TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Scientology’s annual effort to turn Christmas into a recruiting event is pretty well known, but it also does what it can with Easter, holding an annual egg hunt in Florida to lure in new meat. And we also found some other Easter recruiting plans that contained a small surprise. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“Why Dianetics fell out of use had nothing to do with its workability. It has worked and well since 1950. In some areas, mainly the U.S., it was illegal to heal or cure anything. There was even a law in California giving 25 illnesses that were against the law to cure. The ‘Better’ Business Bureau in the U.S. even issues pamphlets that state that ‘You can always tell a fake healer because he says he can cure something.’ Why a civilization would make it illegal to cure illness can only be explained by some vested interest making more money out of people being sick than getting people well. There existed a continual threat to anyone who helped their fellows. The ability of Scientology to bring about spiritual freedom therefore received the concentration of effort by organizations.” — 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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“We need, then, a peaceful planet. So I worked this out originally as…what became the name of the project: International City Project. Well, I…finally came to the conclusion that if all the capitals of the world were located inside one city that they were not likely to bomb each other out, that they, in effect, would be very careful of declaring war. They would be close cheek by jowl enough to discuss most of their problems…Now, you take every capital of the world and treat it accordingly and then treat it in such a way that transport within the capital is very fast and so that each and every section and center of the capital has some of its own atmosphere rather easily planned up, by the way. It isn’t just a sprawling mess…So Wendell Willkie came out with something he called One World, and practically everybody shot him down in his tracks. He was a pioneer in this particular field. But nevertheless this idea has become more and more popular and it’s actually sweeping in that direction. The first step would have to be you’d have to persuade all governments to turn over all atomic weapons, stocks, control of atomic manufacturers to the United Nations at once, you see. Second step is persuade the United Nations and all governments to select a site for and construct an International City, preferably in North Africa on the Mediterranean coast where land reclamation can expand its area and where its communication lines can be easily centered for Earth. Third step: Persuade all governments to remove their capitals to International City complete with heads of government, congresses and parliaments. Prohibit a secondary capital or even a communication relay center within the country itself.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 24, 1964
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“TELEXES are meant to be answered the same day; when answered, they go to the ‘Telexes In’ basket in the Comm Bu. Deadline 2300 hrs. Even if they cannot be answered immediately, they should be returned to this basket, as these telexes go up to LRH for his viewing after 2300. These unanswered telexes will then be returned for answering.” — Org Off Bu IV, March 24, 1971
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“Many of us left ‘official’ Scientology beginning in the 1970s. As the Sea Org advanced, we retreated. In our view, we are the keepers of ‘true’ Scientology, who apply what we know of it with reason, not fanaticism. That includes Child Scientology, in which book Hubbard expresses and encourages some very kind sentiments towards children.”
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1996: The St. Petersburg Times detailed Scientology’s request for changes in Clearwater’s housing regulations. The cult wants to pack in twice as many Sea Org members into the Hacienda Gardens, the barracks for low ranking SO and many RPF. “The change would cut in half the required living space and eventually provide homes for the 300 new Scientology staff members needed for the ‘Super Power’ facility, said Richard Haworth, a spokesman for Scientology’s Clearwater-based Flag Service Organization. Hacienda Gardens, 551 N Saturn Ave., has 200 units populated, in large part, by members of Scientology’s Sea Organization, who wear Navy-style uniforms and sign billion-year contracts to devote themselves to Scientology. Sea Org members, as they are called, spend 10 to 14 hours on the job daily. That unusual work schedule, and the fact that they eat their meals at Scientology dining halls and not at home, means that the city’s normal living standards aren’t necessary in Hacienda Gardens, Haworth said. ‘The units are used primarily for sleeping and are seldom used for cooking, entertaining, etc.,’ the Scientology request said. ‘If this variance is not granted, then, among other results, the applicant will be required to acquire additional property for housing purposes, which property will then be removed from the tax rolls.’ The Scientology request asks that in 120 apartments, the city’s minimum dwelling space requirements be cut in half. For a 700-square-foot apartment, for instance, the change would boost the number of Scientologists allowed from six to 13. In April 1992, city building officials cited the church for overcrowding in 34 of the Hacienda Gardens apartments. Scientology officials moved staff members around to alleviate the overcrowding, which they blamed on the logistics of renovating the facility.”
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“I went to the Scientology rebuttal site for ‘Going Clear’ and it’s almost as long as the book! They start fairly low-keyed and then next thing I knew they were inferring that Dave Touretzky was trying to get people to bomb Scientology orgs. They can’t control the crazy for too long.”
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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] John Travolta and Elisabeth Moss were front-and-center for Scientology birthday bash
[TWO years ago] Private eye firm that spied for Scientology throws up the white flag in sordid lawsuit
[THREE years ago] Scientology leader says he has 2.5 million square feet of new churches coming soon
[FOUR years ago] Danny Masterson holds on to his passport as judge decides he’s no flight risk
[FIVE years ago] Scientology leader David Miscavige calls the pandemic ‘planetary bullbait’ in epic briefing
[SIX years ago] TOM CRUISE THANKED BY DAUGHTER ISABELLA IN BIZARRE SCIENTOLOGY PROMO
[SEVEN years ago] Leah Remini talks ‘Aftermath,’ developing a new show, and more with Chris Shelton
[EIGHT years ago] DREAM LAWSUIT: ‘God of Pop’ Kuba Ka vs the Church of Scientology. THANK XENU, IT’S ON!
[NINE years ago] Chris Shelton: How Scientologists can use critical thinking to break free
[TEN years ago] ‘Going Clear’: Paul Haggis pens a description of the Scientology experience you won’t forget
[ELEVEN years ago] Jillian Schlesinger says Scientology now ‘sneakier’ about forcing abortions
[TWELVE years ago] It’s Ron’s Birthday, And Your Present is More Scientology Stuff to Spend Money On!
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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 3,213 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,708 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,223 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,773 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,763 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,149 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,644 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,948 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,819 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,371 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,712 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,279 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,198 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,366 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,948 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,207 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,244 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,960 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,524 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,839 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,014 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,696 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,033 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,887 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,002 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,364 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,773 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,171 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,047 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,612 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,123 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,379 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,487 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on March 24, 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
