We’ve been saying for several years that Hollywood’s fascination with Scientology is long over, and increasingly the entertainment industry is showing its disdain for the once formidable group with veiled and not so veiled mocking references in various shows.
We don’t know how many times in the last few years we’ve heard from readers who asked if we happened to catch the jab at Scientology or David Miscavige on last night’s episode on a show being broadcast over the air or on cable or streaming. Did you see that there’s a cabal on this new series or in this new video game that looks a lot like Scientology? Did you catch that joke about Shelly being missing on the talk show yesterday? And on and on.
And now this. Intergalactic Walrus reports in with news that Netflix is getting right up in Scientology’s grill.
Netflix has been going though some things but I got to hand it to them for this billboard dissing Scientology.
Right around the corner (Hollywood & Vine) from the Hollywood Guaranty Building, one of Scientology’s most important landmarks, Netflix has erected a billboard to advertise its upcoming “Netflix is a Joke” comedy festival.
Netflix has been moving in on Scientology’s Hollywood turf with a huge new complex just a few blocks south on Vine, and is remodeling the historic Egyptian Theater which is just a few steps from the Scientology Info Center. Nice to see they are not afraid to get a laugh at Scientology’s expense. They not only offer Leah’s Aftermath series, but it looks like they have watched it too.
Meanwhile, Chris Shelton is the latest to send us a message asking if we’ve noticed a Scientology diss on a current series.
Have you watched the show Severance, directed by Ben Stiller? I know Ben and Tom Cruise were professionally close at one point, but I have to wonder because this show is definitely anti-cult and features a machine that is remarkably like the E-meter. The show is all about a cult and the similarities to Scientology and so many others is definitely no coincidence. I guess I’m wondering what Cruise would have to say watching it and whether this isn’t some kind of not-so-subtle FU in Tom’s direction from Ben. The series puts the whole “cult personality” theory on full display in a very interesting way.
Chris plans to write more about it once he’s finished viewing the full season.
Meanwhile, however, we are still to this day asked by journalists why Scientology has attracted “so many” famous Hollywood celebrities. (We were literally asked this last week by a foreign journalist.) Scientology has worked hard to manufacture this impression, but the reality is there were never very many big names roped into the organization. Yes, it has a few prominent actors and actresses, and a small younger set that actually grew up in the church. But it’s really just a handful.
At one time, Scientology did throw a lot of weight around in Hollywood (mainly through fear), and it no doubt still tries. But increasingly, Hollywood is over L. Ron Hubbard, David Miscavige, and their minions looking like lost Olive Garden waitstaff, walking the streets of Hollywood handing out free tickets to a Dianetics seminar.
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CA supremes deny Scientology petition on ‘arbitration’
Make sure you didn’t miss yesterday afternoon’s breaking news that the California state supreme court denied Scientology’s petition asking for a review of January’s stunning appellate ruling which restored the lawsuit filed by Danny Masterson’s accusers.
The lawsuit, filed against the actor and the church, is now on very solid footing and won’t be derailed by Scientology’s ‘arbitration’ gambit.
Also, an update: The court has decided not to formally publish the ruling, so it will only apply to the Bixler case itself.
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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
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“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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“Our task is to somehow transform social perception of Scientology. This in the face of a sea of: bad press, entrenched current and former Scientologists, fake news, a general and worldwide disparagement of religion, and a fleet of so called Ideal Orgs which will (probably soon) be embroiled in a maelstrom of bankruptcies. Empty buildings cannot sit that way for long. It is contrary to the laws of exchange, among other things. That will bring more ‘news,’ this time of the ‘demise of Scientology.’ Which is good. It is a law of this universe that death always preceeds the resurgence of life.”
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1998: German TV producer Peter Reichelt posted details on his arrest by Scientologists outside Gold Base near Hemet, California. “On March 9, 1998 the journalist Ina Brockmann and I rented at around 11 am a helicopter to seek for the highly secret Scientology children/adult prisoner camp called ‘HAPPY VALLEY’. Near the entrance on the right side is a large watch-tower. The entrance gate looked very similar to the entrance gate of the NAZI concentration camp AUSCHWITZ. Dogs secured the place. Around the compound is a big fence. There is current traffic along the fence by motor cycles and jeeps, like the area in front of the former East German wall. We drove in the mountains by car to get to ‘Happy Valley’ on the road. Four cars followed us on our way to the prison camp. One mile before we reached the camp in the mountain desert, short after a curve, the public street was blocked by a yellow bulldozer, with a man in dark blue Scientology uniform sitting on. We tried to turn around to go back, but our way out was blocked by a white van and other cars. Several men, altogether around 8, left their cars walking and running to us and screaming ‘put your cameras down, you are arrested’. It was Ken HODEN, who arrested us, the General Manager of ‘Golden Era Productions’. They have been armed, one man had the whole time his hand on a gun. We knew, he would use it if we try to escape. I taped a lot with my Digital camera from inside our car and my cameraman from outside with his Betacam camera. The Sheriff and his deputy arrived with two cars to free us. After viewing the taped material the Sheriff arrested Ken Hoden and 3 other Scientologists for ‘false imprisonment’ charges. Right now we are right in the middle of the production stage of our 60 to 90 minutes TV documentation about ‘Scientology under the leadership of David Miscavige’ for German TV. We are interested in a co-production with an US Network like ABC, NBC or others for the US.”
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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: 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. Additional charges also referred to grand jury after January 5 assault while in jail.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference May 20 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for May 5.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.
— Yanti Mike Greene, Scientology private eye accused of contempt of court: Found guilty of criminal and civil contempt.
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’s motion for reconsideration denied on March 15.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Next hearing scheduled for June 29.
— 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] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 2: Monique Yingling
[TWO years ago] City of Inglewood: Brian Statler shouldn’t have resisted arrest and forced us to shoot him dead
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s mad real estate splurge has real consequences for its indentured workers
[FOUR years ago] Hana Whitfield’s book excerpt: L. Ron Hubbard’s amidships meltdown over ‘Xemu’ and OT 3
[FIVE years ago] Bunker reader Dee Findlay stole the show as Clearwater stood up to Scientology last night
[SIX years ago] How Lisa Marie Presley became Scientology leader David Miscavige’s worst nightmare
[SEVEN years ago] Marc Headley reveals the embarrassing technological secrets of Scientology
[EIGHT years ago] Convicted of fraud by France’s highest court, Scientology still pursues creative appeals
[NINE years ago] Sunday Funnies: The United States of Scientology
[ELEVEN years ago] Tom Cruise’s Daughter Leaves Him Over 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 2,641 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,146 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,666 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,686 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,577 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,884 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,752 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,526 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,857 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,330 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,646 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,212 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,131 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,299 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,879 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,141 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,177 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,892 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,417 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 772 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,947 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,498 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,647 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,967 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,822 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,941 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,297 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,600 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,706 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,104 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,980 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,563 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,058 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,312 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,421 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on April 21, 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
