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IAS on Halloween: Scientology’s party is set, and so is the protest

[Alex makes his case.]

 
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Scientology has finally put out word that the IAS gala will take place the weekend of October 31 at its UK headquarters. Former London staffer Alex Barnes-Ross will also be there with his annual protest of the event. Here’s his case against the church’s proposed new development! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

 
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Technology Cocktail

“In case you are under the mistaken impression that Scientology was bruised in 1978 you should know that raw public bought and are buying Scientology texts in a wave of best selling that is making history in the retail and publishing world. There has never before been such a boom in any specialized organization’s books. Book publishers use us as an astonishing example of what can happen. Hordes of new public are sweeping these books out of the stores and in the better run orgs, are crowding the Public Division to the rafters for service. Truth doesn’t bruise very easily. New books also got attention in ‘78. HAVE YOU LIVED BEFORE THIS LIFE? was introduced at the Atlanta Book Fair and, in the hands of retail distributors, began its own boom. It has gone 5X the normal best seller and is still going. (After all. we discovered past lives.)” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978

 
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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

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[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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Source Code

“Now, ‘When did the PC’s physical body change characteristics?’ Getting this out of women, you will have to take the E-Meter and beat them over the head. A woman at 110 will never admit that her body changed anything from that of a beautiful 16-year-old girl, or something like that, you know? It’s just things they won’t talk about, so you have to pull that the hard way. Go ahead and grab it.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 11, 1961

 
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Avast, Ye Mateys

“On Flag we have a maxim that we get it in on Flag before we yell at the deficiencies of others elsewhere. The housewife can’t clean up her neighbors if she can’t scrub her own kitchen. So, Steward’s Dorm, let’s see you set an example on your own home and then export it to the ship. Ernie and Annabelle made a good start on their yesterday. Others there give a hand.” — The Commodore, October 11, 1970

 
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Overheard in the FreeZone

“Apparently OSA’s most successful black operation was to indoctrinate American indies that Bill Robertson followers were squirrels.”

 

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Past is Prologue

2000: The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported that Keith Henson has been charged with an additional crime in connection with his protests
outside Scientology’s Gold Base near Hemet, California. “Calling it a third misdemeanor criminal charge has been filed against a Northern California man accused of making terrorist threats against the Church of Scientology’s film studio, authorities said. The newest count charges Keith Henson with making threats against the church because of its beliefs and those of its members said Deputy District Attorney Thomas Gage. He was previously accused of making threats against several church members while picketing the complex off Gilman Springs Road. Henson, who denied the allegations Wednesday, remains free on his promise to appear at his next court hearing. An Oct. 30 trial date has been set. If convicted on the charges, Henson could be sentenced to a year in jail on each charge.”

 
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Random Howdy

“Man-animals, come out of your caves. The Psychlos have deserted the planet. We have won!”

 
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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.

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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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SCIENTOLOGY: FAIR GAME

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’s new list of donors providing a mountain of money in 2024!
[TWO years ago] Check out how excited the kids at Scientology’s London org are about the IAS gala’s return
[THREE years ago] Jury selection begins today in the Danny Masterson trial, and we’re there for you
[FOUR years ago] The country’s 6th largest school district is helping a Scientology front group reach kids
[FIVE years ago] Danny Masterson asks to halt civil lawsuit while criminal case is ongoing, as expected
[SIX years ago] Scientologist on Clearwater downtown board does a classic ‘dead agenting’ of Mark Bunker
[SEVEN years ago] Dave Richards, 1948-2018, ran the Founding Church of Scientology in DC
[EIGHT years ago] Tara and Nathan — subjects of last night’s ‘Leah Remini’ — respond to Scientology’s smears
[NINE years ago] Louis Theroux’s movie comes to Oregon, and Jefferson Hawkins is there to talk Scientology
[TEN years ago] L. Ron Hubbard’s regressive homophobia: Can Scientology’s celebrities handle the truth?
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology’s ‘International Justice Chief’ surfaces for the Garcia lawsuit
[TWELVE years ago] HOW SCIENTOLOGY COERCED A CHILD TO HAVE AN ABORTION: THE LAURA DECRESCENZO FILES
[THIRTEEN years ago] L. Ron Hubbard Explains Your Life “Before Earth”

 
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Scientology disconnection, a reminder

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 3,413 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,917 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,423 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,973 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,963 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,349 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,844 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,148 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,799 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,017 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,571 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,912 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,483 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,399 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,566 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,148 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,407 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,444 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,160 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,724 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,039 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,214 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,896 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,233 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,086 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,202 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,564 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,975 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,363 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,247 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,812 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,323 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,583 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,687 days.

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 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, 1995-2024 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2024), 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

 

Tony Ortega at Rolling Stone

 

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