TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Tracey McManus let us know that she’s moving to the Dallas Morning News. We told her we’re thrilled for her career, but sad for the people of Clearwater and its environs in Florida, where she has done such first-rate work covering the Church of Scientology and its controversies. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“Careful investigation has found that WHEN SUPERVISORS FAIL THEY FAIL BECAUSE OF IGNORANCE OF SCN STUDY TECH AND FAILURE TO USE IT. In Course Supervision it is OUT TECH to fail to know and USE Study Tech. If an auditor were to say, “I have to know all about minds but I don’t have to know anything about TRs, Meters or processes,” you would think he was as crazy as a psychiatrist! He would become so involved with the figure-figure of the patient he WOULD NOT KNOW HOW TO HANDLE HIM.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1972
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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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“Age is hooked on to the body, normally, by the thetan himself as self-expression. And it is held in place in terms of engrams and secondaries. It’s held right there, man. Anything that is wrong with a body is held into it and on it by the thetan who has that body. That’s it. As long as he believes he can’t grow a new leg, he won’t have one, either.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 20, 1962
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“FESTIVAL: Completions are up! The Ringmaster was gone for a while but made it anyway. Ten lions failed to report to their pedestals. A difficult knot will now be tied in their tails to give them enough problems. Then they’ll be able to audit. Somehow the show went on and went on very well. TODAY we are going to shoot the roof off.” — The Commodore, September 20, 1971
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“If you don’t know yet, Ron has reincarnated in a new body in the USA. Right now he is developing new tech which goes much more deeper in the case, and much more easy to audit with real wins! I am using this new tech since 2018, and all my guys who were bogged in NOTs, solo NOTs, Ron’s Org, any level are now flying and are stables! Furthermore a new bridge is being created! and all the bridge will be done in solo auditing even for someone starting! By the way the name of this new Scientology is ESPERIANISM. ESP means extra-sensory perceptions! We are aiming to make real OTs now!”
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1999: Scientology was awarded an additional $10,000 from Keith Henson for legal fees in his appeal of the judgment against him for copyright violation. “Appellee, Religious Technology Center has requested over $135,000 for attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in the Appeal of Court No. 98-16146. We do not find that a large sum is necessary for purposes of deterrence. Henson has already been ordered to pay $75,000 for the infringement, along with $75,000 in attorney’s fees and $13,000 in costs at the District Court level. RTC hired numerous copyright specialists, who spent a considerable amount of time litigating this relatively simple case, and who were more than familiar with the law on appeal. By contrast, for most of the appellate proceedings, Henson acted pro se. Under the circumstances RTC’s Attorney’s fees request is excessive. We conclude that a modest award is nevertheless warranted, primarily for deterrence purposes. We therefore award RTC $10,000.”
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“Seeing as how there’s no objective reality in Scientology, everything is a game. The Thetans created the MEST universe so they could have a playground to play in.”
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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:
— 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] Bijou Phillips divorcing Danny Masterson: A marriage over, or a purely legal maneuver?
[TWO years ago] Olmedo rules: After grand jury revelation, the court’s words for Danny Masterson’s lawyers
[THREE years ago] Eureka! Clearwater Scientology member sells quantum protection from 5G and Covid 19
[FOUR years ago] How should we judge the rejection Scientology received in the heartland this week?
[FIVE years ago] Garcias answer Scientology’s cross-appeal, COSRECI coughs up dox, and a new church vid!
[SIX years ago] Scientology ‘disconnection’ and the incalculable damage it does to children
[SEVEN years ago] Of course Jada Smith was a Scientologist, says principal who ran her Scientology school
[EIGHT years ago] EXCLUSIVE: Cat White’s marriage to man suing Jim Carrey was a sham to beat immigration, and was not her first fake wedding, say friends
[NINE years ago] L. Ron Hubbard, would-be conqueror: Scientology’s fable about Rhodesia is a riot
[TEN years ago] Sneaky Scientology finds another way to get access to high school students
[ELEVEN years ago] JENNA HILL RESPONDS TO BARBARA WALTERS ON SCIENTOLOGY EDUCATION
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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 3,029 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,524 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,039 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,589 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,579 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 4,965 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,460 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,764 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,635 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,187 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,528 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,095 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,014 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,182 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,764 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,024 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,060 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,776 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,340 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,655 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,830 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 7,381 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,512 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,850 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,703 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,824 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,180 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,483 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,589 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,987 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,863 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,428 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,941 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,195 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,303 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on September 20, 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
