TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: It’s that time when Scientology gathers under a big tent in England for a long speech by David Miscavige and new trophies for this year’s biggest donors. Like last year, ‘Apostate Alex’ Barnes-Ross is organizing a three-day protest, and he gives us this update of his efforts. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“If the preclear is exteriorized, the auditor already starts him on the Remedy of Havingness in the Route 1 step where the preclear is asked to copy what he is looking at (R1—5). When one is doing R1—5, one must be very careful to obey the gradient scale principle behind Remedy of Havingness. One would not make the preclear make twenty copies and then push them all into himself or the body. One would make the preclear make two or three copies and push them in one at a time until the preclear could remedy his havingness with ease. The auditor would then have the preclear ‘Mock up a mass and shove it into yourself,’ and then ‘Mock up a mass and throw it away,’ and do this back and forth until the preclear could do this easily and well, at which time the auditor would tell the preclear, ‘Mock up two masses and shove them into yourself,’ and then ‘Mock up two masses and throw them away,’ until finally the auditor has the preclear mock up eight masses as though they were the corners of a cube around the preclear and ‘Shove them into yourself,’ and then ‘Mock up eight masses and throw them away.'” — 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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“You know, a fellow’s walking down the street and a thought flashes through his mind that maybe some of his behavior is not entirely masculine, maybe it is slightly effeminate. In other words, the datum is there ‘Maybe I’m a girl.’ Well, it’s, you see, it’s very nebulous. You know, maybe he’s just playing a game with himself of worry, something. We come along, we pat him on the shoulder, he tells us what he’s worried about. We don’t even have to tell him ‘You’re not a girl,’ see? I mean, he just tells us what he was worried about, he — boom! See, it’s gone that quick.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 25, 1956
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“In the exact place Christopher Columbus, returning from his first voyage, got blown off that bay just like we did. He had anchored and half the crew went ashore to give thanks in a church-hermitage at that place and were seized by the islanders. Columbus, still aboard the Nina, his smallest ship, lost both his anchors and with only 3 sailors and some ships boys had to get out of there as a gale struck. He came up to where we are now, rode out the gale, went back, PRed his crew out of the goal, recovered an anchor and sailed on to Lisbon and into history.” — The Commodore, October 25, 1970
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“I have been busy researching and bringing to light various factors that are working to control this planet right now. I have done some why finding and, using the data series and basic Scientology principles, discovered and now making known what is currently happening on this tiny ball of dirt in the cosmos. LRH was right when he said this was a prison planet and the ‘powers that be’ (off world) are determined to keep it that way. This is what is behind all this draconian lock downs. COVID-19 is an altered importance out of all proportion to its effects. In addition if one is high on the Tone Scale and one does not RESIST it yet IF catches it, it is mild. Much like a common cold. But shove people own into FEAR and repeatedly say how contagious and dangerous it is and you will get compliance. Now I cannot express that directly as of course it would not be believed and I would be considered a nut job. However I can expose the effects that are being created and point out the outpoints. And that is what I am doing publicly.”
1999: The New York Times published an obituary honoring John Clark, a psychiatrist and researcher on cults and mind control. “Dr. Clark immersed himself in the study of new or generally unfamiliar sects like the Unification Church, the Church of Scientology and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Over time, he counseled more than 500 former members of the groups and their families. Dr. Margaret Thaler Singer, an expert on such groups and an emeritus professor of psychology at the University of California at Berkeley, said Dr. Clark
was among the first professionals to turn attention to the subject, even before the mass suicide of People’s Temple members in Jonestown, Guyana, in 1978. Through the 1980’s, Dr. Clark was called upon by the news media, families and psychiatrists for his expertise on the influence of sects. The Church of Scientology objected strongly to Dr. Clark’s assertions, and the church and Dr. Clark battled in court. Dr. Clark said the church had engaged in a campaign of harassment against him. In 1988, he settled with the church, received an undisclosed amount of money but agreed never to discuss the group publicly again.”
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“I’ll have you know I read each and every comment very carefully and that there are a myriad of reasons for why I may upvote them…or not.”
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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.
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] LAPD was quick to answer Scientology’s call to detain former cop at weekend protest
[TWO years ago] The Shaun Fabos Factor: What happens when a Scientologist is called to testify
[THREE years ago] Religion professor complains that no one wants to hear the good news about Scientology
[FOUR years ago] Leaked from Scientology social media: Incredible beings joining the winning team!
[FIVE years ago] We have a Scientology document (we think) Priscilla Presley doesn’t want us to show you
[SIX years ago] A Scientology ‘Fair Game’ tactic from way back: Sexually degrading harassment
[SEVEN years ago] Chris Owen: How one country, at least, is savaging Scientology’s privacy nightmare
[EIGHT years ago] Until the spaceships arrive, Scientologists measure cosmic success in framed glory
[NINE years ago] Jon Atack: Scientology’s ‘past lives’ don’t pass the giggle test
[TEN years ago] Jon Atack: Scientology and hypnotism — even some ex-members can’t admit its central role
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology Moves to Dismiss Garcia Fraud Lawsuit On a Question of Jurisdiction
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,063 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,558 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,073 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,623 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,613 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 4,999 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,494 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,798 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,669 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,221 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,562 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,129 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,048 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,216 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,798 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,058 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,094 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,810 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,374 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,689 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,864 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,546 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,884 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,737 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,852 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,214 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,517 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,623 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,021 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,897 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,462 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,974 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,229 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,337 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 25, 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