Help Scientology celebrate its New Year’s event by signing a petition!

Ah, New Year’s Eve! Can you feel the excitement?

We know, we know, it’s not even Christmas yet, what is this about New Year’s Eve?

Well, tonight Scientology is desperately trying to assemble as many bodies as it can at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles so church leader David Miscavige can preside over a videotaped event where everyone will pretend that it’s New Year’s Eve 2024.

It’s a long tradition in Scientology. Around the middle of December they pretend it’s NYE at the Shrine, and then on December 31 video of the event is shown at Scientology facilities around the world so the locals can then join with Dave to actually bring in the new year.

But it’s a bigger deal this year because it’s the first time they’ve held the event at the Shrine since they brought in 2020. The pandemic then shut things down, and Miscavige presided over smaller events held on December 31 at the Fort Harrison Hotel in Clearwater, Florida.

Now, following the success of the revived IAS gala in East Grinstead, England in November, Dave is restoring the New Year’s ritual to its proper place in the middle of December in LA.

We’ll be looking forward to hearing from any of the marginal Scientologists who are dragged to the Shrine to give us some fun accounts of how it goes. We’re sure Dave will be on form with another hourslong speech about how Scientology is busting evil psychiatrists, decontaminating police stations, and rescuing people from earthquakes.

You know, salvaging the world.

And hey, speaking of that IAS event. While Scientologists no doubt consider it a big success that Dave came to England to preside over the multi-day affair, and was joined by his best bud Tom Cruise, this year’s celebration was also crashed by Alexander “Apostate Alex” Barnes-Ross, who organized a three-day protest that continues to reverberate in the town.

In particular, Alex has been focusing on the way local elected officials in East Grinstead have been slobbering over Scientology in pitiful displays, such as several of them showing up at Scientology’s charity concert, and for a Christmas lights event.

When he was asked about it, East Grinstead’s mayor said that Scientology was a major part of the town. But Alex pointed out that in fact the last census showed that Scientologists made up less than two tenths of one percent of the local population.

And now, to continue to emphasize this point, Alex has started an online petition that is starting to gather some momentum and could use your help.

Here’s some of his description at the petition website:

In 2023, several East Grinstead Town Councillors have publicly shown their support for Scientology by attending events at Saint Hill and even attending the Mission Impossible film premiere as a guest of Tom Cruise.

Scientology lacks charity status in the United Kingdom, after it was rejected in 1999 for failing to prove a public benefit. Numerous allegations have been made against the group and their treatment of staff in the UK, particularly at it’s Saint Hill headquarters. Sea Org members, who sign a one billion year commitment, are expected to work long, gruelling work hours 7 days a week, with no time off – for £50 a week. They are trafficked across the world to work for the Church wherever, and whenever they are needed.

It’s time for abuse to end in Scientology. And for local government to cease their public support for such a controversial, harmful cult.

What a hoot. On a day when Scientology is pretending to celebrate the new year in Los Angeles, you could help put some more attention on what they’re doing back in England. Give it a thought.

And we wanted to point out another fine moment, courtesy of Alex.

He noticed that a local MP, Mims Davies, had announced on Twitter that she had been appointed the representative of disabled people in UK government. So he asked did she, as a local official who had accepted an invitation from Scientology to attend an event, realize what Scientology thinks of disabled people?

And then, even better, our old friend John Sweeney piled on.

Great stuff.

 
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Technology Cocktail

“That the state of Clear is transient and impermanent does not make it less worth while. In itself it is of enormous mental value and the full results never fade—only some of the bloom. That’s because the main bank is brought back into restimulation by Life or the pc’s overts, etc.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1964

 
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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

 
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Source Code

“I have a book which proves absolutely the presence of demons and demon exorcism and proves completely a priori — oh, the most fascinating reasoning is the bulk of this book. You just feel your brains go creak as you read this thing…They go on and prove absolutely that the word of the church is law. And then they prove the fact there was a demon present. Just as I say, you, just, brains go kind of creak. It’s got one of these things in practically every column, two columns to the page, quarto-size volume, for about three or four hundred pages. It’s a very old book and was printed way way back when. Fascinating volume. Well, I want to prove pan-determinism to you on this line now. Now, a thetan can see what he can be; he can be what he can see. Now, have any of you ever seen God? Well, come on, come on, have any of you ever seen God? All right. You’ve never seen God, huh? OK. If you have never seen God, this proves conclusively that God is the Supreme Being at the eighth dynamic. Isn’t that right? Oh, yes it does! Because you’ve never seen God and you’re being self-determined, which is the first dynamic. So this merely demonstrates to you that individuals are not pan-determinism. You follow this?” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 16, 1954

 
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Avast, Ye Mateys

“Lt. Cmmdr. Irene Dunleavy is reprimanded for rudeness and violation of F.O. 38 to a senior officer. The next occurrance will result in something more than a reprimand. She is to re-check out on this F.O. within one week.” — MarySue Hubbard, Captain, December 16, 1968

 
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Overheard in the FreeZone

“There’s an LRH lecture in The Philadelphia Doctorate Course where LRH describes the several races of ETs on Earth. One of those races of ETs is what he calls the ‘Snake Man.’ The first broad public exposure of reptilians was done in the mid 90’s by researcher abductee Karla Turner in her books and lectures. Using hypnotic memory retrieval techniques to peel off layers of false memories, she uncovered that reptilians can disguise as ‘angels’ or ‘ancestors.’ She also discovered that reptilians feed on human bodies.”

 
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Past is Prologue

2000: The St. Petersburg Times reported on December 20th and 21st that a new Scientology mission is being established in Largo, Florida, near to the
Clearwater headquarters. “A prominent Scientologist is leading an effort to buy an 86-year-old church in downtown Largo, where she plans to open a Scientology mission, a development that has raised concerns among some city officials. The newly incorporated Church of Scientology Mission of Largo Inc. is paying $389,000 for the church at 160 Sixth St. SW and the house behind it at 520 Cleveland Ave. The mission is the venture of Kathy Feshbach, 51, of Belleair, who said she is working with two partners. She has been a Scientologist for 18 years and her family is a major contributor to the Church of Scientology and its related organizations. The mission’s purpose will be to meet the needs of new Scientologists. Feshbach said it will be staffed with five to 10 people and will have a bookstore. Classes, spiritual counseling and training will be offered, she said.”

 
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Random Howdy

“If communication is the universal solvent, why is it that in Scientology you can’t communicate with other Scientologists or non-Scientologists about how the tech works and what it’s done for you? Is it because it will make their heads explode like the guy in Scanners? Why are there no theologians in Scientology? Why can’t you ask a course supervisor what they think Hubbard really meant by a certain passage? Why is it that Scientologists are only able to respond to non-Scientolgists with rote responses?”

 
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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.
— ‘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 January 29, 2024.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud.

Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Complaint filed August 2, motion to strike/anti-SLAPP motions by Scientology to be heard January 9, 2024.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration. Plaintiffs allowed interlocutory appeal to Eleventh Circuit.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Discovery phase.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.

 
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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] JANE KEMBER DIES: Led Scientology’s 1970s worldwide spy corps in ‘Snow White Program’
[TWO years ago] Scientology claims its UK headquarters made 873 ‘OTs’ in 2021
[THREE years ago] Was it something they said? The Scientology ‘arbitration’ hearing Judge Kleifield nuked
[FOUR years ago] Scientology celebrated New Year’s Eve on Saturday, and once again we had someone there
[FIVE years ago] Where in the U.S. the next set of Scientology ‘Ideal Orgs’ will be popping up next
[SIX years ago] L. Ron Hubbard’s son was troubled, but don’t discount him entirely: few knew his father better
[SEVEN years ago] Some churches take care of the old — Scientology instead works them to death
[EIGHT years ago] Australian media outs Scientologist behind ‘super city’ plans near Melbourne
[NINE years ago] Scientology attorneys ask Garcia judge — Keep Mike Rinder away from us!
[TEN years ago] EXCLUSIVE: Roslyn Cohn’s one-woman show skewering Scientology — complete!
[ELEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology Sets Its Worldwide New Year’s Party!

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on December 16, 2023 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, 1995-2022 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2022), 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