TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: As Fox News continues its post-election victory lap, Jesse Watters brought on Elena Cardone, wife of Grant Cardone and a major Scientology donor, to dunk on the Morning Joe crew. Surely, it was the first time L. Ron Hubbard jargon like ‘obnose’ was heard on national TV, right? [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“The slow student, the glib student, the student who cannot apply are all students who are withholding. This is true of any Course and any materials and has always been true but no one ever worked it out since they had no real command of the subject of the mind before Dianetics and Scientology. The culture itself encourages dishonesty and therefore has not been able to solve fully the problem of study. Only an honest student really reads, really does what he is supposed to do and really applies.” — 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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“Though little progress has been made in the field of psychic phenomena in Dianetics, we have made enough progress to raise the hair of the whole society — just as we are doing on the subject of processing. But it is interesting to me that some of the past concepts of what life is seem to be very antique at this time. We haven’t had time to look up some of the confirmations thoroughly enough, but there is just a little bit more evidence in favor of immortality and the individuality of the human soul than there is against it….The preponderance of the evidence is in favor of individual immortality. I never thought that would be the case. All my life, I had supposed that when a person was dead, he was dead. He looks awfully dead! Actually, that was all the scientific evidence the society had on that basis a few short months ago: ‘He looks awfully dead’.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 21, 1950
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“PORT: Well, we sure left that port cool. Ship’s Rep rounds taking the usual presents, found all very high ARC hoping we’ll come back. The hostile newspaper was ordered to suspend publication. You all did very well there and I’m proud of you.” — The Commodore, November 21, 1969
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“I’ve decided to re-join the ranks of people who have accepted responsibility for the impact of Scientology in the world and want to keep up the good work and move forward with it into society. I’ve got all sorts of ideas banging around and I want to discuss them with people. I personally think that this ongoing idea I have heard many say, that ‘the brand is damaged’ etc., is a little — or a lot — off. There’s enough truth to the idea to make some sense, but there’s also some sort of lie about it that gives persistence to an unwanted reality. In my recent ‘reawakening’ to the subject, I’ve been talking about Scientology to lots of people. All of them have known nothing about the subject other than what they have been told in the recent ‘made for TV’ controversies. I think I have been smart in who I have talked with about the subject. I have been talking with people who are at 3.0 or above on the tone scale! Just as Ron observed, these people don’t readily accept entheta as reality. And they are often very skeptical about media and current ‘culture.’ What’s shoved down our throats hasn’t often been good for us. What I am hoping for in my posting this is to hear back from people who want to FULLY revitalize themselves on the subject of Scientology in terms of applying it again. I am hoping for PMs, and talking, and doing some mischievous planning together! ‘Man, in affinity with man, survives.’ I believe we can all help each other out.”
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1998: The St. Petersburg Times published an article this week on the groundbreaking for Scientology’s new Super Power building in Clearwater, Florida. “The Church of Scientology broke ground on the future site of its massive new building Saturday night in a Hollywood-style ceremony that featured green lasers, colored spotlights, fireworks and shooting flames, all choreographed with pulsating song. An estimated 6,000 Scientologists, many of them seated on a giant temporary grandstand, roared their approval and stood to welcome their Los Angeles-based ecclesiastical leader, David Miscavige. Scientology expects to clear the 2-acre site and begin other early construction work Monday. The building will imitate the 1920s Mediterranean Revival style of the neighboring Fort Harrison Hotel, Scientology’s signature property in Clearwater, which served as an 11-story backdrop to the ceremony. Scientology prides itself on the glitzy productions it stages during major gatherings of parishioners. Said church official Ben Shaw: ‘We never do anything just mundane.'”
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“It’s not a question of whether the Church of Scientology has ever been capable of world domination, obviously that’s absurd. It’s that Hubbard’s writings state this as his goal which lays the groundwork for banning Scientology and similar organizations by governments around the world, justifiably so, in my opinion. If you’re going to talk shit, don’t cry foul when people make you choke on it.”
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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, 2023.
— ‘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 November 15.
— 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] Patty Moher drops in on the ‘ideal’ Scientology scene in New Haven
[TWO years ago] While Danny Masterson’s jury takes a holiday, we talk and talk
[THREE years ago] Scientology founder’s breathless promotion of his ability to ‘endow another body with life!’
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s super couple throws in the towel and finally agrees to pay $3.5 million tax debt
[FIVE years ago] Scientology not only wants Danny Masterson rape lawsuit quashed, it wants sanctions
[SIX years ago] Things to be thankful for — the new Scientology holiday catalog is here!
[SEVEN years ago] Tonight: Leah Remini and Mike Rinder wrap up their 2nd season with questions from viewers
[EIGHT years ago] Shelley Duvall is ill, but is Scientology’s Vivian Kubrick the best person to step in?
[NINE years ago] Scenes from the divorce of the second marriage that L. Ron Hubbard never had
[TEN years ago] Swiss politicians sue Scientology for libel in battle over anti-drug front group
[ELEVEN years ago] The “Ethics” of Political Power: Scientology’s Worship of Ruthlessness
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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 3,090 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,585 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,100 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,650 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,640 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,026 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,521 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,825 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,696 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,248 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,589 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,156 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,075 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,243 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,825 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,085 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,121 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,837 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,401 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,716 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,891 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,573 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,910 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,764 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,879 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,241 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,544 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,650 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,048 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,924 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,489 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,000 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,256 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,364 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on November 21, 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
