Although the pandemic put a hold on Scientology’s major events and its ‘Ideal Org’ grand openings, leader David Miscavige is still pushing his troops to staff up orgs that were about to open before the lockdowns.
The Chicago Ideal Org, so long in the offing, was on the brink of opening when things closed down. But we’ve posted numerous fliers showing that they’re still begging members to give up their normal lives and sign staff contracts for a building that is yet to open.
Former Scientologists, you tell us: Who is likely to sign a 2.5- or 5-year staff contract at this point, and for a facility that hasn’t even opened yet?
According to Scientology, here are the latest victims, er, volunteers in Chicago. Do they look thrilled or what?
Speaking of Chicago, we also received this item, which gives some sense of the frenetic activity going on in December. Is Chicago on fire or what?
Meanwhile, we had a fun time this week talking for a podcast on Rizza Islam and his mother Hanan Islam who are still, more than six years later, awaiting for trial after they were first arrested on felony charges back in 2015 for running a Medi-Cal insurance scam out of their jackleg Scientology Narconon setup at the World Literacy Crusade.
We still find it rather shocking that the Los Angeles Times has never mentioned Rizza, who is not only facing felony charges in a scam that made use of unwitting Los Angeles high school kids, but who also was named as one of the country’s twelve worst purveyors of online anti-vaxx garbage.
And another tidbit. One of our readers helpfully pointed out that we were a bit confused about Bob Duggan, the billionaire Scientologist who has given something like $350 million to the church.
Until 2017, Bob was married to Trish Duggan, who remains a high-profile donor to the church in her own right, and we pointed out that Bob was now with a woman, Maky Zanganeh, that he had worked with at Pharmacyclics, the cancer drug company that made him a billionaire. They have a son, and we assumed that he was just a toddler or something, since Bob and Trish had split in 2017.
Our reader helpfully pointed out that Bob and Maky’s son is actually a teenager. The three of them were featured recently on a French robo-surgery company’s social media feed for stopping by (before Pharmacyclics, Bob had invested in robo-surgery technology).
This reminded us, when we noted that Duggan had won the bidding for a Kobe Bryant jersey last year, he mentioned that his son was bidding alongside him. That makes a little more sense now.
Well, however you do the math, Bob and Maky look like they’re happy and having fun, and according to a recent posting by Mike Rinder, Bob’s still fully in the fold at Scientology, despite our doubts after a Grant Cardone spasm.
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Leah Remini podcast: Dylan Gill
Says Mike: “We talk to Dylan Gill, former executive of Church of Spiritual Technology (CST) about the organization established to preserve Hubbard’s words in the event of a nuclear holocaust for all future civilizations, what the symbols etched into the ground mean, the various homes built for Hubbard after his death that are maintained to this day, and much more.” Listen to the episode right here!
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Did you know you can get an email every morning when we post our daily Scientology story? We know some of the folks who come to the Underground Bunker aren’t here to talk about the politics of the day, and that’s why we created a daily politics feature over at our other blog, The Lowdown, and we ask readers to take their political discussions over there. And if you drop us a line at tonyo94 AT gmail, we’ll put you on the list so you get a morning reminder that a new Scientology story has been posted — and only for our Scientology stories.
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“I criticize governments. That’s because at the present moment I’m not in any position whatsoever to completely smash them. I make no bones about this, see? This is not covert at all. Governments know what they’re doing, not cooperating with me, if they’re that smart. If they were very, very clever, they never would. And we’ll have to cut that off the tape, you see. But at the present moment it’s not that I’m in a position to, but it just doesn’t fit the cards to make nothing out of all national governments, that’s all. It just isn’t in the cards at the present moment.” — L. Ron Hubbard, February 22, 1962
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“Flag is crowded these days. Berthing is at a premium. New faces, new actions. This is the time when it is hard to wear one’s hat because the weaker points on lines have given away. This is the time that reputations are made and future trust inspired in those who wear their hats and do their jobs. In such times one begins to mark out those who can control their immediate environment and make it and those in it go right. This is the way future officers and promotions are scheduled. Reversely this is also the time one notices who couldn’t hold the line or who made a mess of it or who caved in. Those trying to get the job done note these things. The non production, the absent from post, the flaps as well as the order and high production people are noted. It all come straight eventually because those in charge note and support those who make it go right and mark down the others. The go-right guys eventually wind up in charge. Those who dodge their way and dog it eventually vanish off the lines. This is YOUR Sea Org. It is as good as you make it. THE SUPREME TEST OF A THETAN IS TO MAKE THINGS GO RIGHT.” — The Commodore, February 22, 1971
“There are profound differences between American indies and European freezoners. American indies are waiting for the return of LRH as indicated by David Mayo. According to Mayo, LRH instructed him (Mayo) to to find LRH reincarnated some 20 years after death. That probably ‘drives them crazy.’ European freezoners, on the other hand, are aware, mostly, that LRH assumed the identity of a Space Commander after death. That somehow provides peace of mind.”
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1996: A first-hand account from the Apollo was posted this week which counters Scientology’s claim about the cover of Hubbard’s book “All About Radiation.” According to Scientology spokesman Andy Milne, the claim that Hubbard was a “Nuclear Physicist” was invented by book editor Lauren Sullivan. Neal Hamel responded with his own remembrance. “Andy, I was on Flag with Hubbard, something you did not have the opportunity to do. While I was there, Laurel Watson was there. I observed an incident with Laurel where she was preparing a book cover for a new release of one of Hubbard’s books. He read her the riot act for a mistake she had made on a book cover (I forget which one). I remember her coming down the ship’s corridor in tears and quite upset. Hubbard dictated every damn word on the book covers that were released. He also specified and approved the cover art. Your story simply has no credibility.”
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“Most of the junkies I’ve talked to told me the reason they did dope was because it made them feel ‘normal,’ not for the buzz. It made them feel the way they always imagined life should feel, even before they tried it. Unfortunately it’s an illusion, just like the ‘tech,’ and it ends up costing you everything. Hey, if they made Scientology and dope free just think of all the money and pain saved!”
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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 pretrial conference May 31. Trial scheduled for August 29.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Last hearing was on January 18, referred to grand jury.
— 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 March 25 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for April 8.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.
— Yanti Mike Greene, Scientology private eye accused of contempt of court: Hearing held on February 15, awaiting ruling.
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Valerie asks for March 15 hearing on motion for reconsideration.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Scientology has said it will file an anti-SLAPP motion.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Lawsuit filed by the FTC and state of Georgia in August, now in discovery phase.
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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] When Scientologists talk Scientology, we all benefit from it
[TWO years ago] Scientology tries to keep high-profile Philly attorneys out of Danny Masterson lawsuit
[THREE years ago] First AME Church & USC both disclaim letter Scientology using against Leah Remini
[FOUR years ago] Insider reports on Scientology’s grand openings in Silicon Valley and Salt Lake City!
[FIVE years ago] First look inside Tom Cruise’s Clearwater double penthouse — and Scientology is not happy!
[SIX years ago] How the indoctrination of growing up in Scientology has changed over generations
[SEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology’s latest insider fliers for your dissection and delectation
[EIGHT years ago] Jon Atack puts it to Scientologists — did L. Ron Hubbard have the qualities of a leader?
[NINE years ago] Blogging Dianetics, Part 8: The Demon Seed
[TEN years ago] Scientology and the Occult: Hugh Urban’s New Exploration of L. Ron Hubbard and Aleister Crowley
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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 2,583 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,088 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,608 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,628 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,519 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,826 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,694 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,468 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,799 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,272 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,588 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,154 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,073 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,241 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,822 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,083 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,119 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,834 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,359 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 714 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,889 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,440 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,589 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,909 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,764 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,883 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,239 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,542 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,648 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,046 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,922 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,505 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,000 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,254 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,363 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on February 22, 2022 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, 1995-2021 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2021), 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
