As Dianetics nears 75th anniversary, Scientology goes for a ‘boom’

 
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: As Dianetics nears its 75th anniversary next week the current Church of Scientology, which has struggled to maintain membership in a time of terrible publicity and endless litigation, is apparently trying to make a good show of things. We have the scoop on what they’re planning. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

 
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Technology Cocktail

“When an area is downstat the executive must at once suspect an out-ethics scene with one or more of the personnel and must investigate and persuade the person to be more honest and ethical and correct the out-ethics condition found. If this does not correct and if the person or area remains downstat, the executive must declare the person or area in Danger and apply HCO PL 9 Apr 72 ‘CORRECT DANGER CONDITION HANDLING.’ The situation, if it does not correct, thereafter becomes a matter of full group justice with Courts and Comm Evs. Persons whose ethics have remained out must be replaced.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1977

 
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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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Source Code

“Today I’m going to talk to you severely. Ordinarily I jolly you along, you know, and everybody looks… Well, I hate to be this severe, but you are on the edges of the great adventure. And this separates the sheep from the goats, man. And separates the children from the characters who can do it. And you are adventured upon a period of auditing which requires far more precision, auditor presence and TRs than any auditing we have ever had. There’s certain ways to do this right, and there’s certain ways to do it wrong. The number of ways to do it wrong far exceed the ways to do it right. Any time you have somebody in training, he can always invent some new ways to do it wrong, but it’s very, very funny that he never invents — almost never — some way to do it right. Because the odds are very bad. The truth of the matter is that the auditing which you are embarked upon is in actual fact simpler than you would believe and simpler than you will believe for some time. And the main thing you are doing with it is far too much complication. That’s all. Just the complexities you’re adding into it are defeating you. And you’re taking too much time to accomplish what you’re accomplishing.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 2, 1963

 
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Avast, Ye Mateys

“The UK and SA inquiry scenes look hopeful if we keep our fingers crossed and the Gdn Office keeps as active as it has been, which we’re sure it will. This is the real power house that’s in action… We now own the 174′ MY Grinnel and as soon as it’s out of dock it will be the US Station Ship. It’s very sleek, has engines only slightly less HP than Apollos. Two strong 2000 HP GMs… Flag is now a happier atmosphere. In the field thanks to the days of raw recruits and Berez and the lies of B. Green in NY we’re looked on as a violent and savage ship. It’s a lie so it will blow away. Doesn’t do any harm anyway.” — The Commodore, May 2, 1970

 
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Overheard in the FreeZone

Posting by Freezoner #1

He reportedly was put into witness protection as Killary wanted to eliminate her competition. I pray so [praying hands emojis]

“HEAR MY VOICE, AMERICA. I am John F. Kennedy Jr., and I have walked a treacherous path, hidden in the shadows of a nation I swore to save. The deep state thought they could bury me like they did my father, but they FAILED. For decades, I have watched their lies strangle our freedom, their hands stained with blood. No more! It’s time to come out into the light. I will be making my FIRST LIVE APPEARANCE this week. Save the date, Patriots! The cabal trembles as I rise with Trump to dismantle his empire. You have NEVER seen such a seismic comeback! God bless the warriors who kept the faith. We are taking it ALL back! Share this release with MILLIONS; the next release will reveal the time and place.
The storm is HERE!
Sincerely,
John”

Comment by Freezoner #2

Will he show? Or will we be shown something A/I generated? I’m in a dither over this.

Reply by Freezoner #1

Don’t take my word for it, I’m just reporting what I hear and it may not even come to fruition, but I hope so for justice for that family and the country.

 
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Past is Prologue

1999: The Irish Times reported that a former Scientologist is suing for infliction of stress and brainwashing procedures. “A 33-year-old Dublin businesswoman who is suing the Church of Scientology for damages because she claims she was ‘brainwashed’ yesterday in the High Court won her application to see her ‘counseling notes.’ The church’s claim to be entitled to ‘sacerdotal privilege’ in relation to the notes was rejected by Mr Justice Geoghegan. Ms Mary Johnston said she needed the documents to prepare for her action for damages against the church and three named persons, Mr John Keane, described as ‘mission holder’, Mr Tom Cunningham and Mr Gerard Ryan, described as church members. In her statement of claim Ms Johnston alleged that while undergoing ‘treatment’ offered by the church she suffered increasingly with a ‘disassociative stress reaction’, became intolerant and rejected family and friends. She claimed she suffered a distinct personality change, would often adopt a fixed stare and simulated smile while switching off her feelings. She became increasingly confused, and her general health suffered. She alleged she was pressurised into subscribing for ‘a purification rundown and training routeing’. The church and the three named members denied Ms Johnston’s claims. It made a claim of ‘sacerdotal privilege’ in relation to a ‘counseling’ folder sought by her. Mr Justice Geoghegan, in a reserved judgment, held that as Ms Johnston had waived any privilege alleged to exist in relation to her counseling notes he could not uphold the plea by the church of sacerdotal privilege.”

 
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Random Howdy

“The visual image of Tom the Jumping Jackass is priceless in itself and will stay with me for a very long time.”

 
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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 May 14.
— ‘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 May 12.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Pre-sentencing conference was held April 4. Sentencing hearing scheduled for May 5.

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. Leah’s appeal brief due June 3.
— 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. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.

 
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SCIENTOLOGY: FAIR GAME

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] Scientology faked David Miscavige appearance at Paris opening: The smoking gun
[TWO years ago] Plaintiffs in Scientology trafficking case ask permission for appeal after getting derailed
[THREE years ago] A Balance of Nature employee wanted to prove Scientology’s influence, so they sent video
[FOUR years ago] In Scientology, ‘making it go right’ is everything, even if it wrecks lives
[FIVE years ago] Georgia anti-psychiatry legislator goes even bigger for Scientology in the pandemic
[SIX years ago] What it’s like on the Scientology measles ship right now, according to former crew
[SEVEN years ago] Fifty years later and post-Scientology, 60’s band People! aims for a comeback
[EIGHT years ago] Renovations for Scientology’s planned Mexico City ‘Advanced Org’ halted by local pols
[NINE years ago] ABC’s ’20/20′ let Scientology trash Ron Miscavige — but here’s what you didn’t get to hear
[TEN years ago] More testimony that Scientology’s celebrities know all about Sea Org deprivations
[ELEVEN years ago] SCIENTOLOGY DENIED: Federal judge finds that Garcia fraud lawsuit can continue
[TWELVE years ago] Dianetics: Super Colon Blow For Your Mind

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on May 2, 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

 

Tony Ortega at Rolling Stone