TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Scientology forced her father to turn away from her when she left the church. Now, 15 years later on her father’s birthday, Jamie Sorrentini tells us how she’s dealing with this ‘disconnection’ by offering her dad another opportunity to reunite with her, and in the form of music. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“It shall be a Committee of Evidence offense for a Case Supervisor or Auditor to C/S or accept for processing and process any pc: 1. Who is terminally (fatally) ill, regardless of what the org or Registrars may have promised or asserted. Such diseases as advanced cancer are included. 2. Who has an extensive psychiatric history which includes heavy drugs, or shocks of various kinds, or so-called psychiatric brain operations or institutionalization. 3. Who has been denied processing by the Guardian Office for reason of past history or connections or current state as it may affect the safety and security of the org.” — 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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“A god of this universe, an anthropomorphic god — and I hope that you understand me very clearly when I use this word ‘god’ loosely and even blasphemously, for the good reason that this thing g-o-d is something which man has set up in his image. And it is merely an ambition on the part of a thetan, it’s an effort, a co-effort on the part of thetans to have a playing field and so on. And there is, actually, beings above the beingness of this universe. There are beings, but they are not this anthropomorphic thing who is the jealous god, who has hate and vengeance and so forth, that happens to be above that level. And the jealous god, the most jealous god there would be, would be a god who would insist at all times that he must not be duplicated, even to the point of not using his name in vain. He mustn’t be duplicated. No graven images. His space, it’s all his space and so forth. And we go on this way. Interesting, isn’t it?” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 14, 1953
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“SMERSH: Good news. Adelaide trouble had a reprieve when they did not pass a ban bill at once but delayed it until Feb due to the filibuster tactics of our opposition and the ferocity of the defense. The ‘Parliament’ there was considering a bill to ban Scn, backed of course by the Health Minister who is a SMERSH appointee.” — The Commodore, December 14, 1968
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“There is a big difference between the Hanas of the world and the new public who really don’t know the subject. Hana, and some others, who present themselves as long term Scientologists, worked with LRH, etc, who then bash the subject — I have no respect for them whatsoever or desire to help them as they are doing real damage to the uninformed. (After all, they must know, right?) And damage to me as the bad PR muddies up the general public image. No, they have placed themselves beyond receiving any help and their only course is to get their own ethics in and figure out what they could do to make up the damage.”
2001: A press release from Scientology publicized the use of Scientology touch assists in treating sports injuries. “Techniques used at Ground Zero to help workers deal with injury, upset and fatigue have found use in dealing with sports injuries. They can reduce healing time and focus a person’s attention on the task at hand. Licensed physical therapist, Ruth Agustin, who learned how to use the Hubbard Dianetic Assist procedures during her volunteer work at Ground Zero, has started using them in her practice where she treats sports-related injuries. ‘I’ve been using these Hubbard Assists since September,’ says Agustin, a therapist at Mid-Hudson Comprehensive and Medical Diagnostic in Throgs Neck, NY. ‘It’s so good to see people getting better — even the chronic cases, the ones where people were told it is hopeless.’ Agustin points out that anyone can learn and administer the assists, but points out first aid is applied when needed. She is pleased that now she has effective tools that she can use to help a person to focus and handle physical problems better. Agustin says, ‘I got into the physical therapy field to help people, and now with these assists I can deliver that promise better.'”
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“Most animals have more of an affinity for their offspring than the average Scientologist.”
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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.
— Aaron Matthes charged for SA of child under 12 years old: OT Scientologist facing multiple mandatory life sentences currently in Pinellas County Jail. Next pretrial court hearing set for Dec 16.
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] Scientology making a new effort to get its clutches on your kids?
[TWO years ago] How Scientology makes forced disconnection even worse than the separation
[THREE years ago] Photo appears to confirm small Scientology service for Kirstie Alley at Flag Land Base
[FOUR years ago] Clearwater’s new city manager: ‘We must develop a partnership with the Church of Scientology’
[FIVE years ago] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 7: The litigators
[SIX years ago] Glam for Xenu: When Scientology celebrities ruled the world
[SEVEN years ago] Finally, L. Ron Hubbard’s first ‘Clear’ — Sonya Bianchi — found again after 68 years
[EIGHT years ago] He was Scientology’s most famous spy, then he turned witness and vanished. Now, here he is.
[NINE years ago] Nora Crest’s powerful new video: Why you can’t be gay in Scientology
[TEN years ago] Who are those WISE guys? A tipster helps us get some names of Scientology operatives
[ELEVEN years ago] Another Scientology ambush, this time of Marty Rathbun with Louis Theroux present
[TWELVE years ago] Jon Atack: What we have here — in Scientology — is a failure to communicate
[THIRTEEN years ago] DOX: Florida Officials Fight Attempt to Hide Drug Rehab’s Scientology Connections
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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 3,477 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,981 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,487 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 4,037 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 3,027 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,413 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,908 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,212 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,863 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,081 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,635 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,976 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,547 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,463 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,630 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,212 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,471 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,223 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,788 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,103 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,278 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,960 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,297 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,150 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,266 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,628 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 4,039 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,427 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,311 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,876 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,387 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,647 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,751 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on December 14, 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
