TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: While you were trick-or-treating yesterday, Scientology put out a press release patting itself on the back for getting photo opportunities out of the hurricanes that hit Florida recently. After reading this, how can you doubt the power for good that Scientology is for the world? [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“The psychotic appears to be in such desperate straits that the auditor often errs in thinking desperate measures are necessary. Use the lightest possible methods. Give case space and freedom where possible. Have psychotic imitate (not mock up) various things. Have him do PRESENT TIME DIFFERENTIATION. Get him to tell the difference between things by actual touch. Have him locate, differentiate and touch things that are really real to him (real objects or items). If inaccessible, mimic him with own body, whatever he does, until he comes into communication.” — 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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“I hypnotized, one time, the staff of St. Elizabeth’s. Told them they’d heard a good speech and left the stage. They all came around afterwards saying, ‘What a good speech that was you gave!’ That was a mean thing to do. That was certainly backing out of it, wasn’t it? But it was in the early career of Dianetics and I felt very much like backing out of it. I was preceded by someone who told all of them how bad it was over ‘Ron-ward.’ They might afterwards have suspected my knowledge of the mind, but certainly not my knowledge of hypnotism. It’s very easy to hypnotize groups.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 1, 1956
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“The cause of war is incompetent government. The cause of ‘secret intelligence wars’ is incompetent intelligence services. We have no intention of getting loused up here so be alert and handle it both as ship organization and with your own personnel PRO ashore. We are honest legitimate people. Where we go money flows in. The enemy must not be permitted to cut income off from our local friends because Jewish international bankers hate anyone who help such a country as this.” — The Commodore, November 1, 1969.
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“Trump is very OT. He is part of a higher society. He may be being used to help us, but he is not being controlled! A prophet. I think he and Ivanka are from the Pleiadian society, here to fight the reptilians (as strange as it may sound). Regardless, so many have been programmed (brainwashed) into this society that it is difficult for them to wake up. They are still in a dream, but they are waking up! And many are already awake.”
1999: Bob Minton reported that Scientology has been moving against a new organization being organized in Clearwater, Florida, now known as the Lisa McPherson trust. “This morning at 9:00am the lease contracts were ready to be signed when Stacy called before going over to the Nations Bank Building on Cleveland Street. However, by the time she arrived at 10:30, they said they got an email message from the owner who said to put this lease on hold. In fact, Stacy was told they have other plans for the space and it won’t be available. This is in a building which has a lot of unrented space. We have found out that the Scienos have been sending large DA packs on all involved in the Lisa Foundation to at least office buildings number 2 and 4. Bennetta Slaughter, the AMC boss of Lisa McPherson who was in fact THE person most responsible for destroying Lisa, incorporated The Lisa Foundation and The Lisa McPherson Foundation in Florida the day before the incorporation papers filed by Ken Dandar landed at the Secretary of State Office in Florida. It now looks as though the Estate of Lisa McPherson will have to file a lawsuit against Benetta Slaughter to rightfully reclaim its property.”
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“If Hubbard hadn’t created Scientology, no one would even remember him.”
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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] Jenna Elfman will emcee Scientology concert in England that sees David Miscavige’s return
[TWO years ago] The Insider: David Miscavige makes a telling change to Scientology’s ‘Ideal’ scam
[THREE years ago] The fulfilling life of a Scientologist in a chaotic world
[FOUR years ago] Checking in with Scientology social media to see how the world takeover is going
[FIVE years ago] Kansas City going Ideal! Scientology’s grand opening is tomorrow — will Dave be there?
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s new survey is a hoot — we’re itching for your answers!
[SEVEN years ago] Hey, Netflix, why does Scientology actor Danny Masterson still have a job?
[EIGHT years ago] Hillary Clinton has considered David Miscavige’s appeals lawyer for the US Supreme Court
[NINE years ago] Jonny Jacobsen: Reflecting on the first week of Scientology’s criminal trial in Belgium
[TEN years ago] Jon Atack: Are cult members — like those in Scientology — unduly influenced?
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology Surprise: An Interview With OTVIIIisGrrr8!
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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 3,070 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,565 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,080 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,630 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,620 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,006 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,501 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,805 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,676 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,228 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,569 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,136 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,055 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,223 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,805 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,065 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,101 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,817 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,381 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,696 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,871 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,553 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,891 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,744 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,859 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,221 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,524 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,630 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,028 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,904 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,469 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,981 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,236 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,344 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on November 1, 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
