TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: We’ve cited examples of wealthy Scientologists with close ties to the 2nd Trump administration, but #Scientology itself has been pretty quiet about it. Now, however, the church is crowing about something in DC that pulls together characters we’ve been watching for years. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“Routine 2 will be with us a long, long time and it is worth learning well. It takes the toughest case apart and is the only process that can start the actual clearing of 80 percent or more of all cases. I have done or reviewed thousands of hours of auditing in forming and organizing and testing Routine 2. It is the most gratifying (and sometimes hair-raising) auditing I have ever done or viewed. You can’t oversell Routine 2. You just can’t. For it is the first gateway to light, life and liberty for all Mankind at last.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
——————–
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.
——————–
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
——————–
“A man decides to smoke. He therefore becomes an identity known as a smoker. You’ve seen them in the ads. They look very placid. If they smoke cigarettes, they chase pretty girls. And if they smoke pipes they chase fireplaces. You know? And we’ve seen this. Whatever this identity was, he’s assumed this identity and then he gets married and his wife objects to his being a smoker; so now he has an opposition known as a wife. So he assumes a new identity which is ‘a dominating husband’ in order to handle the identity ‘wife.’ But now we have a new identity show up. We have something called the Ladies’ Aide Society, and his wife has joined that. And their combined forces are going to cause him to stop smoking. So now he has to become a wealthy self-determined individual. You see that? And the Ladies’ Aide Societies then get a bunch of quacks — members of the AMA — together and they say that if you smoke it produces cancer. They don’t know what produces cancer but they say that smoking does. They, you see that’s the ghost-shirt messianic thing. They have no solution to it, they can’t cure it so they pick on something and they say, ‘Well, everybody spits in the water so that’s what causes typhoid fever.’ They don’t know. You see? So now he has a counter-identity called the American Medical Association. You see? And that’s an identity. So, this fellow now in desperation to handle this situation becomes a political genius, you see. Because you have to be a political genius these days to handle the AMA. That’s the only place where they operate effectively. Don’t operate effectively in the operating room anymore, only in Congress. So here he is now a genius, you see, a political genius. Now, the political genius runs into an opposition party. So, you have an opposition party — the Democrats. You see, that’s the next oppterm. And that’s about the high tide of the whole thing.” — L. Ron Hubbard, February 28, 1963
——————–
“The Sea Org flotilla is close to a fleet now with six vessels all (except Flag) in excellent operating condition. Only Apollo is slightly unready, needing completions on safety work and Lloyds Survey, and a bit below standard in appearance and training. Her divisional officers all say they need more men but as other vessels improved on less crew than over. I think the opinion should be revised.” — The Commodore, February 28, 1969
——————–
“Personally speaking I have no doubt whatsoever on the validity and precision of Original LRH Precepts and the practical reality of such states as Clear, Theta Clear, Cleared Theta Clear, Native State and OT per definition, having seen them demonstrated in session and practical life by people I have known and worked with.”
——————–
2000: Jyllands-Posten reported that Scientology staged a demonstration at the newspaper’s offices to protest recent articles. “About 250 Scientology members were tuesday morning standing outside of the newspaper office of Jyllands-Posten in Copenhagen, to protest the newspaper’s article series on the controversial movement. During the last week, Jyllands-Posten has written about the extensive activities of Scientology in Denmark, where the movement has its European main office. A string of defectors have come forward to tell about coercion, exploitation and manipulation inside, but Scientology dismisses the criticism as ‘black propaganda.’ Those who had met up were all members of the central core of Scientology – the so-called ‘Sea Organization’, where people give themselves 100 percent to the movement. About 700 of them are residing in Copenhagen. Most of the protesters were foreigners and could not speak any Danish, but they said they had had the articles translated. Scientologist Brian Hickey from Ireland said, that the German or French governments might be behind the articles in Jyllands-Posten.”
——————–
“Who would have thunk back in the 90s that Tom Cruise and ‘batshit crazy’ would become synonymous thanks to a bunch of juvenile delinquents calling themselves ‘Anonymous.’ Thank Xenu I lived long enough to see it.”
——————–
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. DA’s response to appeal brief due April 15.
— ‘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 March 31.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, convicted of fraud, awaiting sentencing.
Civil litigation:
— 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. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal.
— 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.
——————–
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?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Heber Jentzsch is 88, but Scientology still makes this surprising claim about him
[TWO years ago] Scientology: SCOTUS ruling says judge can’t rule on duress in trafficking lawsuit
[THREE years ago] And now a word from Scientology’s very own church ladies — Valley chapter
[FOUR years ago] Scientology social media: Things really couldn’t be better in Miscavigeland
[FIVE years ago] What do billion-year-contracted Scientology Sea Org workers do all day?
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s founder L. Ron Hubbard on the ‘God trick,’ Christ implants, and Muslims
[SEVEN years ago] Scientologist ‘Dapper CEO’ Vick Tipnes wins victory against discrimination lawsuit in Tampa
[EIGHT years ago] The most Scientology-involved movie ever made? Here comes Nancy’s baby!
[NINE years ago] Erika Christensen goes psychbuster as we launch Rod Keller’s Scientology Social Media Review!
[TEN years ago] LEAK: Scientology celebrities are stepping up their involvement behind the scenes
[ELEVEN years ago] AOLA’s grand re-opening — a look at the last time Scientology cut the ribbon at Big Blue!
[TWELVE years ago] Blogging Dianetics, Part 9: Hubbard and Perversion!
——————–
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 3,189 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,684 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,199 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,749 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,739 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,125 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,620 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,924 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,795 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,347 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,688 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,255 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,174 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,342 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,924 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,183 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,220 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,936 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 3,500 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,815 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,990 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,672 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,009 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,863 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,978 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,340 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,749 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,147 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,023 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,588 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,099 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,355 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,463 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on February 28, 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, 1995-2023 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
