TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: We got a big reaction to posting an actual checklist for creating a ‘suppressive person declare,’ which Scientology uses to name and shame an enemy of the church. Claire Headley had us on her channel to discuss the checklist and how it related to her own SP declare. Fun! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“A student must not discuss any examination with anyone outside the Qualifications Division. To give examination information to other students in order to assist them shows a misguided understanding of help. A student should pass an examination on the basis that he does know and can apply the data, not on the basis that he knows and can pass the examination. Only by being able to know and apply the data can a student be an accomplished auditor at any level. Therefore, students are not to discuss examinations with other students for whatever reason.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1966
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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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“It was a lovely party. A smashing cake, a lovely present, the Snipes songs and all your happy smiles and applause made it a truly wonderful birthday. (I didn’t know how old I was this life, was sure I was several years younger, until the congratulations and best wishes. I added it up. 60. I still don’t believe it. Are you sure we haven’t skipped some calendar years somewhere?) It was a great day. And I appreciate you more than you will ever know.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 14, 1971
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“HIGHEST EVERS: Thank you for the very happy birthday. I received some lovely presents including a new dining room table and chairs for the A Deck lounge — truly gorgeous. I now hear the Ship’s Rep flew to a nearby area to get some lovely presents for me from MSH. Very appreciated. Both the presents and the flight. Cards, telexes, lovely presents and remembrances. And HGC had a present — 639 w.d. auditing hours! Just by changing its lines and hard work. And the HCI’s FEBC stats are highest ever. The International Gross Income was the HIGHEST EVER! And the Planetary G.I. (not including AOUK, UK, EU, AF or ANZO Orgs) (including only US (Sea Org, Scn) and AOSH DK) hit over a quarter of a million in one week!” — The Commodore, March 14, 1971
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“I’ll be glad when these Grays are exterminated from our Galaxy. We need to apply the Danger Formulae to these S.P.s and secure a safe base. After the dust settles, we can arrange to have those in lower Ethics Conditions given the job of ‘auditing’ them. I, unfortunately, am very familiar with the Gray hatcheries. Most of these are in the Deep Underground Military Bases. They abduct women and children and use them for fertility foods. Most of these ‘hybrid’ babies are used as FOOD, for the Reptilians. The Grays rub their adrenal glands on their skin, as nourishment. And some of these babies are sacrificed to Lucifer, murdered, after being tortured for their adrenochrome. I have heard of some ‘Good Grays,’ mostly from people who allow them to inhabit their bodies during a trance-like state. I don’t buy that there are good Grays. Alliances were made with President Eisenhower, of which he was bound/forced to make a deal, in order to save the greater collective; all the while buying time to wage war against them and defend humanity. Eliminating total suppression must be done in order to save humanity. If you’re of the opinion that there are those that are sweetness and light, then maybe, but I haven’t seen any evidence of any goodness from either the Reptilians or Grays. There’s NO ‘Alliance’ with these baby ‘hatcheries.’ Our Military has been FORCED to have Reality with them, UNTIL they amass enough tech to eradicate them. And that is being done over the past year or so. Trump and the U.S. military has been rescuing these babies, children and others, then bombing the DUMBs.”
2000: De Morgen reported that a Belgian investigation has found indications of fraud in Scientology’s finances. “The controversial religious movement has also repeatedly violated the law on privacy. Scientology unlawfully keeps medical and personal information on its members on file. This information was confirmed by assistant district attorney Christophe Caliman of the financial section, who is coordinating the ongoing judicial investigation. The investigation was launched after a complaint in 1997 from an ex-member of Scientology, who had tried in vain to get a refund of 700,000 Belgian francs [approx. US$ 17,000], which she had paid for various courses. Last September searches were made at a total of 25 locations, by request of investigating judge Van Espen. Analysis of the huge amount of data is taking longer than expected due to a shortage of staff, and the investigation won’t be concluded for another year. There are already ‘very sound indications’ that Scientology committed tax fraud, amongst other means by writing phony invoices. Scientology companies sent each other invoices for services that were ‘more than likely’ never delivered. The bulk of the money was transferred to the American headquarters of the cult. The controversial movement kept files about its members that hadn’t been registered with the Commission for the Protection of Privacy, which is legally required. On top of that, there are indications of the unlawful practice of medicine.”
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“Hey, if chronic drunkenness, drug addiction, and debauchery were good enough for L. Ron, they’re good enough for me!”
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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:
— 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] News report says Leah Remini’s Scientology suit ‘gutted’ — but the ruling says otherwise
[TWO years ago] Scientology got its arbitrators, but also wants $107K in sanctions from Valerie Haney
[THREE years ago] A drone’s eye view of Scientology’s mecca, including Tom Cruise’s penthouse
[FOUR years ago] Leah Remini spots Scientology’s best self-own in a long, long time
[FIVE years ago] Danny Masterson’s victims speak out in sworn documents in lawsuit against Scientology
[SIX years ago] David Miscavige presides over Scientology’s holiest annual celebration of L. Ron Hubbard
[SEVEN years ago] Lori Hodgson’s fight with Scientology for her kids is now a book you can pre-order
[EIGHT years ago] Memories of a Scientology warrior: Marty Rathbun’s curious career as church rebel
[NINE years ago] Turns out at least FOUR employees sued Pasadena firm that forced Scientology on them
[TEN years ago] Outtakes from the 1997 ‘Secret Lives’ doc — an eyewitness at the Jack Parsons house
[ELEVEN years ago] TEXAS JUDGE DENIES SCIENTOLOGY’S ‘ANTI-SLAPP’ MOTION IN RATHBUN SUIT
[TWELVE years ago] Your Life as Sperm or Egg: L. Ron Hubbard’s Mad Genius
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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 3,203 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,698 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,213 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,763 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,753 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,139 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,634 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,938 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,809 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,361 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,702 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,269 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,188 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,356 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,938 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,197 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,234 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,950 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,514 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,829 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,004 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,686 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,023 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,877 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,992 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,354 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,763 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,161 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,037 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,602 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,113 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,369 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,477 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on March 14, 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
