. But his plans in Ireland hit a snag when, after vigorous protests by locals in Ballivor, a national planning board changed its mind and decided that Narconon would need to re-apply for a zoning change. Narconon sued and won at the High Court, which held that the original decision to allow a clinic under previous zoning should stand. But that decision was appealed and it’s been at the Irish Supreme Court for quite a while now.
Why should Dave send so much money to a clinic that isn’t even open yet? It’s become very clear that making a big show in Ireland is important to him, even though there are almost no Scientologists in that country. We think it has something to do with impressing his best pal, Tom Cruise, who claims Irish roots.
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“Confidence in treatment on this planet is at its lowest possible ebb. The only planet I know of where it dropped any lower was the Marcab Confederacy, and it dropped much lower in the Marcab Confederacy. The way they taught medicine there, they had a number of drawers with dead, dried tissue in them. And they’d drag these drawers out, you see, and show the students, ‘And this is a dried head, you see. And this is tissue that’s been affected by tuberculosis. And this is this…’ and it was all dried, and so forth, and that was their total command of medicine. The only thing that was wrong with this particular activity is these really were infected tissues, and they were still carrying the germ spores, which I thought was always a little bit rough. But I remember giving medical lectures occasionally, and any student gave me any trouble, why, I’d just drop some tubercular tissue on his desk. This was all sort of raw. But there it got to a point where you weren’t ever permitted to get a new body. And this is typical of many space opera societies and is getting typical of this one. This one will go along too.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 5, 1961
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“I cognited on why it feels so good to be at sea — This is the Sea Org — of course.” — Capt. W.B. Robertson, September 5, 1969
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“There is a lot that can be arranged and make it appear as if some person has many skills (or any at all). There may have been as many as three imposters ranging from 1973 to 1979. Starting from about 1980 there was not even a body anymore. He could not appear in court and his bodily existence had to be confirmed through some letters written with some special ink. Why these hassles? If you aim to invalidate a technology, you do need an outward front figure calling itself L. Ron Hubbard! Even if this person does not appear in public. Why did none of these ‘imposters’ appear in public, was it because of lack of skills may be?”
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2000: Graham Berry continued his protests in Los Angeles with two protests on LRH Way this week. “I made a quick call to a friend and told him of my plans. Two minutes after we hung up he called back. He said: ‘Your telephone is bugged. As soon as we hung up I got this telephone call that merely snarled: stay away from Graham Berry.’ I was appropriately dressed in my stylish black Scientology Kills T-shirt. I was armed with picket-sign, camera and cell-phone. The city block was crowded with staffers and public members arriving for evening courses. The Estates Project Force (EPF) was cleaning the street gutters. Suddenly someone realized what I was doing and carrying – the truth! Stunned thetans were herded like flocks of sheep, into AOLA and the American Saint Hill building. None of the fleeing scientologists dared to look back and read my message: ‘LRH died on Psych drugs.'”
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“Dictators don’t like picking successors. It makes them nervous knowing there’s an official next guy. If DM croaks it will be just like when LRH croaked. He who dares, wins.”
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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 held 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] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 16: James Packer
[TWO years ago] Available today, a new thriller based on a former Scientologist’s experiences
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s Colombia strategy becomes clear: It’s total war
[FOUR years ago] Missouri school district boots sneaky Scientology front group after Underground Bunker article
[FIVE years ago] As Scientology declines, its members are even giving up on their spooky super powers
[SIX years ago] Jon Atack: The mystery of mysteries that all Scientologists chase — and can never find
[SEVEN years ago] Angry Gay Pope loses ownership of ‘KendrickMoxon.com’ to … Kendrick Moxon
[EIGHT years ago] THE MARTY RATHBUN AFFIDAVIT: Scientology Leader David Miscavige Lied To Texas Court
[NINE years ago] Scientology and The Master
[TEN years ago] The Top 25 People Crippling Scientology, No. 12: Tommy Davis
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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 2,414 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,919 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,439 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,459 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,350 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,657 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,525 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,299 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,629 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,103 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,419 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,985 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,904 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,072 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,653 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,914 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,952 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,665 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,190 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 545 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,720 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,271 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,420 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,740 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,595 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,714 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,070 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,373 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,479 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,877 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,753 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,336 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,831 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,085 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,194 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on September 5, 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
