TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: How does Scientology keep people spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to pursue, year after year, the dream of supernatural powers? With totally true ghost stories! Yes, a new batch of ‘OT Phenomena’ is here, along with more testimonials about what it’s like to be OT! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“Stand before a full-length mirror. (Or use Video Tape.) Assume the postures of your act. Accept applause gracefully. Bow gracefully. Smile pleasantly. Laugh. Be dignified. Demonstrate poise. Assume the posture needed for a non-applauding audience. Ride out boos. Demand more applause. Do the postures to end your performance after applause. Accept a standing ovation. Deplore not being able to give an encore. Appear at the start for a first part of a performance. Assume the postures and poise needed on stage during a one minute break between numbers. Accept a plaque. Accept flowers. Ride over a bad goof. Be respectful to the audience. Kid the audience out of it. Do each one of the IX rules. AND ALL WITHOUT SAYING A WORD. Do it with physical motions or lack of them. When you can do all these things and look right to yourself and feel easy about them you will have and be confident of your Stage Manners.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1974
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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 entirety of physics and the natural sciences pursues from a degradation of the mind. Awfully broad statement, but a very true one. If every place you’ve ever been is related to where you are, you’ve had it. It says at once you never could have had, and promises that you never can have, another universe — which I think is very cute; it’s a total trap.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 29, 1957
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“All semblance of anything that could be called ‘Hippiness’ must be eradicated for the next month. Better get started now on haircuts and beard off or trim. Be sure you haven’t only got miniskirts. The PRO mock up for your next month is very proper personal appearance. Clean cloths, clean braid, clean shirts for the officers. Lots of baths. Sleek personal appearance is the watch word for the next month. It fits in with why you are going on this cruise.” — The Commodore, January 29, 1970
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“My life has transformed in just a year. I used to be timid, shy, scared to talk to people, and now I have a YouTube channel. I used to have anxiety and depression until I learned about suppressive people and environments. I used to struggle with decisions and often made poor ones because up until I was Clear, I made decisions based on reactivity instead of logic. I can go on and on but if you’re really interested in improving your life, take it from someone who used to try every other thing before Scientology: I was a Christian, I was meditating, I did yoga, I practiced CBT and DBT, affirmations, you name it, but Scientology IS the only thing that has lasting effects.”
1998: News from Scientology’s compound near Hemet, California, where new construction was announced. “A recent Riverside Press-Enterprise article is about Scientology finishing a levee to protect Golden era Studios from flooding. They used a rock basket technique developed in Italy. It cost $1.2 million. ‘We’re here forever,’ said Ken Hoden, Golden Era’s general manager. ‘We’re making a permanent commitment to the community.’ They’re also adding another nine holes to their current nine hole golf course, at a cost of $2 million tax exempt dollars.”
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“Does anyone else here understand how hard it is to explain to a complete stranger that your relative is a Scientologist?”
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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. Appeal brief due by December 23.
— ‘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 February 24, 2025.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud, awaiting sentencing.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal.
— 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. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1.
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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] Court showdown over Scientology leader David Miscavige evading service coming next week
[TWO years ago] Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, spiritual father of the Fair Tax bill in Congress
[THREE years ago] He shilled for Scientology’s Covid ‘Stay Well’ program — and now he’s dead of the disease
[FOUR years ago] Scientology anti-masker Leigh Dundas absconds to Mexico, Jan 6 video of her turns up
[FIVE years ago] Tom Cruise’s sister Cass the real superhero in the family, now with Scientology SUPER POWER
[SIX years ago] Accused rapist Danny Masterson hangs out with pal Ashton Kutcher at Scientology wedding
[SEVEN years ago] Joy Villa’s ex-manager on the ‘pro-life’ Grammys dress: We’re not fooled this time
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology recruits a new ally — a real life ‘Forrest Gump’
[NINE years ago] Scientology puts out a new ‘media guide’ that is as honest as you would imagine
[TEN years ago] How Scientologists are dealing with the buzz around Alex Gibney’s ‘Going Clear’
[ELEVEN years ago] The best parts of Steven Mango’s ‘documentary’ on Scientology’s Celebrity Centre
[TWELVE years ago] Mike Rinder on “The Hole” and How He Escaped Scientology
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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.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,159 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,654 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,169 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,719 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,709 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,095 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,590 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,894 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,765 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,317 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,658 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,225 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,144 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,312 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,894 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,153 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,190 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,906 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,470 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,785 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,960 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,642 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,979 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,833 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,948 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,310 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,719 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,117 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,993 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,558 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,069 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,325 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,433 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on January 29, 2025 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
