TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Rested and re-energized after his stint as Clearwater, Florida’s vice mayor, Mark Bunker is ready for the next chapter in his amazing journey exposing the abuses of the Church of Scientology, and the Underground Bunker is behind him all the way! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“An Integrity Processing Specialist who cannot read a meter is dangerous because he or she will miss withholds and the pc may become very upset. Use this as a stable datum: If the person is upset, somebody failed to find out what that person was sure they would find out. A missed withhold is a should have known. The only reason anyone has ever left Scientology is because people failed to find out about them. This is valuable data. Get a reality on it.” — 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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“Clearing, actually, is not nice. And if you’re looking for some nice, sweet procedure, why, you know, be an art critic and don’t get audited. Spend all your time in the galleries where it’s quiet and serene and nothing ever happens.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 30, 1961
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“Good News: ASHO, AOSH DK and AOLA all have higher stats. Clarice Jackson is reported to be doing absolutely fantastically and one of the most respected people in the whole area known widely in the US for her first actions. She issued ‘writs of expulsion from the church’ on Berez, Taunton, Deitsch and Bernie Green and things are cooling off. Big factors in the upsurge are said to be sending Fred Hare, the new stable datum materials and new OT III results. Guardian lines show us fighting on enemy terrain for the first time, not our own. She had loads of good news and is overjoyed with her Gdn offices.” — The Commodore, November 30, 1969
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“Forgettingness is part of aging. It has to do with shedding responsibility for the stuff of this lifetime. I’m not saying it’s inevitable; I’m just saying that it’s common out in the world. One thing that can happen: thetan goes along, and lifetime after lifetime, he lives to about the same age. He gets used to that. Now along comes a lifetime where he’s surpassing that age. But he starts to experience the symptoms of aging at the time he would normally be dying, even though he’s nowhere near dying this lifetime. Habit. Interesting comment about the body remembering what the thetan isn’t paying attention to. I often wondered about that. I rather suspect the GE has its own bank going on. I think maybe the GE records everything, but I’m (thetan) more selective. I tend to draw a blank during times of injury, and it’s not from being engrammically anaten; rather, I tend to exteriorize when the body is about to get hurt (when I don’t prevent the injury in the first place), because I don’t like or want to experience the pain. The GE probably gets it full force, but I don’t.”
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2000: Critics of Scientology held protests in Clearwater this week to mark the anniversary of the death of Lisa McPherson. From the St. Petersburg Times: “Members of the Church of Scientology stayed out of sight Saturday during a day long demonstration downtown by church critics. By noon, about 30 protesters had gathered across the street from the church’s Fort Harrison Hotel with anti-Scientology T-shirts, camcorders and picket signs with messages critical of the church. It was largely a subdued event with sporadic moments of loud noise when protesters roused passers-by to honk their car horns and one critic brought a boom box with Queen’s We Will Rock You blasting. Clearwater police officers were stationed along Fort Harrison Avenue and near the entrance of the Fort Harrison Hotel, an area that a Thursday injunction designated as off-limits to picketers. Authorities reported no trouble at the demonstration. ‘It’s all been very peaceful, very quiet,’ said Lt. Don Hall, commander of the downtown officers. ‘We’ve not had to seriously reprimand anyone on either side.’ A banner hanging on the hotel read, ‘The Church of Scientology wishes you a happy holiday season!’ Rather than react to the protest, church members instead focused on their holiday events, such as the all-day bazaar on Cleveland Street, said spokesman Ben Shaw. He questioned the point of the protest, and noted that each year it appears to shrink. ‘Normally, you have a protest to communicate to the public a message, but their intention is to try and annoy our church members,’ Shaw said. ‘Our church members want to be here, so it’s kind of a pointless game.’ Protesters, who came from around the country and Europe, had different reasons for being there. Mark Dallara, 29, of Tampa, said he participates because he is a ‘free speech advocate.’ Tory Christman, 53, of California said she left the church only four months ago after 30 years as a member. She stood on the sidewalk wearing red devil horns and carrying a cardboard megaphone. ‘When you get out and you get the whole thing, you’re like, What was I thinking?’ Christman said. ‘I know the people inside are brainwashed and they’re laughing at me. But to me, the truth is, I’m free. I can do what I want. I can say what I want.'”
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“Professors Kent and Touretzky are the go-to guys in the academic study of Scientology and cults in general.”
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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] David Miscavige’s nod to John Travolta debunks another tabloid ‘leaving Scientology’ fantasy
[TWO years ago] As jury looks at Jane Doe 3, let’s keep in mind Cohen’s statement about unconscious rape
[THREE years ago] Scientology ‘honors’ veterans by lying about founder L. Ron Hubbard’s war record
[FOUR years ago] Kirstie Alley is wrong on Leah Remini & Shelly Miscavige. We know because we broke the story.
[FIVE years ago] Guy White opens his big mouth: The former Hubbard family member spills on Scientology!
[SIX years ago] The Valerie Haney interview: Scientology smear tactics, and where Shelly Miscavige is
[SEVEN years ago] The new list of Scientology donors is out early this year — and the biggest whale is missing!
[EIGHT years ago] Amy Scobee: ‘Even on her deathbed, my mom was fighting Scientology and disconnection’
[NINE years ago] Where it all began for us: Rick Ross, David Koresh, and the Church of Scientology
[TEN years ago] Scientology Sunday Funnies: An oily and super powered edition of our weekly feature!
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology Celebrates its Legal Defense Slush Fund, and What a Party!
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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 3,099 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,594 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,109 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,659 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,649 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,035 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,530 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,834 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,705 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,257 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,598 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,165 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,084 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,252 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,834 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,094 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,130 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,846 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,410 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,725 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,900 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,582 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,919 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,773 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,888 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,250 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,553 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,659 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,057 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,933 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,498 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,009 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,265 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,373 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on November 30, 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
