TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: While we have a day off from deliberations at the Danny Masterson retrial, we have this treat to tide us over, the latest vivid narrative from Bruce Hines. He wanted us to know that Scientology has always provided protection for predators who keep their stats up. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“The intention or goal of this process is to bring the preclear’s body further under control and to insure that he does “precisely” what you tell him to do, and it is a basic step for getting his thinkingness under your command as well. By showing the preclear you can control his body, you are actually inviting him to control it and to take some responsibility for it.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1958
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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 [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney
“This is probably how the ancient magician enchanted things. Possibly princes have turned into deer in the forest. If you took a period in the magic universe when thetans were still capable of mocking up their own bodies, and you pulled some shocking stunt on the person and sandwiched them in that ‘You are now a deer,’ why, he’d cease to mock up the prince and start mocking up a deer, don’t you see? And he would be an enchanted deer. That would be how enchantments were accomplished. I mean, the mechanism of enchantment is no cruder than that.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 24, 1962
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“FISH AND SAUSAGES: There’s a native street off the main drag where fresh grilled fish, and a kind of hot dog and other bits cost about 10 cents apiece or less. Cokes can be gotten nearby. Don’t shoot the prices up. Interesting area.” — The Commodore, May 24, 1970
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“What the hell is this MEST universe composed of, anyway? I watch the History Channel, H2 specifically, a lot and they’ve said things which made me wonder. Even astronauts experimented and found out if they go up in space time slows down and they age less faster, but this makes sense since they are a lot further away from the gravity of this solar system, or planet, and also there are less particles in that manner traveling through space, as such, which is all that’s causing ‘time’ anyway. After listening to the old man I am totally left speechless, which is an understatement of his abilities and I’m positive there is no other being which is as elevated as him at least as far as inventing the tech goes, and my reality is that he invented it long ago in outer space because I also had a clear memory flash in my mind of a woman auditing me with an E-Meter in outer space, which looked exactly like the ones used in Scientology 8 or 9 years before I found it. I’m sure he is gone throughout the universe bringing the tech to as many beings as he can, and this is what he’s continuing to do – freeing beings is one of his most favorite games. In my reality he only came to us 2,500 years ago as Buddha because the planet was so primitive still that that’s all that would’ve been accepted or real to them, or able for them to preserve. He says on the PDC or First American ACC that the only difference between us and him is that he never agreed to be a slave – sorry – but that’s all that it is! This makes sense because if one gives in to excruciating pain, they can then become enslaved and entrapped.”
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1997: Grady Ward, Keith Henson and attorneys for Dennis Erlich deposed Scientology head David Miscavige this week. Scientology fabricated the story of a bomb threat to upset Grady and Keith’s schedule, delaying their deposition until the next day. The deposition was held at a secret location to allow Scientology to keep high security around Miscavige. Keith Henson described his time spent near Palm Springs. Details of the deposition itself will not be available for 30 days. “Early in the morning I was opped for the first time this year by two hang up calls to my room at 5:30. Never did get back to sleep. About 7:30 I went down to join Grady. Not knowing what to expect after the various confused rumors of the previous evening, Grady and I headed for the Palm Springs airport. About 8:40 Mike Rinder and an older cult zombie showed up. Rinder handed us the following court order: ‘On May 19, 1997, at approximately 4:20 p.m., counsel for Plaintiff RTC made an emergency ex parte application by telephone for a protective order respecting the deposition of David Miscavige, scheduled to commence May 20, 1997 at 9:00 a.m. RTC further requested that Defendants Ward and Henson be excluded from the portion of the deposition conducted by Defendant Erlich’s counsel due to concerns regarding the safety of Mr. Miscavige. RTC requested that the deposition resume on May 21, 1997, for separate deposition by Defendants Ward and Henson. RTC’s concern for the safety of Mr. Miscavige arises from certain recent internet postings by Defendant Henson perceived by RTC as threats against Mr. Miscavige, and alleged conversations between Defendants Henson and Ward overheard by an employee of Southwest Airlines at the San Jose Airport at approximately 1:00 p.m. today.'”
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“There are no shortage of folks here who enjoy a serious discourse, and there are those like myself who love satire, snark, and the absurd. That’s what makes this place so special. You need to be able to appreciate both to truly get the whole groovy effect of this place. And there’s a difference between respecting people and respecting their ‘beliefs’.”
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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] Yes, Narconon IS Scientology, and we have video that settles the matter
[TWO years ago] How the Scientology drama in Danny Masterson’s prelim appeared to a former Sea Org official
[THREE years ago] VIDEO: Proof Scientology still promotes Hubbard’s bizarre ideas about evolution
[FOUR years ago] How Scientology created its own prison for children who chafed at lifetime service
[FIVE years ago] When rabid Scientologists got into a fistfight with US marshals to protect L. Ron Hubbard
[SIX years ago] Believe it or not, a second season of Reza Aslan’s ‘Believer’ is coming
[SEVEN years ago] As Scientology sinks, does Tom Cruise really have to go down with the ship?
[EIGHT years ago] Paulette Cooper has a surprise for Scientology and the residents of a certain Florida town
[NINE years ago] When Scientologists sell each other Scientology: ‘I’m me for the first time in trillions of years’
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s Enforcer Has a New Book: Will This Be The One We’re Waiting For?
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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 3,039 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,544 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,094 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,084 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,975 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,279 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,150 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 2,255 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,702 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,044 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,610 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,529 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,697 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,278 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,539 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,575 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,291 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,855 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,170 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,345 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,896 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,027 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,365 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,220 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,339 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,695 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,998 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,104 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,502 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,378 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,961 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,456 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,710 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,819 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on May 24, 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, 1995-2022 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2022), 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
