TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: According to our sources who were there at the time, it was 20 years ago this week when Shelly Miscavige drove away from Scientology’s ‘Int Base’ near Hemet, California in a desperate bid to save her marriage. She was never seen there again. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“Over the years some pcs have had Drug Rundowns which stretched interminably into hundreds of hours. And some pcs have had drugs handled once, only to have them rehandled and then rehandled again at some later date in what appear to have been endless Drug Rundowns. This has been largely due to the listing and running of whole track drugs or, through Dianetic auditing errors, the collision with and restimulation of early drug cultures on the track. This endless auditing of drugs can have built up charge which is preventing the pc from getting all the gain possible from his next grade, or it can even act to prevent him from wanting further auditing. There is an end to endless drug handling.” — 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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“Where does that leave psychology?…This is the way the wheel is going to turn. And the wheel has already begun its slow inexorable spin. They are about to become a more radical element of Scientology. And we’re about to become the conservatives and they’re about to become the revolutionaries. They’re the Johnny-come-latelys, the cowboys in the black hat. And we’re the old homesteaders, been there a long time. And they’ll give us all the propaganda we want to drive this point home, because it will outrage them to such a degree that every time they pick it up or hear it they will go into a complete scream. They will help us. In every university they will help us. They’ll explain to all of their classes, ‘Hubbard is crazy because he says actually Scientology is a very broad subject that psychology is just a part of,’ Ha-ha-ha! None of the students are laughing. Students can understand a radical offshoot, or a Johnny-come-lately type of an approach that says all men are animals.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 1, 1964
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“According to a long newspaper article John F. Kennedy picked up a body in Germany five minutes after he was killed in Texas. Spotting and naming the people of his family and office and mentioning personal habits and actions, this is John F. Kennedy all right, now 7 years old is now the son of Johan Schuler of Munich and has the name of Johan Schuler. The parents are worried about his ability to lead a future normal life. An interesting point is not that he picked up a new body but that Germany is now alert to ‘reincarnation.’” — The Commodore, September 1, 1971
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“Scientology is NOT dead. It is alive and well, much to the chagrin of squirrels and SPs. The only thing that can kill Scientology is reasonableness and allowing SPs and squirrels to dilute and suppress the philosophy and technology. The way forward is to pour the coals on the purpose of Scientology and validate THAT, not the antithesis.”
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1995: Pacific Bell provided Grady Ward with details of the scam run by Scientology investigators to get Grady’s phone records. “Dear Mr. Ward, I am providing this document as a confirmation of our verbal contact of August 7, 1995. At that time I indicated to you that a caller had contacted Pacific Bell and presented himself as you. The caller had sufficient identification and information about your account to convince us that he was in fact, Grady Ward. Despite the fact that we had attempted to secure your account via a password, the caller was so thoroughly convincing as he described ‘his recent stroke and the subsequent vision problems and memory loss that he had suffered’ that he effectively manipulated us into discussing your account. His act was very well rehearsed including labored breathing and slurred speech which resulted from the ‘stroke.’ He seemed most interested in changing his long distance company and confirming the amounts and dates of his most recent payments on both your accounts. Of course he wanted the password removed as well since he was no longer able to remember such things. It was not until after the close of the contact that my suspicions were aroused as I realized that the slurred speech had disappeared. At that point I contacted you by telephone and the ‘scam’ became apparent. Sincerely, Douglas E. Waterman Manager”
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“It’s too bad Russell Crowe didn’t become a full-time Scientologist. He would have been the ultimate batshit crazy Scieno. He would have made Cruise look like Mr. Rogers.”
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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.
— 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] Scientology encounters rough waters in northern seas
[TWO years ago] Los Angeles gets its premiere of the Scientology documentary ‘Brothers Broken’
[THREE years ago] After 9-year appeal, Scientology wins tax exemption in the Netherlands
[FOUR years ago] Hot new progress reports from Scientology’s massive world takeover!
[FIVE years ago] Leah Remini podcast: Scientology leader’s Fair Game campaign against his own father
[SIX years ago] Another capital to get a ‘national’ Scientology center. Can you feel the excitement?
[SEVEN years ago] A peek inside Janis Gillham Grady’s second volume as ‘Commodore’s Messenger’
[EIGHT years ago] DRONE FLYOVER: Scientology’s failed underground vault project in Wyoming
[NINE years ago] Marty Rathbun defends Scientology leader David Miscavige as he trashes tell-all memoir ‘Ruthless’
[TEN years ago] Louis Theroux film — ‘My Scientology Movie’ — to premiere October 14 at the London Film Festival
[ELEVEN years ago] Signs of chaos emerge for Scientology’s drug rehab legal defense
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Leader David Miscavige Files Declaration in Texas 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 3,373 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,877 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,383 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,933 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,923 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,309 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,804 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,108 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,759 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,977 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,531 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,872 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,443 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,359 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,526 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,108 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,367 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,404 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,120 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,684 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,999 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,174 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,856 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,193 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,046 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,162 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,524 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,933 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,323 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,207 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,772 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,283 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,543 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,647 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on September 1, 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
