TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Since October ’23, Valerie Haney has endured days and days of Scientology’s dubious ‘religious arbitration,’ with no end in sight. Yesterday her attorneys tried to convince Judge Gail Killefer to put some constraints on what Scientology is doing, again to no avail. Incredible. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“There is a philosophic background as to why getting off false data on a subject works and why trying to teach a correct datum over a false datum on the subject does not work. It is based on the Socratic thesis-antithesis-synthesis philosophical equation. Socrates: 470 B.C. – 399 B.C. A great Greek philosopher. A thesis is a statement or assertion. Antithesis: opposing statement or assertion. The Socratic equation is mainly used in debate where one debater asserts one thing and the other debater asserts the opposite. It was the contention of Socrates and others that when two forces came into collision a new idea was born. This was the use of the equation in logic and debate. However, had they looked further they would have seen that other effects were brought into play. It has very disastrous effects when it appears in the field of training.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
——————–
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.
——————–
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
——————–
“Your thetan has to be able to tolerate three kinds of space in order to endure at all in this universe. This universe isn’t any savage beast sitting there. It’s just a sort of an inanimate boobytrap which we have made ourselves, really. And then we victimized ourselves with it, so we have all been betrayed. This universe couldn’t have had a better purpose in going forward so that everybody could be the, have the beautiful sadness of having been betrayed. And yet you look into it, the only person that can betray an individual is himself.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 6, 1953
——————–
“HYGIENE: Step up all hygiene standards, personal, berthing and food. With the turn of cold weather I’m going further north. There is a bit of flu about and the World Health Organization has not been doing all that well in keeping ports’ public health in good shape.” — The Commodore, November 6, 1971
——————–
“Real Scientology is safe and busy finding its way to billions of individuals. Like water it will bend and bleed and trickle into every crevice it encounters on its journey into the consciousness of modern Man. A hundred SP dictators could not stop it, no more than they could stop a rainstorm from tumbling down. Those Beings who are ready for it get it; those who are not will not experience its gifts, or the joys they bring. Not at this time, but in their own time, they will I’m sure.”
——————–
1998: The Los Angeles Daily News published an article this week on Scientology celebrity Nancy Cartwright. “The longtime voice of Bart has a life-size statue of a black-and-white cow on the lawn of her Northridge home. As you walk through the multi-colored gates of her one-acre homestead, it doesn’t take long to realize that Cartwright has at least one thing in common with the eternally 10-year old Bart – a sense of playfulness. Cartwright, a Scientologist for the past decade, has adopted L. Ron Hubbard’s administrative techniques, and points are accessed for any forward motion. For instance, booking an on-camera acting job is worth 1,000 points. ‘It is misunderstood like all new religions,’ Cartwright said of Scientology. ‘Critics just need to read a book to find out what it really is. I wanted something very practical to give me stability. Certainly being an artist in Hollywood is an unstable profession,’ she said. ‘Scientology gives me a basis for which to operate.'”
——————–
“I understand where you’re coming from but the bottom line is that Scientology is a con and conning people is illegal, regardless of whether the victims are dupes and suckers.”
——————–
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.
——————–
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?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Priscilla Presley asks for more time to answer explosive new version of Florida lawsuit
[TWO years ago] Tom Cruise goes black tie for Scientology at ‘Patrons Ball’ in England
[THREE years ago] Deposition: Scientology’s targeting of Paul Haggis that isn’t speculation
[FOUR years ago] Heads on pikes: L. Ron Hubbard’s lasting legacy of ruthlessness in Scientology
[FIVE years ago] Scientology looking to force Danny Masterson’s accusers into ‘religious arbitration’ today
[SIX years ago] Kansas City gets its first Scientology wedding: We solicited some advice for the young couple
[SEVEN years ago] Juliette Lewis wants on ‘Red Table Talk’ — and here’s what Jada Smith should ask her
[EIGHT years ago] Tracking Scientology’s claims about membership — a new digital project with Jonny Jacobsen
[NINE years ago] After Scientologist is outed, leaders he fooled still stick up for his quack drug theories
[TEN years ago] SCIENTOLOGY DENIED: APPEAL SHOT DOWN AFTER YEARLONG WAIT
[ELEVEN years ago] RIFFER MADNESS: Scientology leader David Miscavige goes smeary in new court filing
[TWELVE years ago] More Questions About Scientology-Style Drug Rehab And Insurance — This Time in Michigan
[THIRTEEN years ago] Scientology and the Presidential Election
——————–
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 3,439 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,943 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,449 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,999 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,989 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,375 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,870 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,174 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,825 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,043 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,597 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,938 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,509 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,425 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,592 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,174 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,433 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,470 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,185 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,750 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,065 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,240 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,922 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,259 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,112 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,228 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,590 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 4,001 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,389 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,273 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,838 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,349 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,609 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,713 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on November 6, 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, 20 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
