TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Thanks to Mark Bunker, we now have some audio from Scientology’s L. Ron Hubbard Birthday Celebration held in March. And in particular, the moment when church leader David Miscavige reveals plans for the final piece to turn a Florida city into Scientology’s Vatican. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“An R/S or rock slam is defined as the crazy, irregular left-right slashing motion of the needle on the E-Meter dial. R/Ses repeat left and right slashes unevenly and savagely, faster than the eye easily follows. The needle is frantic. The width of an R/S depends largely on sensitivity setting. It goes from one-fourth inch to whole dial. But it slams back and forth. It is actually quite startling to see one. IT IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER METER PHENOMENA. Recently auditors arriving on Flag were found not to know what an R/S was but were calling dirty needles, dirty reads, rocket reads, body motion and even ticks as R/Ses. That comes from never having been trained on what an R/S is and never having seen one. R/SES ARE UNIQUE IN APPEARANCE. On the other hand, far more serious is the fact that auditors have many times seen R/Ses, didn’t mark them down and didn’t report them! This is a High Crime as it injures society, the org and the person himself.” — 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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“The FB, the FAO and the FSO presented me with an enormous KEY TO THE PLANET to celebrate 9 May, the 21st Anniversary of the publication of “Dianetics the Modern Science of Mental Health.” THANK YOU! A party was proposed but was considered too little notice and everyone too rushed. The presentation was appreciated. These fantastic stats also came up on 9 May. It was quite an anniversary.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 10, 1971
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“NOTICE: We are extending our stay in this port until Wednesday 12.5.71 so that we can complete a heavy campaign to strengthen PRO Area Control. A Dinner Dance is being held at a top local hotel on Tuesday night for shore VIPs, Contractors and business associates.” — Lt. N.F. Starkey, Captain FSO, May 10, 1971
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“I want to clarify something. All those who say that the Clear Theta Clear does not exist and that L. Ron Hubbard is a liar need to go to a psychiatrist. Why? All gifted children are Clear Theta Clear. Including me. All the children of God are Clear Theta Clear, because they were created in the image and likeness of God, says the bible. Genesis 1:26. Including Me. Now if you don’t have the ability to use your inner power, it’s not our fault.”
2000: An anonymous poster described the annual Dianetics Day event, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the book Dianetics. “The most relevant news was that Miscavige was absent. This is the first time since 1989 that I saw an event without Miscavige. The master of ceremonies was Heber himself! The event went on for about 2 hours talking of the usual ‘big expansion’ around the world. The PR was overwhelming and the video was filled with graphs going up the ceiling and beyond. As an example of the PR tricks that were used there were the stats of Solo NOTs (OT VII) well done hours. As sure you all knows ALL the OTs VII of the planet had to redo that Bridge level. In PT all the OTs VII are again auditing themselves on OT VII using the tech improvement that Golden Age of Tech brought in 1996. In 1997 it was said that NO one of the OTs VII had gained the real EP of that level and the OTs had to redo their courses to really learn to use the meter and the other solo-auditing techs before redoing their OT VII auditing. Then the event talked longly about new place of expansion like Bangla Desh and Hungary. In Hungary was born the first class V org of the East. When Scientology enter a country first it expands because it delivers only div 6 services, but the ‘hard-sell’ and ‘nothing else matters’ attitude the trend reverses and the expansion stops.”
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“The gambling analogy for Scientology is more appropriate than the drug one. At least with drugs you actually get something real for your money — the fact it may be really bad for you is a different story. In Scientology all you get is air and worthless slips of paper, just like the lottery.”
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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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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 summit: Meeting up with Apostate Alex in Los Angeles
[TWO years ago] What in the world is Scientology attorney Kendrick Moxon up to?
[THREE years ago] Scientology celebs in hot water: Danny’s not the only Masterson brother facing legal issues
[FOUR years ago] Ahoy, thetan: Ready to fondle empty bottles on Scientology’s cruiseless cruise ship?
[FIVE years ago] On Mother’s Day, the moms who suffer and defy Scientology’s cruel ‘disconnection’ policy
[SIX years ago] More signs that things are really going totally great for the Church of Scientology right now
[SEVEN years ago] How much do the Don Rogers letters shake up early Dianetics history? Two experts weigh in.
[EIGHT years ago] Nazanin Boniadi’s FBI testimony: Cast as Tom Cruise’s girlfriend by Scientology
[NINE years ago] Phil and Willie’s excellent adventure: Taking on Scientology’s ‘disconnection’ policy in L.A.
[TEN years ago] Ryan Hamilton files his 28th fraud lawsuit against Scientology’s drug rehab network
[ELEVEN years ago] Jamie DeWolf: I’ve found the last memoir of the son of Scientology’s founder
[TWELVE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY FILES TO REMOVE GARCIA ATTORNEYS FROM FRAUD LAWSUIT
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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 3,260 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,755 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,270 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,820 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,810 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,196 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,691 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,995 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,864 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,418 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,759 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,326 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,245 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,413 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,995 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,254 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,291 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,007 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,571 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,886 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,061 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,743 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,080 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,934 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,049 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,411 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,820 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,216 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,094 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,659 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,170 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,426 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,534 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on May 10, 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
