TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: We understand why Scientology-watchers would be thrilled to see the church taken to court over anything at all. But we thought it was worth a closer look at this proposed class-action, since it seemed to come out of nowhere and says almost nothing about Scientology itself. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“What the Expanded Dianetics Specialist actually does is locate EXACTLY the actual evil intention for every Rockslam on the case and handle each one to total conclusion. When he is finished, if he has done his job well, the person’s behavior will be magically improved and as to his social presence, menace and conduct, well that will be toward survival. When you see an R/S, if you are not an Expanded Dianetic Specialist doing Expanded Dianetics at the correct point on the grade chart, you don’t say, ‘Hey, you’ve got an evil intention!’ and you don’t ask ‘Say, what’s that evil intention?’ or do corny things like that because you’ll get the pc self listing, you may get a wrong item, you won’t know what to do with it and you’re just likely to get the auditing room wrapped around your neck right there. No, you quietly note it, make sure it isn’t a mechanical fault, write it big on the worksheet, write down everything the pc is saying swiftly, note what question you were asking and let the pc talk and ack him and go on with what you are doing with the pc at the time. And after session you note it in the left-hand cover of the folder and send a report to Ethics.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1976
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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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“Get a picture of a cat and say it belongs in 1810. A picture of a cow and say it belongs in 1830. Picture of a pig, say it belongs in the year 1. A picture of a woman, say it belongs in the second century BC. Continue with that exercise, any picture, any date. Any picture, any date. OK. Now let’s find some places you are not. All right.” — L. Ron Hubbard, February 16, 1954
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“AMONGST THE STARS: Bill Franks – Clear OT; Bill Franks – L10; Lucy Mielczarek – OT VII; Rob Sanderson – OT II, Anthony Azzarella – Grade V Power Plus Release; Richard Peterson – Grade V Power Release; Bill Franks – FEBC Internship; Elith Schaltz – FEBC; Mike Rubio – FEBC; Bill Tucker – Management Power Rundown; Bruce Stern – Org Officer/Prod Officer Mini Hat; Susan Prieur – 3rd Class Missionaire; Susan Rubio – 3rd Class Missionaire; Suzette Hubbard – Moped Operator.” — Love, George C & A, February 16, 1971
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“I just wonder if anyone knows what to do after L. Ron Hubbard wrote, ‘let’s go for broke.’ Now I have no money and no job, so how can I get back to ‘abundance’ again?” B: “Just make up your mind, you got it all, and it comes back to you.”
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2002: The Austin American-Statesman published a profile of L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology, written by the Director of Special Affairs of the Austin, Texas org. “In Scientology, we have no dogma about God. Nor do we ask you to take our teachings on faith. Instead, we start by showing you things about your spiritual nature, yourself, others and the world around you. From there you begin your road to truth and relationship with the Ultimate. In May 1950, Hubbard published his initial findings in ‘Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.’ ‘Dianetics’ gave simple techniques that enabled one to address mentally caused ills, aberrations and suffering springing from past experiences. It was immensely popular, spawning a grassroots movement that by the end of 1950 included several hundred groups in the United States alone. Further exploration led Hubbard to discover the factors that keep a spiritual being trapped in the physical world, resulting in the loss of true identity. He developed techniques that opened the door to new levels of spiritual awareness. Hubbard named this ‘Scientology,’ describing it as ‘the route to total freedom and ability as a spiritual being.’ Scientology is concerned with bringing about a better civilization through rehabilitating individuals and providing them with tools to accomplish positive ends. How can I improve my relationships with others? How can I know what is ethical? How can I overcome the barriers that confront me in life? What can be done to bring out a more peaceful society? Scientology provides practical guidance on these matters. In Scientology, we have a motto: Whatever problems you face, something can be done about it.”
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“It’s just like the mob, if you’re a money maker, you’re golden. You can molest the kids, murder your mistress etc but as long as you’re UPSTAT you’re a HERO. This statement by Hubbard is all the proof that the indies or anyone else should ever need to convince them that it was never about anything else except the money.”
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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. DA’s response to appeal brief due April 15.
— ‘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.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud, awaiting sentencing.
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. 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] Ribbon watch: Will Austin outsprint Paris for Scientology ‘Ideal’ glory?
[TWO years ago] TRANSCRIPT: Experienced OT auditor secretly taped dishing on the state of Scientology today
[THREE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY DENIED: Appeals court refuses to rehear arbitration ruling in Masterson case
[FOUR years ago] That Scientology spying operation on Anonymous? Yeah, we have video too
[FIVE years ago] Scientology and eyesight: The familiar totem of claiming clarity of vision to emulate Ron
[SIX years ago] In homophobic Scientology, you are required to write up your sins or else
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology scare tactics used against woman who reported its quack therapy for kids
[EIGHT years ago] Louis Theroux enjoys UK award for ‘My Scientology Movie’ ahead of US release
[NINE years ago] Science Fiction smackdown: L. Ron Hubbard, the pith helmet-wearing ‘pipsqueak Prometheus’
[TEN years ago] The paranoid, depressed L. Ron Hubbard: Jim Dincalci’s 1997 ‘Secret Lives’ TV interview
[ELEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology is having a grand re-opening at Big Blue this Saturday!
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Mythbusting with Jon Atack: And With Help From Harlan Ellison!
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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 3,177 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,672 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,187 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,737 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,727 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,113 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,608 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,912 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,783 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,335 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,676 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,243 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,162 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,330 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,912 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,171 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,208 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,924 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,488 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,803 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,978 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,660 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,997 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,851 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,966 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,328 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,737 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,135 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,011 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,576 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,087 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,343 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,451 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on February 16, 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
