TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: We know, based on numerous lines of evidence, that the Church of Scientology is having a tough time staffing its many ‘Ideal Orgs’ around the country. But that doesn’t keep them from trying! We want your thoughts about this new recruitment video. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“The Vital Information Rundown HCO B 6 Oct 74 is the remedy for the dramatization of withholds. Train your Auditors on it thoroughly and get it delivered where you are having this problem. If you don’t have any Auditors to deliver it or no one to train them you have already been hit by this dramatization. Your only hope is to get an Auditor and train him and get it delivered. YOUR IMMEDIATE ACTION IS TO OPEN UP YOUR VITAL INFORMATION LINES NOW. Look over your org and see if this mechanism has affected your operation. Don’t tolerate it. Expose it and relay the vital information.
DON’T PERMIT THE DRAMATIZATION OF WITHHOLDS TO BLOCK THE FLOW OF VITAL INFORMATION. Your survival depends on it.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1974
——————–
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.
——————–
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
——————–
“Evidently, it’s practically an affront not to be able to find out about something. Any time you want to go around wearing a bath towel with a Woolworth diamond on it and be a swami reading people’s minds, also take out a large insurance policy and get your burial arrangements straight. It’s probably why they hung Christ, if they did. That’s right. That’s right. If he was the Son of God, he should have been able to find out about all the orthodox malpractices. And he didn’t. And they hung him. They didn’t hung him. They crucified him. Common practice of the day. If he existed. It isn’t true that he led a good life, so they crucified him. You see, that wouldn’t be the right story. He should have found out about ’em and he didn’t, so you see they had to crucify him and that’s just about the way it would be. Now, if you go around telling everybody you can read their minds — I know this might get you lots of PCs for a little while — be sure at the same time that you go down to the Bide-a-Wee Cemetery and get yourself a nice quiet lot because probably you won’t have time a little while later. It’s very hard to buy a lot when you haven’t got a body to pull money out of the pockets of. But that’s about how it is, you see?” — L. Ron Hubbard, February 7, 1962
——————–
“The rule that blown SO members may not work in orgs is now being fully enforced. This affects Durban and Asho. CS-1 should advise these and other orgs. Franchises employing them are instantly indebted $5000 to the SO for VIIIs and other sums for other training. One special permission exists for Chris Stevens on petition to work in Tech only in JBG org. SO members who do not return from leave are classified as blown. It is interesting that freeloader org and SO billings are paid when billed. It gives an avenue of conscience money. It is actually very cruel not to provide an avenue for redress of wrongs. But freeloader billings have to be billed regularly.” — The Commodore, February 7, 1971
——————–
“Very seldom have I seen a couple ‘significance’ their way back to a sane 2D once it has broken down. No matter how many Dr. Phil shows are watched, Cosmopolitan magazines are pored over, or deep, endless analysis sessions of how nuts the other is with friends and family, it takes Scientology marriage counseling to as-is the mental masses and the crazy think embedded in them. Suddenly the ‘loved one’ that was being described in Satanical terms is now an angel who can do no wrong after the auditing.”
——————–
2000: Gottfried Helnwein has decided to drop further court actions against statements made in the media that he is a Scientologist. From a press release: “On appeal by the accused, the judgment of the first specification was confirmed by Frankfurt Superior State Court, but the other three specifications were overturned and withdrawn. To Mr. Helnwein’s Constitutional grievance which he filed against this de cision, the first Senate of the Federal Constitutional Court, with a decision on 10 Nov 1998, case number: 1 8 VR 1531/98, overturned the decision of the Frankfurt Superior State Court based on transgression of basic rights and referred it back for a new hearing. Since Mr. Helnwein has not lived in Germany since the end of 1997 and lives with his family and works alternately between Ireland, New York and Italy, the nearly 6 year old proceeding has since lost meaning and purpose for him. He is now dedicating himself exclusively to his artistic work and is preparing several international museum exhibits which require his entire concentration and work ability.”
——————–
“The 49ers sucked so bad I was forced to turn to punk rock and hard drugs for entertainment. It’s all John Brodie and Scientology’s fault.”
——————–
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.
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.
——————–
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?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Chris Shelton marks a Scientology milestone, and reveals something about himself
[TWO years ago] VIDEO: Scientology begs for staff in Chicago as it prepares to go ‘ideal’ — as soon as Saturday?
[THREE years ago] Scientology will be central in tomorrow’s Danny Masterson rape case hearing
[FOUR years ago] Here’s Scientology’s 2021 Super Bowl ad: A pandemic-flavored ‘mystery sandwich’
[FIVE years ago] Scientology will try to force Jane Doe in Miami child abuse case into ‘religious arbitration’
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s social media effort tries so hard to distract you from what’s really going on
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology officials from around the globe called to Florida for news of ‘Scientology TV’
[EIGHT years ago] Great moments in Scientology journalism: When Alex Mitchell blew the lid off ‘Babalon Working’
[NINE years ago] Yes, that was a Scientology ad you saw during the Super Bowl. Here’s what’s in it.
[TEN years ago] An L. Ron Hubbard island fantasy: The Scientology daydream you haven’t heard
[ELEVEN years ago] REPORT: Man was hired to keep Shelly Miscavige from escaping Scientology base near L.A.
[TWELVE years ago] Jenna Miscavige Hill Continues Her Media Blitz; More Scientology News in Thursday Roundup
——————–
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 3,168 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,663 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,178 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,728 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,718 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,104 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,599 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,903 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,774 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,326 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,667 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,234 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,153 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,321 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,903 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,162 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,199 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,915 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,479 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,794 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,969 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,651 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,988 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,842 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,957 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,319 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,728 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,126 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,002 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,567 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,078 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,334 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,442 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on February 7, 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
