After Leah Remini filed her lawsuit against Scientology and David Miscavige on August 2, the case was assigned to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William F. Fahey, who scheduled a hearing in November.
We were curious about Fahey, and we heard from a fellow journalist that he was not easy to deal with, and had a reputation for making things hard on attorneys and journalists in his courtroom.
Leah apparently has some reservations of her own, because her legal team filed a peremptory challenge yesterday in order to get the case assigned to another judge.
Meanwhile, Court TV looked at the case last night, and Vinnie Politan talked live to Chris Shelton, Claire Headley, and your proprietor…
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Technology Cocktail
“It has taken nearly ten years for me to build a better bridge. Well, I have no qualms about this one. It will stand any loads and stresses. We know the basic buttons of aberration full and finally. And all too truly you will never be the same again.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1959
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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 [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner
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“Illiterate cultures do not survive and they are not very high. The natives of the tribe of the Bugga-Bugga Booga-Boogas down in Lower Bugga-Wugga Booga-Woog are mostly no longer with us or they are around waving red flags today and revolting against their central government. They’re having a bad time. Well, the British Tommy that went down there with his Snider or his Lee-Enfield and brought them higher education in the first place was only occasionally followed by anybody who taught them anything. And they didn’t learn fast. Their literacy was not up to absorbing culture rapidly. So, of course, they can be victimized by anybody who comes along. Once the line is open, if literacy doesn’t follow and if secondhand observation is not available to a people, they stultify, they die, they go to pieces, they degrade. They are struck by this tremendous volume of exterior culture. They’ve been very happily down amongst the bong-bong trees, you know, dancing up and down amongst the bong-bong trees and the highest level of their interest, and so forth, was their own back yard. They could tell you all about bong-bong trees and they could tell you all about you mustn’t step in bug-bug bushes, because you step on a thump-thump snake and this was their direct observation.” — L. Ron Hubbard, August 11, 1964
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“BREAKTHROUGH: In the last few days I’ve made about three upper level breakthroughs, two very important. One of these is comparable to the CC breakthrough. The other deals with On perception, why it’s off and how to turn it on. So my own hats have a high stat this week. About a century’s worth.” — The Commodore, August 11, 1970
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“Go on watching the Olympics on a comfortable couch with a pack of beer under your comfortable Covid-free environment, while the wogs and Scienos (both at Freezone/Indie and CoS) risk their health and lives fighting the NWO tyranny and face the war that is raging mad on the Fourth Dynamic.”
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1999: Scientology’s Gold Base near Hemet, California was host to the opening of a new movie studio, according to an article in the Press-Enterprise. “The promise of a free dinner in an estate-like atmosphere, plus live entertainment, were enough to entice Barbara Moke to spend her Saturday evening behind the gates of Church of Scientology’s newest film studio.
Moke, a volunteer at the Hemet Police Department, said her office received an invitation to the opening of The Castle, the sprawling film studio operated by Golden Era Productions in Gilman Hot Springs. ‘This is the perfect place for party, ‘ she said, while partaking of the buffet dinner on The Castle grounds. To celebrate the opening of the $7 million studio, Golden Era threw a party, and invited roughly 900 area leaders and members of the public to attend. The exterior of the 35mm film studio is designed to resemble a Scottish castle, complete with turrets and battlements. Political leaders from the San Jacinto Valley joined Michael Rinder, a board member of the Church of Scientology International, in cutting the bright red ribbon tied across the stage at the front of the Castle. Several local officials praised the church for its involvement in community activities. ‘I would like to say on behalf of the city of Hemet, Golden Era Productions has really been a partner of ours,’ said Hemet City Councilwoman Robin Lowe.”
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“Back in my punk days I would donate plasma twice a week for $20 a pop. It helped keep me in pizza.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Trial scheduled for August 15.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Complaint filed August 2, hearing on proof of service on Oct 3.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration. Plaintiffs allowed interlocutory appeal to Eleventh Circuit.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— 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 sentencing of Masterson on Sep 7.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Next hearing Nov 6.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.
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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] Lured into your own past: The seduction of an initial Scientology session
[TWO years ago] Tom Cruise’s Scientology superpowers, No. 12: Resisting illnesses with his mind alone
[THREE years ago] Leah Remini’s podcast: Forbes and Time writer Richard Behar on being a target of Fair Game
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s efforts to suck up to power is appearing to pay off
[FIVE years ago] Church of Fear: When John Sweeney sat down with Anne Archer and Leah Remini
[SIX years ago] Leah Remini calls for federal action: Here’s the frustrating reason the IRS may not answer
[SEVEN years ago] Never-before-seen photo of Diana Hubbard, daughter of Scientology’s founder
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology’s front group that targets kids gets cover from a Swiss politician: News report
[NINE years ago] Mike Rinder on Scientology’s pathetic PR, and the Freewinds welcomes a famous clown
[TEN years ago] Stop Picking on Scientology! Double-Fisted Wisdom from 1977
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology Drug Program Narconon’s Licensing “Extremely Vulnerable” After Oklahoma Deaths, Says Insider
[TWELVE years ago] The Top 25 People Crippling Scientology, No. 23: Ken Dandar
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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 3,118 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,633 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,183 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,173 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,054 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,358 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,229 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 2,334 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,781 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,123 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,689 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,608 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,775 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,357 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,618 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,654 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,370 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,934 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,249 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,424 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,975 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,106 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,444 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,299 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,418 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,774 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,077 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,183 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,581 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,457 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,022 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,535 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,789 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,898 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on August 11, 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
