TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: At the last minute, Scientology has asked permission for much more than simply the large tent it puts up each year for its big UK gala. It also wants to install a new permanent car park, permanent footing for the tent, and more. Dave plans to spend big, as usual! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“You are going to encounter some few isolated instances where the pc can’t run engrams for one reason or another. Such pcs can then be audited by the Recall method as given in the End of Endless Int Repair Rundown, using the rundown not as a repair but as a process. Dianetic Clears, Scn Clears and OTs can be handled on out-Int with this method. It can also be used to relieve out-Int on weak or ill pcs until they are up to running engrams. It is not a fast method. Using the Recall system (per End of Endless Int Repair RD) to run out-Int, can go on and on. In time though, by taking the pc up on a gradient, you can eventually get him to a point where he is actually as-ising engrams, blowing them by inspection. The revised Int Rundown is by far the swifter route for handling a pc initially on out-Int.” — 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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“Oh, Scientology. Oh, oh, yes, Scientology, all right. That’s, that’s fine. Well, they’ll make you an Operating Thetan there, and you’ll be nine feet tall, and you’ll be able to beat up on the local government, and you’ll be able to throw your wife in the Pacific Ocean, you won’t have to bother with her anymore. And you’ll just be all-powerful and so forth. Well, it probably wouldn’t be very real to the individual, even if he believed it. I can assure you it’s going to take him several years to make it and by the time he makes it he won’t have any interest in throwing his wife in the local ocean or beating up the local council.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 9, 1965
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“Jerry McLarty went off post to Chief Engineer of Bolivar and is reported by the new chief to have left things in beautiful order — ‘a piece of cake.’ I was thinking maybe we should award this type of action. It is usually the reverse. Joe Blow leaves and the incomer spends the next few weeks just trying to find the comm basket under that mess. So a guy leaving a post in good order and running well with a grooved in relief deserves an inspection and a reward. Any suggestions of how to get such a thing in and what award should be given?” — The Commodore, September 9, 1970
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“I accept that our pursuit is a spiritual one, but I would expect to see many more people make loads of money along the levels made by aberrated wogs. Something is not right and that is why I am not against new tech as long as the existing, standard tech is not just abandoned.”
1996: A proclamation from California Governor Pete Wilson was posted to a.r.s this week. In part, it reads:
“TO: THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY CELEBRITY CENTRE INTERNATIONAL. I am delighted to extend my warm regards and congratulations to everyone who has gathered this evening to celebrate your 27th Anniversary. The future of California depends on the involvement of organizations like yours, who donate their time, talent, and resources to helping others. The Celebrity Centre’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its fellow citizends (sic) represents the kind of civic and humanitarian spirit upon which our society is built.”
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“After my dad’s POS father had abandoned him and my grandma in a one-room shack in the Arizona desert, and my dad, grandma, and his two sisters ended up in Northern California, I guess my grandfather ended up being one of the biggest contractors in the Tempe/Phoenix area. When he died he was worth millions and my dad and his two sisters never saw a dime. His new wife was a Mormon and all the money went to her and the cult.”
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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] Mike Rinder: I was in Scientology’s prison with Emily Armstrong’s mom
[TWO years ago] PODCAST: This week’s sentencing and letters drama left us needing some group therapy
[THREE years ago] Olmedo rules: Read the decision to deny Danny Masterson’s latest trial delay attempt
[FOUR years ago] Let’s help the new Scientology ‘Ideal Org’ in Austin get staffed up!
[FIVE years ago] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 15: Jeffrey Riffer
[SEVEN years ago] By any means necessary: Scientology’s bizarre war against psychiatry
[EIGHT years ago] Supporting Leah Remini and her show — what’s the risk for viewers who expose Scientology?
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s ‘disconnection’ policy gets sacrificed on the Burning Man altar
[TEN years ago] David Miscavige: Scientology saved the universe from its ‘reverse point’ in 2006
[ELEVEN years ago] Longtime Scientologist Jim Jackson remembers Lyman Spurlock, 1945-2014
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology and Nation Of Islam Education Hucksters Marching on Sacramento!
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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 3,381 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,885 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,391 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,945 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,935 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,317 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,812 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,116 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,767 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,985 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,539 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,880 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,451 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,367 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,534 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,116 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,375 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,412 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,128 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,692 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,007 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,182 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,864 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,201 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,054 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,170 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,532 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,943 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,331 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,215 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,780 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,291 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,551 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,655 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on September 9, 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
