TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Tomorrow, Hurricane Milton may run smack into Scientology’s Florida headquarters, the Flag Land Base in Clearwater. And professional ham hock and major Scientology donor Grant Cardone chose this moment to make an even bigger fool of himself and get a roasting on social media. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“We can demonstrate to any auditor that he can make anybody well, if the person is even vaguely breathing, simply by using with skill and understanding, as trained, the above six processes and the seventh, which is actually an understanding. Here is the problem of the auditor’s case resolved. The way to have one’s case in excellent condition is to have continuing confidence in one’s ability to get results on preclears. In the Certification Courses in Phoenix and London we work solely in the direction of giving an auditor confidence in his ability to handle the aberrations of others and we discover that with this gained confidence the fear of his own behavior vanishes; and thus an auditor becomes a very, very capable clear.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1972
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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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“These memory recordings aren’t passed along from cell to cell. They could be, but they are not stored as electrical energy. You start examining this any way you want to and you will find that there isn’t an energy in the physical universe — at least which we know about — which has a small enough wavelength to store memory recordings. Oddly enough, this was a discovery I made in 1932 when I was in atomic and molecular physics at George Washington University. I made an exhaustive study of the matter. There aren’t wavelengths small enough; physical scientists would know that. The boys fooling around in medicine would not know it because they don’t know the laws of energy, and as a consequence they have postulated, as the best postulates which they can offer, that memories are stored in punched protein molecules. That is cute!” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 8, 1951
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“The cholera shot knocked quite a handful down. They’re mostly well again. Those not trained in Scientology possibly don’t realize one has to decide to be ill before one does. One can also decide to be well. Those off duty on MO lines are also off allowances and bonuses. Doc Robinson is cleaning up a lot of lifetime cycles. She’s a whiz at it. She’s looking for volunteers for a health food diet just sent in by a former Ship’s Rep.” — The Commodore, October 8, 1970
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“This planet is hungry for help, peace and tolerance. When Christianity came along and offered that in a barbaric and cruel world it grew like mad. Scientology, with its unbelievable tech to help, spread like wildfire. As Ron pointed out Christianity made the huge mistake of becoming intolerant and attacking others. And our Church under DM has become utterly intolerant and attacks people of goodwill. DM has joined the ranks of the WFMH and any government allies of naming us, real Scientologists who are helping others, as his enemies! SPs do not want others to be helped! We are very fortunate to have the full tech of helping others and the full tech of spotting and handling those who would stop us helping others.”
1996: Hud Nordin reported a second appearance of the Scientology Chicken on the Conan O’Brien show. “The famous Scientology Chicken, Johnson, made his second appearance on NBC’s Conan O’Brien show, on Tuesday October 8 (broadcast early morning, October 9). The plot was about the same, the animated chicken is invited out to entertain the kids and fails to do anything but harp on L Ron Hubbard, Dianetics and scientology. This time, when pressed, Johnson’s aborted attempt at a story was about a boy named Tom, and a girl named Nicole, and a pie made out of… scientology berries!”
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“Not all of us are rich enough to afford cable and some of us think it’s a wasteland.”
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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] Before the IAS gala returns to England, here are photos secretly taken at the 2012 event
[TWO years ago] PODCAST: Mirriam Francis is thriving since defying Scientology’s code of silence
[THREE years ago] Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s cosmos: An ancient battlefield shot through with ‘psychs’
[FOUR years ago] The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 13: Google and other tech titans
[FIVE years ago] Scientologists will face trial after judge cites ‘sophisticated fraud’ scheme
[SIX years ago] With Scientology TV premiering a new ‘season’ tonight, David Miscavige is having a moment
[SEVEN years ago] Guelph quest: Scientology sets up temporary shop in Canadian town and faces stiff opposition
[EIGHT years ago] Atack: The forgotten history of disproving Scientology’s status as a “religion”
[NINE years ago] For some reason, news sites are keeping quiet about who found Cat White’s body. So here he is.
[TEN years ago] EXCLUSIVE: Scientology didn’t want you to see this letter it sent to the San Francisco Chronicle
[ELEVEN years ago] William S. Burroughs and Scientology: Setting the Record Straight
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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 3,046 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,541 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,056 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,606 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,596 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 4,982 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,477 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,781 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,652 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,204 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,545 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,112 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,031 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,199 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,781 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,041 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,077 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,793 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,357 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,672 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,847 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 7,398 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,529 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,867 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,720 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,835 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,197 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 7,500 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,606 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,004 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,880 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,445 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,957 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,212 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,320 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 8, 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
