TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: At the Underground Bunker we’ve provided mountains of evidence that Narconon rehabs are a branch of Scientology, even if Narconon reps say otherwise to credulous reporters. Now, we have an account of that control and his role in it, once again from the excellent Bruce Hines. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“Often the C/S, unseen by the pc, is sometimes never suspected but quite often adored by those for whom he C/Ses. One often sees this in success stories, ‘Thank you, thank you to my great auditor (name) and the C/S (name) and Ron.’ Sometimes it’s only the auditor. But mos. pcs know the C/S is there. This awareness is also a great trust and it is a trust that is earned by great results and is never betrayed. To the majority of pcs, then, it is a trio—always in the same order—his auditor, his C/S and myself. He trusts us. And we do our best for him.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1971
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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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“I know it’s fashionable for the newspapers to say I never went to college and there are several colleges at this particular time that are wishing that I hadn’t gone there. But I can also assure you that you give them another decade or so, those colleges I haven’t even done more than go to a prom at will have some plates on ’em. You know? Man is silly, you see?” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 28, 1966
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“SAILING: We sail at 1600 today regardless of barometer (which is falling) waves (which are rising) and restraint of Rulers and Princes (there are no restraints) Perils of the Sea (which are only too real) and Acts of God (means things you can’t figure out how you goofed). Standby to take on Dramamine (called so because it keeps one from ‘drama’-tizing). Secure everything and tie down everything except the watch. In short let’s get the blue blazes out of here!” — The Commodore, July 28, 1971
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“At one point, about 2 weeks into the Rundown, I found that as I ran around that tree, there were literally blue sparks and loud crackings of electrical energy, between myself and that anchor point. I felt like I was recharging, as a being, and as I ran, like a turbine, my energy levels increased and I spotted the cause of this energy – me. I could swing my body around that tree with next to no effort – and while running more than a marathon daily, I was full of energy, life force and zest. The rundown has nothing to do with the physical body — and is all about you, as a spiritual being. So simple, but so powerful.”
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2001: The Los Angeles Times reported that Scientologist Reed Slatkin is missing over a half a billion dollars of investors’ money. “Fallen money manager Reed E. Slatkin owes investors and other creditors $576 million but apparently has assets of less than $45 million, according to a report filed by a court-appointed trustee in Santa Barbara this week. The first official accounting of Slatkin’s finances is probably incomplete because the unregistered money manager cooperated only intermittently in identifying his assets and debts, trustee R. Todd Neilson, a forensic accountant, said in the report. Bankruptcy officials believe Slatkin managed money on behalf of as many as 850 investors, including Hollywood celebrities, Internet executives and socialites from around the country. According to the trustee’s reports, Slatkin’s assets include more than $12 million in loans made to some of his investors and associates, including $835,200 to fellow EarthLink co-founder Kevin O’Donnell, $1 million to investor Anthony Podell and $1.1 million to Santa Barbara resident Denise Del Bianco. In the three months before he filed for bankruptcy, Slatkin paid out more than $26 million to investors, creditors and vendors – including $3 million to his own relatives, according to the report. Slatkin also donated more than $200,000 to various Scientology causes in the year before his bankruptcy. He also gave $257,000 to Santa Barbara charities, including $224,000 to the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, which raises funds for a local entertainment venue.”
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“Someone please find the e-mail they sent out telling the clams how to go to the dentist and get their gold fillings extracted for cash to donate. That is the ultimate example of what Scientology really is for me.”
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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 31, 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.
— 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, on hold until appeal over new judge heard.
— 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] Scientology has a toxic effect on family: A testimonial
[TWO years ago] VIDEO: Katie Holmes in the front row at a 2007 Scientology event with Tom Cruise
[THREE years ago] More Scientology euphoria: What it looks like to finish Grade 3!
[FOUR years ago] Leah Remini: In Scientology, all sickness comes from enemies of the church
[FIVE years ago] Scientology uses actor Jason Dohring as bait in what ends up as a false imprisonment case
[SIX years ago] Scientology in Europe: ‘A scapegoat always had to be found when something went wrong’
[SEVEN years ago] Bryan Seymour takes a Scientology field trip, and we’re the better for it
[EIGHT years ago] As Stacy Murphy lawsuit heads to crucial hearing, two Scientology entities settle
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s fight with Ryan Hamilton delivers dox: The Eric Tenorio affidavit and more
[ELEVEN years ago] With Leah Remini Under Attack on Twitter, TV Actor Christian Stolte Was a First Responder
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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 2,975 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,470 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,985 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,535 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,525 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,406 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,710 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,581 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,133 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,474 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,041 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,960 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,128 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,710 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,970 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,006 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,722 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,286 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,601 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,776 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 7,327 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,458 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,796 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,649 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,770 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,126 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,429 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,535 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,933 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,809 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,374 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,887 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,141 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,249 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on July 28, 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, 1995-2023 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2023), 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
