TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Yesterday we showed you the first half of donors who were recognized at October’s Scientology gala, with those whose donations totaled between $250K and $1 million to the IAS. Today, we have the really big whales, the kind who are targeted by church leader David Miscavige. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“An assist is not engaging in healing. It is certainly not engaging in treatment. What it is doing is ASSISTING THE INDIVIDUAL TO HEAL HIMSELF OR BE HEALED BY ANOTHER AGENCY BY REMOVING HIS REASONS FOR PRECIPITATING, AND PROLONGING HIS CONDITION AND LESSENING HIS PREDISPOSITION TO FURTHER INJURE HIMSELF OR REMAIN IN AN INTOLERABLE CONDITION. This is entirely outside the field of “healing” as envisioned by the medical doctor and by actual records of results is very, very far beyond the capability of psychology, psychiatry and “mental treatment” as practised by them. In short, the assist is strictly and entirely in the field of the spirit and is the traditional province of religion.” — 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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“The automobile manufacturer is going to be very surprised in a few years. His motors are going to start less and less and less, in spite of the fact that they get brighter and brassier and newer and more sure-fire. Because he’s running out of people who can start motors. Now, this sounds very, very esoteric and supernecromantic. But the living truth of the matter is, you must have some of the ability within yourself to know before the MEST universe will run for you. You’ve got to get the idea of things, you know? You look at something and here’s a strange piece of machinery. You’ve never seen it before, you haven’t any idea what it’s for and you look at it and you get an idea of what it’s for. And you look at it a little longer and you get an idea of how it runs. And why is this? What is a machine? This is a machine society. They turn men into machines, and machines into machines, and there are more and more machines and less and less men. Although the birth rate keeps increasing and the death rate keeps decreasing, that’s still true….You will see babies in a few years being born with slots in their heads so that you can drop a quarter in. And the government will collect the quarters. What are we doing? We’re going further and further and further from an idea, and more and more and more toward a fixed idea. An adding machine, in essence, is a fixed idea. An automobile is a fixed idea. It is an idea surrounded by and trapped in MEST. See that? A fixed idea. How are you going to fix an idea in the MEST? Well, that’s quite a trick and that’s why people can’t start cars. You have to sort of know it goes before it goes. That’s the truth of the matter.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 7, 1953
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“TECH BREAKTHROUGH: I have just made a fantastic tech breakthrough. For some days I have been spending hours each day on a Personality Change Research Project. I find it is not Personality but anti-social behavior that neither the person nor anyone else likes that is the change point. And I did it. I’ve got it. All cases benefit as it speeds exteriorization. It makes OT far more OT faster. Also it resolves the slow case gain case, the no case gain case, also the psychopathic personality and the criminal. The violent and depressed, the well and the sane are all covered now by one process series where the person will sit still. The Dianetic folder of a pc is used and what’s already in it is reworked…The substance of it is to attain at 10 the Really You, one’s Basic Personality and full OT Power. But as a single breakthrough it is very important as it opens the door not only to fast gains but also rids the universe of oppression. There was a common denominator to all cases good and bad. SO SAVE THOSE DIANETIC RECORDS AND WORKSHEETS. They are reused in this action and zoom!…You wanted to Clear the planet and end off SPs on the track. Well, boy, we’ve really got it! It’s been a valuable several days. Thank you for keeping things cool and going so I could work.” — The Commodore, December 7, 1969
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“I would call this planet more of a homeless shelter planet than a prison planet. People here are not necessarily guilty of a crime they were just of a lower class and unwanted on their home planet. Originally humans were put on earth as a warrior race but when it was seen what lousy warriors we made they declared earth a prostitute planet. This explains the sexual nature of many abductions. The reason I reject the Xenu story is that in the grand scheme of things a volcanic eruption isn’t that traumatic. I am sure anyone can think of a worse fate than being blown up in a volcano. If it is just force and flows you are talking about then a supernova has outward flow that dwarfs that of even the largest super volcano.”
2000: Kimberley Heitman reported that a lawyer who is attempting to shut down an Australian web site critical of Scientology has resigned from the board of an electronic rights organization. “The Board of EFA has noted with concern the criticism of EFA Board member Jeremy Malcolm for representing the Church of Scientology in a conflict with Steve Zadarnowski’s web site and posts to Usenet. In many respects the Board shares those concerns, given that the Church has instructed Jeremy to employ legal process to stifle Steve’s criticisms and comments on the Church. While supporting the right of anyone to legal advice and representation, EFA is of the view that the use of defamation law to stifle free expression and debate is to be condemned in the strongest terms. EFA is ready, willing and able to support any person who has their rights to free speech threatened by the legal process. To respond to concerns that the presence of Jeremy Malcolm on EFA’s Board compromises EFA’s committed stand for freedom of expression, Jeremy has voluntarily stood down from the Board until further notice. On behalf of EFA I deplore the heavy-handed use of the legal process to stifle criticism of the Church and note that the site has been mirrored elsewhere. Defamation law, an uncertain and expensive legal process, is ill-used in relation to the Internet. The 1999 amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act, strongly criticised by EFA for its censorship provisions, nonetheless created section 91 which protects ISPs from liability as publisher in circumstances not yet tested in Court. Steve’s web site and Usenet posts represent opinion and social commentary that deserves the highest standards of protection as free speech. EFA is committed to assisting persons in his situation and to offer such support as may be of help, including legal assistance.”
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“Hubbard was navy-obsessed. You have to climb up to get to the ‘bridge’ on a ship.”
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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:
— 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] Confirmed: Scientology leader David Miscavige is coming to Los Angeles this month!
[TWO years ago] VIDEO: Watch this, and you will run to Scientology’s ‘spiritual mecca’
[THREE years ago] Jan 6 defendant accuses Scientology in wild 82-page motion to dismiss
[FOUR years ago] The 2020 Scientology holiday catalog is here! What are you getting for your favorite thetan?
[FIVE years ago] The rich donors keeping Scientology afloat at the end of 2019: Part 1, the lesser whales
[SIX years ago] Scientology is quick to cry ‘bigotry,’ but these photos prove David Miscavige’s hypocrisy
[SEVEN years ago] KID CORPS: When Scientology’s Sea Org parents were told to stop wasting time on their kids
[EIGHT years ago] What to get the Scientologist who has everything: It’s the Scientology Xmas Catalog!
[TEN years ago] Scientology Sunday Funnies: Special Pearl Harbor Day edition!
[ELEVEN years ago] Lori Hodgson and her son Jeremy: What you didn’t hear on Inside Edition
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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 3,106 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,601 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,116 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,666 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,656 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,042 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,537 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,841 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,712 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,264 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,605 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,172 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,091 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,259 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,841 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,101 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,137 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,853 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,417 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,732 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,907 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,589 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,926 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,780 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,895 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,257 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,560 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,666 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,064 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,940 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,505 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,016 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,272 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,380 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on December 7, 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
