TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Yesterday we had so much fun telling you how Scientology’s amicus brief submitted in Danny Masterson’s appeal was actually one long tantrum by church leader David Miscavige. But the court has already weighed in: It wants no part of Dave’s nonsense, and won’t consider the brief. Ouch! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“The reason an auditor can say he doesn’t ‘quickie a rundown’ (and none ever say they do) is because he has no definition for the word QUICKIE. The word has been used to designate rundowns that were not completely and fully done. It is not a slang word. In the dictionary you will find ‘Quickie also quicky: something done or made in a hurry. Also: a hurriedly planned and executed program (as of studies).’ What happens in auditing, for instance, is a ‘Grade Zero Expanded’ is ‘done’ by
just doing a single flow to its first F/N. That is obviously ‘quickie.’ A more subtle one is to do a ‘PTS Rundown’ with no Ethics action to begin and no check for stability, holding gain and not ill a week or two after the RD. Only if both these actions were done would one have a ‘Complete PTS Rundown’ as it would give a PRODUCT — A PC no longer PTS. So what makes a Quickie ‘completion’ quickie? Is it length of time? Not necessarily.” — 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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“You should have things which are motion sources in there. The level of truth of that universe ought to be good. You would BE faith in that universe; or your mock-ups, as far as faith is concerned, you would probably rely on a mock-up a heck of a lot quicker than you’d ever rely on a piece of MEST. I mean that seriously. You’d just rely on the mock-up. That’s not bad; if you can create a Cadillac which can outrun Cadillacs, I think you’d depend upon your Cadillac. Get the idea? But if you were really up at the top of the mock-up curve, you’ve made a Cadillac, you would drive your Cadillac much in preference to a Cadillac. You get the idea? It sounds strange, it sounds peculiar, but if you were doing that, and you really set out to make a Cadillac, yours would be a better Cadillac, for you.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 11, 1952
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“I’ve decided to release OT VII when SMERSH is vanquished and things are safe for Scientology over the world.” — The Commodore, December 11, 1968
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“Ron’s knowledge accurately blasts big holes in Darwin, yet Darwin is miles above ‘Jesus on a dinosaur’ theories.”
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1998: From Gregg Hagglund in Toronto: “Today, as expected the Scientology controlled and operated hate group known as the ‘FRIENDS OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY’, staged a stupid and useless Picket at my home. The time was about 7 pm and they left at 8:30 pm. Two men obstructed my driveway and strayed onto my property. The police were called and responded immediately with two squad cars. The Scntist were admonished to stay off my property as the issued No Trespassing Notice stated. The Police recorded the names of the two Picketers.”
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“Thing is he knows that if Lou called up a restaurant or a movie theater and said ‘Mr. Miscavige would like to visit your establishment, could you please close for the evening to accommodate this,’ they would respond ‘Who?’ His frail ego couldn’t handle this. That’s why the only time he goes out is when he’s with Cruise.”
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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. Appeal now fully briefed, waiting for 2nd Appellate District court to set a hearing date. Masterson has also submitted a habeas corpus petition.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Pleaded guilty on Nov 10 to a 17-year prison sentence (eligible for parole in two to three more years). Awaiting transfer to state prison.
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 respondent’s brief is due January 12.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ 15 days of arbitration completed, Val waiting for further word from the IJC.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal. Appeal fully briefed. Motion to replace Jane Does’ AI-tainted brief denied by court. Awaiting a court hearing date.
— 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] Reincarnated Scientology founder can’t get a new judge while in Tennessee lockup
[TWO years ago] Breathe easy, space cadet: Your Scientology holiday shopping guide has arrived!
[THREE years ago] VIDEO: This right here is why Scientology is going to clear the planet, you doubters
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s legendary ‘Liability Cruise,’ including color photos, like it was yesterday
[FIVE years ago] VALERIE HANEY DENIED AGAIN: State supreme court won’t hear case
[SIX years ago] LEAH REMINI: ‘Jackie Lacey, you have forgotten what side you are on’
[SEVEN years ago] Tonight, Leah Remini examines her own role in the bizarre Scientology – Nation of Islam dance
[EIGHT years ago] DOX: An inside look at how Scientology gets what it wants at ‘Ideal Org’ events
[NINE years ago] Scientology: Not very effective in Washington politics, but it tries, tries again
[TEN years ago] Jon Atack: Scientology’s notion of ‘case gain,’ and how it reinforces the prison of belief
[ELEVEN years ago] The questioner: Scientology brings in its legal ringer for a Florida showdown
[TWELVE years ago] TEXAS SKIRMISH: Mike Bennitt is on the scene as Monique Rathbun’s lawsuit is back in court
[THIRTEEN years ago] Speaking of Scientology Rap, Did Someone Mention CHILL E.B.?
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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 3,474 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,978 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,484 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 4,034 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 3,024 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,410 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,905 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,209 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,860 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,078 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,632 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,973 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,544 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,460 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,627 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,209 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,468 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,220 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,785 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,100 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,275 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,957 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,294 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,147 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,263 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,625 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 4,036 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,424 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,308 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,873 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,384 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,644 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,748 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on December 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, 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
