TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: As usual, we mark Independence Day here at the Underground Bunker by asking readers to tell us about their own declarations of freedom from Scientology indoctrination. What led you to dissolve the political bands which connected you to David Miscavige and his tyrannical cabal? [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“One case I found had had a major grade done twice two years apart. This was pointed out and rehabbed. But after 2 or 3 sessions the TA remained high. A restudy now found Recall Flow 2 of the Exteriorization Rundown had been run months ago to FIN and then continued for dozens of commands with the TA rising to 4.5. This was then repaired. The case then began to F/N at the Examiner. It now runs like an ordinary case.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1971
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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 [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones
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“Moral codes are solutions to problems which aren’t announced. And you can therefore define a moral code, technically. A moral code is a series of solutions to problems which have not been confronted or analyzed. And you get upset about moral codes. ‘Thou shalt not drink pitchers of milk after three P.M. before thy parents,’ or something like this. Do you realize that almost all of those commandments which are in the Bible at this particular time, that we call the Ten Commandments, are prompted by some obsessive crimes that existed at that state of the game, and that several of these commandments are solutions to venereal disease? Isn’t that interesting? I think it’s fascinating.” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 4, 1961
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“RADIO NEWS: I don’t know what happened to our daily radio news and ALSO why we use radio news. There’s nothing much on it. Recent radio news was carefully censored of all major actions. US news magazines and Herald Tribune headlines are available daily in the port. (By the way, the Manson trial prosecutor says Manson said nothing about Scn and was worlds away from it and BBC is sweating to find out WHO said it on their pgm! Fair shook them. Our PR people are all over them and our legal is sharpening up an axe. BBC has stuck its neck out a half mile.)” — The Commodore, July 4, 1971
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“What a messed up group of people who just steal, lie, talk shit all day about nothing and getting no where doing it. Causing upset to really good people. I don’t get it. There is nothing in you people I am interested in. I hate the day I got on Facebook and accepted friend requests from ‘Scientologists,’ people far from being friendly, I know now they just want your money. You should be ashamed, I know I’m disgusted. This is not LRH. It’s criminal. I actually have more respect for a criminal, at least you know what you get and they don’t pretend to be Holier-than-thou instead of mentally deranged posers thinking you represent LRH! The nerve.”
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1998: Clearwater city council had a presentation from Scientology’s representatives concerning the new Super Power building, planned for the lot across the street from the Fort Harrison Hotel, and renovations to the Fort Harrison itself. From the council minutes: “Church representative Matthew Pearse, architect Nick Sakelariou, and in-house designer Sherri James presented the proposal. Referring to color elevation drawings and site configuration maps, they highlighted orientation, aesthetic design elements, and landscaping features of the new six story, 320,000 square foot building. Architectural design reflects the classical style of the Fort Harrison Hotel across the street. Pedestrian bridges in accordance with FDOT requirements link the new building with the Fort Harrison Hotel, and the future auditorium building across Franklin Street. Four, 7-story, towers accent the building s corners. A 150-foot tall tower element incorporated into the building is modeled after a traditional bell tower. Aluminum windows and doors will have blue/green tinted glass to conserve energy. The roof will have no exposed mechanical equipment, as a central chiller plant facility is to be located within the structure. Responding to questions, applicants indicated ground breaking date is not known. A large open area in the building’s center will contain a dome or low pitched pyramid, not visible from the street. Representative James Bond related hotel history since 1927, showing how elements were altered through the years. Addition of cabanas, or dwelling units on the west side of the Fort Harrison Hotel, was done in the 1960’s, flat roof style. The proposal is to return the main building to the way it was. Mr. Bond displayed a rendering of the east hotel elevation showing restoration of planters and original facade elements. Member Herberich moved to approve cabanas and conceptual hotel design as presented, with the understanding a formal application for hotel design review will come back before the board. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.”
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“There aren’t enough Scientologists left in the world to fill a sports arena, let alone a stadium.”
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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. Sentenced to 30 years to life 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. Next pretrial hearing May 31, 2024.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Leah seeking to amend her complaint.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: motion to file new complaint, hearing on May 29.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, on hold until appeal over new judge heard.
— 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] On this day of declaring independence, we want to hear about your own fight for freedom
[TWO years ago] As Scientology’s struggles continue, it’s time to declare your independence!
[THREE years ago] Jon Atack and Mike Rinder on Scientology’s wackiest book: ‘A History of Man’
[FOUR years ago] On this day of declaring independence, we want to hear about your own fight for freedom
[FIVE years ago] On this day of declaring independence, we want to hear about your own fight for freedom
[SIX years ago] It’s ‘Declare your Independence of Scientology Day’ here again at the Underground Bunker
[SEVEN years ago] Images from spy camera show Clearwater bar owner not only target
[EIGHT years ago] Tell us how you declared your independence of Scientology on this glorious Independence Day
[NINE years ago] Jon Atack: Looking back on a week of Scientology enturbulation in Toronto
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s ‘Disconnection’ policy foiled as Jeremy Powers reunites with his family
[ELEVEN years ago] The Declaration of Independence: When Did You Join the Sons of Liberty?
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 2,951 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,446 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,961 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,511 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,501 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,382 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,686 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,557 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,109 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,450 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,017 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,936 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,104 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,685 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,946 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,982 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,698 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,262 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,577 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,752 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 7,303 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,434 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,772 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,625 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,746 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,102 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,405 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,511 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,909 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,785 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,350 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,863 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,117 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,225 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on July 4, 2024 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, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), 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
