One of the people who reached out to us about the unfortunate news about Jenny Burpee was Clarissa Adams, who knew Jenny in the Sea Org.
It’s been a while since we had talked to Clarissa, and so we were anxious to catch up with her, and then we invited her on the podcast to talk about the terrible example of Scientology disconnection that has ripped apart her family.
Clarissa was a second-generation Scientologist who grew up in the church, spent time in the Sea Org, and then paid a heavy price when she finally broke away. We think her story is important because it illustrates how Scientology ‘disconnection’ is actively harming current and former members of the church in the present day.
Technology Cocktail
“My feeling today is that there isn’t enough book auditing. Any book auditor, reading backwards and half drunk can do more for a man than ten thousand years at Mayo Brothers or Menninger’s Squirrel Cage. If we had a hundred thousand book auditors, the AMA, the APA and the American Society of Brainwashing would fade and die.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1957
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Jon Atack and Karen de la Carriere
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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 as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
[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
— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond
[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan
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“DAILY REPORT: Well, we got out of there all right. This rocking and rolling is done to condition people for the latest dance — The Wriggle and Dive. TWO WAY COMM: It was stated in yesterday’s OOD that Two Way Comm was out in Div 2 and Qual. But it even got typed wrong. ‘Ack’ was used instead of ASK. The sense of it was nobody in Div 2 or Qual ASK (not ack) anybody what it’s all about. So Two Way Comm was out all around. But all joking aside this, the most basic process we ever had, dropped out and must be gotten into action.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 18, 1970
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“Flag auditors are easily the best in the world. They don’t kid around with cases. They know what they can do. The people audited on Flag go out of here to confront the ohs and ahs of their former areas on how changed and great they are. Any org could eventually achieve this stellar level of result. That isn’t just what FLAG does. It’s what any org could do if they really taught their courses and crammed their HGC auditors. Flag is a shining example of what CAN be done with Tech. Not new tech. Just tech. We saved a life last week with 1956 tech and an excellent auditor. That’s the way it must be, will be over the world if we here on Flag do our jobs.” — The Commodore, March 18, 1971
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“Most of the people that actually natter on about Scientology and Scientologists are talking about ‘things they’ve heard’ or ‘things they’ve read from sources’ or ‘my best friend said LRH was xyz,’ and when I ask for policies LRH actually wrote, they can’t provide it. So far, there are about three policies (and I’ve already read thousands of policies) that may be controversial or questionable, and two of the three were canceled. These two of three are the only things they ever go on about that was ‘so bad’ and the rest were third party crap.”
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2000: Mark Bunker reported on a court hearing in Chicago this week, in which he was charged in connection with an attack by Chicago Police officers outside the org during filming. “I was surprised to see that this little misdemeanor trespassing charge was big enough to merit the appearance of Elliot Abelson. I am very fortunate to have as my attorney, Stephen Komie. He is highly regarded and a Board Member of the Illinois State Bar Association: A bailiff walked by us in court and said to me of Komie, ‘You have the best attorney in the city.’ The state asked for an increase in bail. The judge denied this motion saying that I appeared in court for this appearance and I didn’t seem at risk of jumping bail. He also granted my motion to allow me to travel freely between my home in Florida and Chicago. Then the prosecutor really shocked me by saying they were adding three charges against me: creating a public disturbance, resisting arrest battery against a police officer. These charges are completely false and while I expected this behavior from the Scientologists, I was surprised to see that they could convince the state to press these lies. My video camera was rolling through the entire event and you could have seen and heard exactly what happened but that tape has gone missing while in the custody of the police. My attorney then entered a protective order for the videotape, demanding that the evidence be preserved. The prosecutor claimed there was never any videotape in the camera. With that, a court date was set for April 4th where I believe I am to be arraigned. I have every faith that I will prevail since I am completely innocent.”
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“I found a notebook on the street back in the 90’s and it was the diary of someone who was obviously mentally ill, probably schizophrenic, and in parts it read just like a lot LRH’s ‘writings,’ like the stuff in today’s article. Looking back, I’m guessing most prophets were either schizo or con men or both, like LRH. That would explain a lot history-wise.”
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Mistrial declared November 30. Retrial scheduled, jury selection begins March 29. Next pretrial hearing: Feb 16.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing Feb 13.
— Rizza Islam, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for March 1 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next status conference Feb 13.
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 November 17 to argue the arbitration motions, awaiting ruling.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Selection of arbitrators underway. Next court hearing: March 15, 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 February 7.
— 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.
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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] Scientology enlisting police to indoctrinate kids? Sure, why not!
[TWO years ago] Clearwater City Council denounces ‘Cult City Tours,’ expresses shock at operator behavior
[THREE years ago] Scientology in the time of plague: Turning to Hubbard’s words on radiation for guidance
[FOUR years ago] Michael Jackson and Scientology: When the Hollywood Celebrity Centre went on lockdown
[FIVE years ago] Noted Scientology critic Arnie Lerma shoots and injures wife, then kills himself
[SIX years ago] Scientology goes into full smear mode in reaction to Leah Remini getting 2nd season
[SEVEN years ago] Monique Rathbun waives a response: Will the TX Supreme Court take up Scientology’s appeal?
[EIGHT years ago] Another ‘Secret Lives’ outtake: The neighbor who knew L. Ron Hubbard and his first wife
[NINE years ago] DOX: Monique Rathbun’s response to bid by Scientology to stop the Miscavige deposition
[TEN years ago] Former Executive’s Tell-All Adds to Scientology Rehab Program Meltdown
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology Sunday Funnies: RON the Encyclopedia — Get Yours Now!
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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 2,972 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,477 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,027 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,017 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,908 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,212 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,083 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 2,188 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,665 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,977 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,543 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,462 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,630 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,211 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,472 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,508 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,224 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,788 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,103 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,278 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,829 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,960 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,298 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,153 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,272 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,628 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,931 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,037 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,435 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,311 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,894 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,389 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,643 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,752 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on March 18, 2023 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
