TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: With all of the alarming news here at the Bunker recently about wealthy Scientology donors getting chummy with the new White House administration, we thought we’d provide a counterexample, a harsh government crackdown on Scientologists pushing bogus “stem cell” cures. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“An auditor who cannot handle the time track smoothly can scarcely call himself an auditor as that’s all there is to audit besides postulates, no matter what process you are using, no matter what process you invent and even if you tried what is laughingly called a ‘biochemical approach’ to the mind. There’s only a time track for the bios to affect. There’s a thetan, there’s a time track. The thetan gets caught in the time track. The job of the auditor is to free the theta n by digging him out of his time track. So if you can’t handle what you’re digging a thetan out of, you’re going to have an awful lot of landslides and a lot of auditing loses for both you and preclears.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
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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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“Theta doesn’t have space or time. And therefore it’s very simple: Theta can just as well be in Milwaukee as Paris, simultaneously. And the only reason why you are this size conceptually and not the size of the galaxy conceptually is because you find it handier to conceive yourselves to be this size. And you’re actually looking at a piece of the physical universe — you, your body. But as far as your mind is concerned, there is no reason why it can’t only stretch through this galaxy but could go through all the island universes. You see how that could be? There is no limit, then, on how wide a mind can expand or how small it can contract, because it’s not size and it’s not time or space. Also, there is no reason why I can’t think something today and have you pick it up six months ago.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 4, 1952
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“ACTION BRIEFING: An FO-CBO on Action’s Responsibility for Briefing is issued in the wake of the first weeks stat reduction of Jbg, Celebrity Center and possibly London. The foremost WHY is that these were ‘loners,’ only sent one person to the FEBC who then went home and got his hard. Morale — 2 minimum FEBCs must be sent. In short, Hades broke loose here when the stats didn’t go up at once there in two instances. Those lone guys better get a 2nd FEBC here in a hurry. It takes a team. Lovely stat boosts in all the rest we sent out.” — The Commodore, March 4, 1971
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“I remember going to the Lawrence Radiation Lab with my stepfather who is a nuclear physicist and being shown the bubble chamber and the atom splitter. Interesting stuff. He was part of the Manhattan Project, which is why I am looking forward to the day we can all sing hallelujah the physical sciences discover the thetan and really know what a thetan is.”
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1997: U.S. Department of State spokesman Nicholas Burns again answered questions about Germany and Scientology in a press briefing this week. “QUESTION: Nick, since relations with Germany are now so incredibly good, would you still criticize the German Government for discriminating against Scientologists after yesterday’s report in the New York Times on the unusual circumstances under which Scientology has gone to tax exempt status by the IRS? MR. BURNS: That was an interesting report in the New York Times. I read it with great interest. It revealed a lot about the Church of Scientology. I believe that the Church of Scientology’s tax exempt status is secure and there’s not going to be an attempt by the Treasury Department to turn it around. So that’s a reality that is a factor in our view of the treatment of Scientologists, but particularly American Scientologists who find themselves in Germany. The good news is that in her visit to Bonn, Secretary Albright had a very constructive, cooperative discussion of this issue with Foreign Minister Kinkel. You saw at the press conference in Bonn that he dealt with the issue in a very clear way, as did she. We’ve not changed our policy and our views on the situation of Scientologists in Germany. We certainly have a very respectful, cooperative dialogue with the German Government and, together, we have condemned those newspaper advertisements of the Church of Scientology and their Hollywood mogul supporters which have tried to compare the current situation of Scientologists to the situation of the Jews in the early part of the Nazi regime — the Adolph Hitler regime. We will continue to watch the situation of Scientologists because we have been concerned about it. But we’re dealing with it in a way that I think is satisfactory to both the German and American Governments.” QUESTION: Do you find it easier now to understand the German Government’s position that Scientology is not a church but rather a business enterprise? And so the abuses of religious rights is not really the matter? MR. BURNS: The difference here is that the United States Government does accord tax exempt status on the par with other religions. Therefore, we treat Scientology as a religion for the purposes of these human rights reports. We do have a difference of opinion on the issue of the Scientologists. We remain concerned. But I do think we found a way to work with the Germans, which is very important because we do have an excellent relationship with Germany.”
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“Bob, no offense, but thoughts don’t have mass.”
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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 March 31.
— 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] David Miscavige and his shills open Scientology ‘Ideal Org’ in Chicago
[TWO years ago] PODCAST: Steve Cannane checks in after reporting from the war in Ukraine
[THREE years ago] Scientology: Valerie Haney can’t rely on a court ruling that hasn’t been published!
[FOUR years ago] Read the brief filed by constitutional scholars supporting Danny Masterson’s accusers
[FIVE years ago] Los Angeles District Attorney: Jackie Lacey leading as slow vote tally continues
[SIX years ago] Scientology made him suicidal, but that was only the beginning of his problems
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology laying on the ‘religious freedom’ act thicker than ever as its TV channel nears
[EIGHT years ago] In Scientology, you get to blame everything on your trillion-year-old mental booby traps
[NINE years ago] Scientology officials panicked about overdose death of star Narconon pupil: Boyfriend
[TEN years ago] Scenes from the ‘Going Clear’ publicity caravan in midtown Manhattan
[ELEVEN years ago] Bruce Hines takes us through Scientology’s Original Operating Thetan Level Seven!
[TWELVE years ago] Document Leak: Scientology Sexual Histories
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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 3,193 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,688 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,203 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,753 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,743 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,129 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,624 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,928 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,799 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,351 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,692 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,259 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,178 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,346 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,928 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,187 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,224 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,940 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,504 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,819 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,994 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,676 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,013 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,867 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,982 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,344 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,753 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,151 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,027 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,592 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,103 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,359 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,467 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on March 4, 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
