TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: We told you about Scientology’s newest holy shrines to founder L. Ron Hubbard, and that another one was having its grand opening in May, in Phoenix. We have photos from the event now, including the shills who gave speeches. And this time they managed to snag a city councilman! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“It is the residual LSD we’re trying to get rid of — LSD that may still be in the body. It’s no substitute for Objectives and a Drug Rundown. You must not consider their Drug Rundown complete until they have completed the Sweat Program and been heavily audited. As the Sweat Program can be strenuous anyone not in good physical condition is required to see a medical doctor in liaison with the Medical Liaison Officer and C/S to obtain permission to exercise and do jogging. Where exercise and jogging would be detrimental to the individual’s health this program should not be done and a more basic nutritional, medical and auditing program done. Doing this gradiently is very important as you are not only working LSD out of the system but other bodily poisons will also be flushed out. If the program is done out gradient the individual can become ill from body changes that he is not able to keep up with.” — 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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“Many an auditor falls for this because the PC wants to know how come he was on the planet Yuk-zuk in a railway conductor’s uniform, you see? What was he doing there? And that’s all very interesting and we can assuage his curiosity to some degree, but if we go in for just assuaging the curiosity of the thing — dramatizing watching TV or something like that, you see — we unfortunately get into the situation where we’re not following down an engramic chain. So here, you see, is another great liability in running engrams. We get so absorbed in dramatis personae and that sort of thing, that we actually aren’t running the chain of engrams at all, we are simply trying to find out. See, get that as a liability, because it is a liability. You actually can find out all about what this PC was doing on the planet Yuk-zuk. You could find out all about it. The only trouble is the basic on it was on the planet Pan-wan, which was a trillion years earlier. You see?” — L. Ron Hubbard, June 11, 1963
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“No member of the Ships Company as per Flag Order is permitted to bring any pet aboard without permission. Gerry McLarty and Maria Bosselaar have brought aboard birds of the Psittacine family and Julie Blundell has a bird of unknown variety. These birds may endanger our free pratique at the next port entry. More particularly, Psittacine birds can develop psittacosis, an infectious virus disease, which can be transmitted to humans and so are a health hazard.” — Capt. Mary Sue Hubbard, June 11, 1969
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“Of course anybody can offer an opinion on the subject of the destiny of LRH after death, and even comment on the several topics, ranging from Galactic Patrol commanders to reincarnated LRHs on Earth. But when these opinions are done by tech people with altitude, namely those in the independent field or the Europe/American Freezone, the opinion has great influence. If the commentator suffers from lack of understanding of the basic Scientology tech, then great damage is made. This is the case when tech people in the independent or Freezone or Church of Scientology field comment on the statement that LRH at death assumed the identity of Galactic Patrol Commander Elron Elrey at Galactic Central (comment made by Capt. Bill Robertson, the founder of the Freezone). If you happen to know well the data on the ‘Time Track of Theta’ tapes, and the ‘History of Man’ Series, you will understand that not only could LRH go to Galactic Central, but that he might have one or several reincarnations here on Earth, simultaneously.”
1997: A progress report was posted this week on the Lisa McPherson civil case. “In depositions with (aunt) Dell Liebrich and (friend) Kelly Davis, Scientology is preparing the case that Lisa had a terrible childhood and abusive family. They also demanded to know who was paying for the lawsuit, perhaps to set up the theory that this is being financed by enemies of Scientology. In a deposition of Robert Davis, the Associate Medical Examiner who conducted the autopsy of Lisa, he at first claimed that he used the terms ‘insect bite’ ‘abrasion’ and ‘contusion’ interchangeably. But when confronted with the autopsy photos, was able to point out the clearly visible insect bites on her knuckles, and said the marks on her wrists are consistent with restraint. They may have come from any number of circumstances, but that restraint would make marks like that. The ME’s office continues to disagree, saying that there are no ‘edge’ features that would be typical of restraint. There are apparently other portions of the deposition in which he contradicts the ME’s office in the 300 page deposition. Although he claimed that Scientology did not approach him beforehand, sources say that he was approached, perhaps in an attempt to influence his testimony. There will be a hearing in Tampa on July 1st, in which Ken Dandar will ask the judge to release Scientology’s records of Lisa’s treatment at the Fort Harrison from the confidentiality provision. Apparently Scientology took extensive notes while she died.”
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“The fact that the mayor couldn’t revoke the license for the Scientologists to erect their circus tent in punishment for their egregious act I find outrageous. The U.S legal system is way too convoluted for my liking.”
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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 June 13.
— ‘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 June 16.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud. Sentenced to 7 years in prison.
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] On trial: Scientology PI accused of assaulting woman he was hired to follow
[TWO years ago] Scientology success stories are the bomb: But which continent is most on fire right now?
[THREE years ago] Recent controversies & financial crimes of Scientology: Katherine Olson interview, Part 2
[FOUR years ago] Scientology sends out a deluge of mailers as its newest Texas location prepares to open
[FIVE years ago] Scientologist attorney gets her first ‘head on a pike’ with OC health officer resignation
[SIX years ago] Justin Bieber in the octagon? Why he couldn’t handle Tom Cruise’s Scientology powers
[SEVEN years ago] When Scientology keeps a mother from her child in the ER: Lori Hodgson’s story
[EIGHT years ago] Neil Gaiman’s sis begs her fellow Scientologists to donate to an already funded building
[NINE years ago] BILLBOARD 2.0 — Phil and Willie Jones set their sights on Scientology’s mecca in Florida
[TEN years ago] Augustine: How L. Ron Hubbard devised Scientology’s most diabolical legal mechanisms
[ELEVEN years ago] OKLAHOMA EMPANELS GRAND JURY TO INVESTIGATE SCIENTOLOGY’S DRUG REHAB
[TWELVE years ago] Precious Bodily Fluids: Scientology and the Purification Rundown
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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 3,292 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,787 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,302 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,852 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,842 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,228 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,723 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,027 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,896 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,450 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,791 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,358 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,277 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,445 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,027 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,286 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,323 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,039 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,603 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,918 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,093 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,775 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,112 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,966 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,081 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,443 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,852 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,248 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,126 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,691 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,202 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,458 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,566 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on June 11, 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
