Last week, we had a great time talking with Trish Conley and her sister Liz about what it’s been like for these former third-generation Scientologists to struggle with parents so dedicated to this abusive, totalitarian organization.
And there’s more to the story, particularly with how Trish was declared a “suppressive person” and saw her parents and all other Scientologists disconnect from her as she was raising a child.
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“I have been lucky enough and you have been fortunate enough to trace the source of the persistent dirty needle and also the wide rock slam. A criminal I had my hands on showed me clearly that the wide rock slam was an overt. The dirty needle is a small rock slam. And so we benefit. The reason a rock slam is a rock slam is that I found it on many pcs in an effort to locate the rock.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1962
——————–
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?
[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 [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman
——————–
“I don’t think God wants to communicate with anybody myself. I’m — some people I know, and so forth — I know some of the things I have to say, I don’t think he would want to communicate with me. I know an awful lot of people that, boy, he’d run if he thought he had to communicate with them.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 14, 1953
——————–
“The vessel lying behind us is an oceanographic survey ship run by a US university. It has been located as the point spreading rumours about us in a limited fashion in the port. Another ship the blue 40 footer, is an American yacht with a journalist aboard bound for West West Africa. He picked up the rumors and exaggerated them. The things to remember are (a) stay with the shore story in casual conversation and (b) we actually are the proprietors of these ports. In other words keep consistent in what you say ashore, consistent with other crew members. Don’t dream up fancy tales. We’re the cowboys in the white hat, the good guys.” — The Commodore, October 14, 1970
——————–
“Like all SPs, Scientology critics don’t have a life, they’re not going anywhere; oblivion is the name of their game. Their main strategies are generalisations, shutting down comm, diversion, trying to be louder, pretending authority. LRH faced all that, even in his own ranks. He dealt with it in the most detailed way, with admin, ethics and tech; a massive body of work. Critics have none of that; all they want to do is shut you up; that’s all they’ve got. Critics, SPs, the CoS, have no solutions for the ills of mankind, the very personal difficulties we face in our own, individual lives.”
——————–
2000: “M” reported that Scientologists protesting at his workplace attempted to be hit by his car as a set-up for him to be arrested. “I came driving my vehicle around the corner, and as I pulled into the driveway, at the last minute, I saw this guy just standing there. I had to brake really hard to avoid hitting him, and my tires ‘chirped’ as I did this. He then stepped out of the way, and I proceeded to park and go into the office. He and another Scientologist were hanging around the office, handing out some of their negative literature. I then went outside and videotaped the two of them. I told them that it wasn’t a good idea to be standing in driveways, that it was dangerous. The second Scientologist made a remark to his friend that essentially expressed that he was disappointed that I hadn’t hit him. The Scientologists then called the Tampa Police. An officer came and spoke with them, and also with me. I told the officer ‘my side’ of the story, after he had talked with the complainant. I also showed the officer my videotape and gave him a copy for evidence. This only included tape of the conversation I had with the Scientologists, after the ‘incident’ in the driveway. The officer pointed out the remark made on the tape, but it didn’t immediately register to me what relevance it held. Today I picked up a copy of the police report regarding this incident. The officer described the words and actions of on the videotape as follows. ‘A few seconds later, Mr. H***t makes a motion with his thumb and index finger (like an inch) and stated that ‘We were this close to putting him in jail.’ It seems that getting me convicted, or even accused of a crime would be a big ‘win’ for these guys.”
——————–
“So my mom being constipated and my dad poking me in the eye with his dick is the reason my life is shit? Thanks Ron, I knew it was their fault somehow, but I thought it had something to do with bad genes.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentencing on Sep 7.
— ‘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.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Complaint filed August 2, first hearing set for Dec 4.
— 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. Next hearing set for Sept 26.
— 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.
——————–
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] Judge Olmedo: Opening statements in Danny Masterson trial may come Tuesday
[TWO years ago] Scientology and cryptocurrency: Has there ever been a better investment opportunity?
[THREE years ago] Sea Org stealth candidate Brittany Ruiz: This is Scientology, so of course it gets even worse
[FOUR years ago] David Miscavige made the scene in England: But how about his best Scientology bud?
[FIVE years ago] Detroit going Ideal! Scientology throws its invite-only party in Motor City today
[SIX years ago] Coming to grips with Scientology’s most vile secret, which was hiding in plain sight
[SEVEN years ago] Older than Pythagoras, and guaranteed to raise your IQ: What Scientology promised in 1954
[EIGHT years ago] ‘MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE’: Louis Theroux’s doc premieres tonight at the London Film Festival
[NINE years ago] Former Scientologist indicted in financial scheme that victimized other ex-church members
[TEN years ago] Scientology Payback: Revenge of the Videographers
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology Wants You to Party With a Purpose!
——————–
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 3,182 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,697 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,247 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,237 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,118 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,422 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,293 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 2,398 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,845 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,187 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,753 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,672 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,839 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,421 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,682 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,718 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,434 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,998 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,313 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,488 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 7,039 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,170 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,508 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,363 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,482 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,838 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,141 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,247 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,645 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,521 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,086 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,599 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,853 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,962 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on October 14, 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
