TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Val Ross, who spied on the FBI for Scientology, and endured so much as a believer, brings us to present time as she finishes her astonishing series. And it turns out, her post-Scientology experience, including stopping a new CST vault in its tracks, is also fascinating. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“A communication cycle consists of just cause, distance, effect with intention, attention, duplication and understanding. How many of these are there in one auditing cycle? You’d have to answer that with how many principal ones there are because some auditing cycles contain a few more. If a Pc indicates that he didn’t get the command (cause, distance, effect), the Auditor would give a repeat of it (cause, distance, effect) and that would add 2 more communication cycles to the auditing cycle, so you’ve got 9 — because there was a flub. So anything unusual that happens in a session adds to the number of communication cycles in the auditing cycle, but they are still all part of the auditing cycle.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1963
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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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“The situation internationally, also, has improved enormously; I might make a little bulletin on that effect. The attack on Scientology in the United States has disintegrated into a rout for the government. They are now being attacked — not mildly put — by the United States Senate, and very shortly the House is going to open the ball on the FDA. Australia, their report from the inquiry has been delayed so long, the usual course of those reports and inquiries they have down there. They seem to do this quite routinely. In Victoria, they have inquiries, and then they forget about them. And the last three inquiries, as desperate as they were in progress and so forth, all wound up in no legislation. And so that one will undoubtedly dead-end too. Because its report isn’t even due in Parliament for months. And Parliament is recessing. And all of that kind of thing is happening. And if we can find Victoria, why we will set it to rights, one way or the other If we can find it. You know, you’re only dealing with a tiny little postage stamp on the face of the earth and what seems to be bowling everybody over, down in-in Australia is this fantastic news which keeps coming in to them from the United States, you see. Government runs up white flag, you see.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 11, 1965
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“Dir I&R and MAA are to conduct a full investigation of insecurity of materials of confidential materials on board. They are to steal any they can and lock them up. List to the D/CO. Beginning at 1200 hrs today. Offenders are to be listed and handled appropriately.” — A. Jessup, C/O FAO, May 11, 1971
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“Trump is no doubt out to end the power of the deep state and he is by some accounts making good progress. But Scientology is nowhere in sight as part of that fight. Or am I wrong?”
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2000: From the Sunday Times: “By taking an estimated $24 million at American box offices in its second week, Gladiator skewered the competition easily to hang on to the No 1 spot. But then, the competition is not exactly fighting fit material. In second place is Battlefield Earth, an $80 million adaptation of L. Ron Hubbard’s science-fiction novel, starring John Travolta. It took $12 million and will disappear fast. This is the Showgirls of science-fiction. Fears that Scientology’s reputation for intimidation has affected the critics can be quickly allayed. ‘It may be a bit early to make such judgments,’ says The New York Times, ‘but Battlefield Earth may well turn out to be the worst movie of this century.’ The whole project reeks of superstar indulgence.”
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“The sixties counterculture turned a lot of people into Baba Dumbasses and Shirley MacLaines. People use to be a lot tougher and more levelheaded back in the day.”
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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 May 17, 2024.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud.
Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Leah seeking to amend her complaint.
— 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: motion to file new complaint, hearing on May 29.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, hearing on April 16.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.
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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] When it was revealed that Scientology has the DA’s documents in the Masterson trial
[TWO years ago] Tom Cruise pal Simon Pegg set to make film with rising star Scientologist director
[THREE years ago] Don’t congratulate Tom Cruise until he gives back the award that really matters
[FOUR years ago] Scientology ekes out small victories as the world goes to coronavirus hell
[FIVE years ago] Scientology’s mental whammy is like taking one too many pucks to the head
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s bizarre international base and its near-prison life: A Marc Headley classic
[SEVEN years ago] On probation and his house of horrors shut down, Tennessee Scientologist talks up Mexico
[EIGHT years ago] ‘Freedom’ magazine is back after a six-month absence, and it arrived with a surprise!
[NINE years ago] As seen in the Daily Beast: ‘The Unbreakable Miss Lovely’ is on sale and ready to startle you
[TEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: What part of ‘rebel’ doesn’t Scientology understand?
[ELEVEN years ago] Jon Atack Helps Us Remember Scientology’s “Religious Freedom Crusade”
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 2,897 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,392 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,907 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,457 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,447 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,328 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,632 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,503 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,055 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,396 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,963 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,882 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,050 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,631 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,892 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,928 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,644 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,208 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,523 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,698 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 7,249 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,380 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,718 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,571 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,692 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,048 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,351 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,457 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,855 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,731 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,296 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,809 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,063 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,171 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on May 11, 2024 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
