TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: The Patrons Ball at this year’s IAS gala was held less than 4 weeks ago, but Scientology has already put out our favorite, Impact magazine, and you know what that means: Scientology whales and their trophies! Can you help us identify them? ALSO: A Hubbard made the scene! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“The use of the words to de-aberrate and concentration on phrases in engrams is valid but junior in force to the pain, misemotion, etc. in the engram. Thus if you run out the force the words drop into insignificance. This is often how the pc gets cognitions: the words and meaning concealed in the engram are changing value and devaluating. The pc can then think clearly again on a subject previously pinned down by the force. Get the force out and the words take care of themselves and need no special handling. The meaning of things plays a secondary role in processing to forces. Thetans find counter-forces objectionable. Almost all chronic (continual) somatics have their root in force of one kind or another.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1980
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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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“Be the space of your body. The space of this room. The space of your body. The space of this room. Be the space of your body. The space of this room. The space of your body. The space of the building. The space of your body. The space of the building. The space of your body. The space of the building. The space of your body. The space of this building. The space of your body. The space of this building. The space of your body. The space of Camden. The space of your body. The space of Camden. The space of your body. The space of Camden. The space of your body. The space of Philadelphia. The space of your body. The space of Philadelphia. The space of your body. Space of Philadelphia. Space of your body. Space of Philadelphia. Space of New York. Space of your body.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 28, 1953
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“MISUNDERSTOODS: I wrote a piece in the OOD yesterday about Nixon’s misunderstoods. I hope no one accumulated any misunderstood words reading it. I found ‘hilarity’ in the first sentence wasn’t known. It means ‘high amusement,’ or ‘boisterous merriment’.” — The Commodore, November 28, 1971
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“People need to realize why Scientology isn’t making as many OTs as it should. The purif cannot handle modern problems, Scientology needs to be used in conjunction with expert naturopaths etc to combat modern weapons released on us. I don’t even think we can get OT while we are busy trying to just remain not retarded. Fluoride’s bad effects take awhile to kick in and also I think they combine with vaccines to degrade us, these things take years of accumulation and then it gets passed on to kids.”
1999: Patricia Greenway reported this week on Scientology’s preparations for next week’s protests in Clearwater, on the anniversary of Lisa McPherson’s death. “They have ripped up most of the sidewalks surrounding the Fort Harrison Hotel and the Sandcastle. With the exception of the sidewalk directly in
front of the building, all sidewalks are now dirt, rubble and barricades. This tends to limit the picketing opportunities, which, of course, is their intention. The vans are back in action, shuttling the ‘fearful’ back and forth to all the buildings with windows blacked out by opaque Christmas decorations. The course rooms on Cleveland Street have a festive ‘tarping’ design: all windows are covered in Christmas wrapping paper with bright decorative bows! The Scn. Bank Building looks like Santa’s House with the front steps holding a dozen Christmas trees and fake snow! It’s quite obvious to CW residents that the cult’s plan is to hide behind the ‘valence’ of Christmas in order to portray the message: Look at these scary, degraded people who DARE to picket Christmas itself!'”
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“Every Thanksgiving my Dad would get in a bad mood and start saying stuff like the Native Americans should have slaughtered the pilgrims as soon as they landed.”
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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] Thanksgiving is here and it’s time to pass the Source again!
[TWO years ago] Scientology releases photos of reclusive David Miscavige at IAS gala in England
[THREE years ago] Can the Danny Masterson jury figure things out today?
[FOUR years ago] Scientology returns to ‘Christmas’ implant in earnest: L. Ron is the reason for the season!
[FIVE years ago] Chris Shelton: What it’s like to spy for Scientology’s Office of Special Affairs
[SIX years ago] On this Thanksgiving, we’re thankful again for people we will never forget
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology responds to Leah Remini’s season premiere with smeariest smear video ever
[EIGHT years ago] Ugh. We just found a troubling L. Ron Hubbard Scientology lecture about little boys and sex.
[NINE years ago] How Liz Gale came to disconnect from her own mother, Scientology style
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s apocalyptic ‘expansion’: A hint at the real story in a Brighton shiny moment
[ELEVEN years ago] The richest Scientologists in the world get a new trophy for donating another pile of cash!
[TWELVE years ago] Jefferson Hawkins Explains the Ethics of Scientology’s “Suppressive Person”
[THIRTEEN years ago] More McPherson Cover-Up Corroboration: “I Watched Them Drain $20 Million In Reserves”
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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 3,461 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,965 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,471 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 4,021 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 3,011 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,397 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,892 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,196 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,847 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,065 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,619 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,960 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,531 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,447 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,614 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,196 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,455 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,492 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,207 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,772 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,087 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,262 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,944 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,281 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,134 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,250 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,612 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 4,023 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,411 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,295 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,860 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,371 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,631 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,735 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on November 28, 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
