SOURCE: Kirstie Alley will be memorialized at Scientology’s ‘spiritual mecca’

 
The readers of the Underground Bunker know that when Scientologists die, even fairly well known ones, they sometimes get more of a memorial here than they do from Scientology itself.

Chick Corea was an exception. The church actually put out a statement after his death of cancer last year. And now, one of our sources in the church tells us, Scientology will hold a memorial at its spiritual mecca, the Flag Land Base in Clearwater, for Kirstie Alley.

The Cheers actress died in nearby Tampa after a short battle with cancer, according to her children True and Lillie Stevenson. They made the announcement on social media last night, and the press coverage of Kirstie’s death has been heavy.

Meanwhile, our source said that the news also caused quite a stir in the church itself, where Alley was one of its most iconic celebrity members.

In 2018 we reported that one of Scientology’s own publications revealed that Alley had reached the ultimate auditing level on the “Bridge to Total Freedom,” which is known as Operating Thetan Level Eight, or “OT 8.” The magazine included this quote from the actress about attaining a level that gave her “cause over matter, energy, space, and time.”

Now here I stand a New OT VIII shiny, fresh and calm… well, as calm as a thetan like me can be. I am more confident than ever before. And here’s the big news. I now fully have the confront that puts me right up that damn confront scale with other Scientology Freedom Fighters!

Naturally, we’re getting a lot of questions about whether Alley, as an OT 8, would have trusted in Scientology auditing rather than getting proper medical care. Scientologists often adopt founder L. Ron Hubbard’s deep distrust of the medical profession, and seek alternative treatments.

However, Scientologists are not prohibited from getting proper care. (Scientology only discourages its members from taking psychiatric drugs.) We have talked to former church members who said the organization did not stand in their way when they wanted proper medical care for cancer or other ailments.

But both Mike Rinder and Leah Remini have pointed out that Scientologists may first trust Scientology answers before seeking medical help, leading to disastrous consequences.

Leah spoke to this more fully in a piece we wrote for Rolling Stone this morning.

Mike, meanwhile, said this at his blog this morning:

Though Hubbard claimed to have the cure for cancer — especially on NOTs (New Era Dianetics for OTs) — two of the more prominent Scientologists to have died (Kirstie and Kelly Preston) both succumbed to the disease, yet both had done all there was to do on NOTs. (See blog post L. Ron Hubbard on Cancer) Like the other cures promised by Hubbard in Dianetics and thereafter, the real tragedy is that people believe that Scientology auditing and/or PTS handling will resolve their physical conditions. Often, seeking solutions through auditing, chiropractors or the latest fad cures only available in Mexico, they delay resorting to medical treatment until it is too late. I fear this may have been the case with Kirstie given the wording of the announcement that her cancer was “only recently discovered.” These days it is not common for cancer to be rapidly terminal if it is diagnosed early.

It’s perhaps the saddest aspect of the whole Scientology bag of worms — that people die sooner than they should because of their faith in the promises of Hubbard. He certainly didn’t live up to his own claims — he was a physical and mental mess when he died.

Another question we often get about Scientology’s celebrities is whether they are aware of the abuses in its ranks, and particularly in the Sea Organization, which is the hardcore elite that sign billion-year contracts.

Regarding that, in 2013 we got to know Claudio and Renata Lugli, who for years were tailors to Scientology leader David Miscavige before they left the church. They have two sons: Tiziano Lugli, who is a well-known defector in his own right, and Flavio Lugli, who is in the Sea Org.

Claudio and Renata shared photos with us that showed at one time, Kirstie had come to stay with them in Italy and had become particularly close with Flavio.

Flavio joined the Sea Org in 1997 and disconnected from the rest of the family when, in 2009 and 2010, the Luglis, like so many other Scientology families, began having doubts about David Miscavige and the direction the church was taking. Renata wrote at length in 2010 about how devastated she was that Flavio had turned them in for looking up “entheta” on the Internet (negative publicity about the church) and they’ve heard nothing from him since then.

This morning, we reached Renata in Brescia, and asked her if she thought Kirstie Alley was aware of how Scientology had torn the Lugli family apart.

“Absolutely,” she said. She added that Alley would have had no choice about accepting the situation.

“There is no free, personal or critical thinking in Scientology, you have to comply with the policies,” she says.

But she added that she and Claudio still have warm feelings for her after the years of their tight friendship, between 1996 and 2006, when Scientology pushed her away.

“A dear farewell to Kirstie Alley, our close friend who remained so even after her disconnection from us due to Scientology. She will remain in our hearts and at this time our sincere condolences go out to her children Lillie and True, and to Parker, father of her children.”

 
——————–

Scientology’s grimmest anniversary

Yesterday was the darkest day on the Scientology history calendar. And once again, we marked December 5 by reposting the conclusion of our series on Lisa McPherson. We then talked about it on a short video that went out to everyone. This morning we’re linking to it here again. And here’s the YouTube version….

 
——————–

Technology Cocktail

“A homo novis is limited in his self-determinism by all the economic and social restrictions of an aberrated society. He is not free of the need for food, clothing or shelter. He dies when you get him too cold, he perishes when the oxygen content drops too low. He is living in a tolerance band which keeps him cramped to the face of one second-rate planet in a tenth-rate system, prey to all the ill will that blows.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1953

 
——————–

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 as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.

 
——————–

THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

— The Underground Bunker Podcast

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH

— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see

[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf

— SPECIAL: Your Proprietor’s updates on the Danny Masterson trial

[1] Sep 21 [2] Sep 28 [3] Oct 4 [4] Oct 10 [5] Oct 11: Day One [6] Oct 12: Day Two [7] Oct 13: Day Three [8] Oct 17: Day Four [9] Oct 18: Day Five [10] Oct 19: Day Six [11] Special interview with Chris Shelton, Oct 19 [12] Oct 20: Day Seven [13] Oct 21: Day Eight [14] First week in review, with Jeffrey Augustine [15] Oct 24: Day Nine [16] Oct 25: Day Ten [17] Oct 27: Day Eleven [18] Oct 28: Day Twelve [19] Second week in review, with Jeffrey Augustine [20] Halloween special [21] Nov 2: Day Thirteen [22] Nov 3: Day Fourteen [23] Nov 4: Day Fifteen [24] Third week in review [25] Nov 5, Saturday special [26] Nov 6, Sunday special [27] Nov 7, Day Sixteen [28] Lisa Marie Presley breaking news [29] Nov 8, Day Seventeen [30] Nov 9, Day Eighteen [31] Nov 10, Day Nineteen

 
——————–

Source Code

“You go in one of these modern cemeteries, one of these nice modern ones. Boo! There’s more trapped thetans around that joint than you care to measure up in a long day of Sundays. And if you want to amuse yourself, put out a line on them and say, ‘Hey fella, why don’t you get on your way?’ And they sort of feel groggy, ‘Huh? Voice of God, must be the voice of God.’ So you want to play God? Well you ought to go down and do this some time just for kicks. Put a little bit of an energy beam on them and, or plant the thought, ‘You are now on top of the grave.’ Or, ‘You are now on top of the headstone.’ And if you really want to pour the juice into them — it’s kind of bad to hypnotize thetans, I usually feel sorry for them — if you want to pull the, if you want to pour the juice in on them and go just brrwhack! ‘You are now on top of the tombstone.’ There isn’t any doubt about your getting them out, truth be known. You can put out enough energy. Beam in, sort of bore a little hole in the guy’s head and then, and then put the energy concentration flow into the center of his forehead, in in in in in in in, and his skull will go spatter, brains and all. This is no joke. I mean, I’m not joking about this.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 6, 1952

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“Div 6 had better start looking to crew entertainment. Terri Gillham had to capture a British Submarine to give the crew some movies. I think that’s a bit extraordinary.” — The Commodore, December 6, 1971

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“Outside of Ron’s, there is no other tech out there. The best others have is a temporary stilling of the mind, which is well-nigh impossible to achieve. Keying oneself out by various means such as physical exercise or going on holiday or re-arranging the furniture is only temporary, bringing a few minutes or hours of relief, at best. The only other recourse is alcohol or drugs, with catastrophic penalties.”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

1995: Acting on complaints from the cult, Northeastern University this week suspended the account of anonymous critic Rogue Agent. “I’ve just been told by the Dean of the College of Computer Science that my account has been frozen because of complaints from the church of Scientology. Until further notice I’ll be posting from an alternate account, agent@redbox.newhackcity.net. Mail to this account will still work, I’ve got a .forward set up. Note: to anyone who’s sent me confidential messages, everything is safe.”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“Posting any old Scientology video isn’t automatically relevant. It should relate to the subject of the day’s article.”

 
——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Trial began October 11 in Los Angeles.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Arraigned on August 29.

Civil litigation:
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Complaint filed April 28 in Tampa federal court, Scientology moving to compel arbitration. Plaintiffs filed amended complaint on August 2. Hearing scheduled November 17 to argue the arbitration motions.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Selection of arbitrators underway. Next court hearing: February 2, 2023.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Stay in place at least through December 13.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Case settled ahead of scheduled Dec 6 trial.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: New trial ordered after appeals court overturned prior 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.

 
——————–

SCIENTOLOGY: FAIR GAME

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?

 
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Before and after Jonestown Bob Dole looked into cults — so Scientology targeted him
[TWO years ago] Some of Scientology’s orgs around the country are boarded up. What gives, Dave?
[THREE years ago] Jackie Lacey insider: Unseat her in March if you want to see Danny Masterson charged
[FOUR years ago] When Tom Cruise go-fer and budding flak Tommy Davis was getting his Scientology hat on
[FIVE years ago] Why is it so hard for governments to crack down on the Church of Scientology?
[SIX years ago] Tonight on Leah Remini’s series, two more families get ripped apart and ‘fair gamed’
[SEVEN years ago] Postscript: How David Miscavige spun the death of Lisa McPherson
[EIGHT years ago] Jon Atack: How to get a convinced Scientologist on the road to recovery
[NINE years ago] How Does Scientology Take Over a Mind? Jefferson Hawkins Tells Us About “PTS”
[TEN years ago] Vance Woodward’s Book Addicted to Scientology Is An Amazing High
[ELEVEN years ago] Michael Fairman Sues his Chiropractor — in Part to Legitimize the Independent Scientology Movement?

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on December 6, 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