TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: More than 20 yeas ago Scientology leader David Miscavige set out to replace existing churches with gleaming new cathedrals in every major city in the world. But as we’ve seen in so many places, until Dave is ready for a grand opening these properties sit and rot in the meantime. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“By giving one or two vitamins in excess amount you can create a nutritional deficiency of another vitamin which isn’t being given or isn’t being
given in enough quantity. Thus, what could slow down the Purification Rundown and make it appear unflat would be a nutritional failure—a failure to flank the niacin on either side by sufficient amounts of the other needed vitamins and minerals in proportion and a food intake which includes vegetables and oil. In such a case one would be looking at created nutritional deficiencies — not conditions which were there to begin with to be run out. Not knowing these things is probably what made the medics earlier believe that niacin had side effects. The side effects were probably somatics and manifestations half run out and deficiencies created by not flanking niacin with the other vitamins and minerals and oils necessary to cause a rebuild.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
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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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“One court in Virginia, they proved conclusively that Scientology was a healing science, because it cured things, and actually brought people into court to show that they had been cured of something by Scientology, which proved it was a healing cience, and gave some, and I don’t even think though they had the nerve to call the auditor in and sentence him. I think he remains unsentenced to this day. It was just too much nonsense, you see. In other words, they can go clear around the line. That proves we’re a healing subject, you see. Wild business. Look the length and breadth of the land, I don’t think they could have found anybody who’d been healed by anything on medicine. But they were proving our cases for us.” — L. Ron Hubbard, August 29, 1963
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“The Club Dinner aboard was a great success and the Port Captain’s org officer is filing commendables in the folders of all who contributed. We apparently were a CIA shp that really smuggles cats to hang crowbars on banana trees. But this is all scotched. The guests were very pleased. (I’m going to send bills for advertising to both CIA and the Mafia.) This Club didn’t know they had other clubs in nearby ports. And by the way a recent mission reports the last country we were in all cool. The Rep there reported a flap, failed to report the flap was vanished.” — The Commodore, August 29, 1971
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“You are running a black Public Relations campaign against probably the most productive Freezone organization in the field. More productive probably than even Flag Land Base. And all this on grounds of a bunch of suppositions and speculations in a publication that has all the marks of being created by OSA. You are the one that needs to be investigated here. That’s according to the original ‘Introduction to Scientology Ethics’ book. I will have to write a knowledge report on your false assertion that I am part of a global effort to suppress Scientology the subject as part of a black propaganda campaign against Bill Robertson and his Freezone tech.”
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1999: Keith Henson posted an update on Robert Cipriano, a former witness for Scientology who is now working with his former target, Graham Berry. “Cipriano walked outside and somehow ended up with Moxon’s private investigator, Edwin Richardson, who drove him to an airport hotel. At approximately 9:30 a.m. Cipriano telephoned Graham. Cipriano told Berry that Moxon had told him by telephone that a group of them (from OSA) were
on their way to pick him up and take him to an ‘old’ attorney somewhere on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. This ‘old’ attorney would ‘make
everything all right’ and Scientology would give him another car, another apartment and ‘his life back.’ Graham had a friend keep Cipriano on the
telephone as he raced to the hotel near the airport. While Graham was in transit his friend could hear over the phone Edwin Richardson continuously
banging on Cipriano’s door. At Cipriano’s request he is now in a ‘safe house’.”
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“After the horrorshow called Jonestown and the government-led debacle at Waco, no one has to wonder at the government’s reluctance to revisit Cultland. The only reason they got involved with FLDS was because of the rampant pedophilia. And even with that righteous justification, the Feds got all kinds of shit from the religious right wing in this country.”
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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 August 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 December 1.
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 was filed June 3. Respondent briefs are due September 2.
— 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 Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— 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] He was in Scientology’s highest circles, but when he left he paid the price so many do
[TWO years ago] A 2017 flight suggests that Scientology leader is still canoodling with his ‘communicator’
[THREE years ago] October showdowns: After years of delays, Scientology-related trials are looming
[FOUR years ago] Tom Cruise’s Scientology superpowers, No. 4: Destroying a planet with the touch of a finger
[FIVE years ago] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 18: Mark ‘Marty’ Rathbun
[SIX years ago] Another legal fight brewing over Scientology’s refusal to return future payments
[SEVEN years ago] Some countries force Scientology to open the books: Here’s one report on how bad business is
[EIGHT years ago] LIVE FROM SAN ANTONIO: Will a former Scientology enforcer be compelled to testify?
[NINE years ago] A Scientologist on the ballot: OC candidate keeping mum about his anti-psych work
[TEN years ago] Louisiana congressman posts Narconon pic, then yanks it after we point out Scientology link
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology yesterday and today: Reports from Mark Bunker and Dennis Erlich
[TWELVE years ago] What the Daily News Left Out of its Story on Scientology in Harlem
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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 3,370 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,874 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,380 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,930 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,920 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,306 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,801 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,105 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,756 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,974 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,528 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,869 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,440 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,356 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,523 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,105 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,364 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,401 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,117 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,681 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,996 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,171 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,853 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,190 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,043 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,159 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,521 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,930 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,320 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,204 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,769 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,280 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,540 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,644 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on August 29, 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
