TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: From time to time, we get asked about a curious historical nugget: In the middle of a wild 1990s fight between Holocaust deniers, there was a Scientologist in the middle of it. Did it indicate a bigger connection between Scientology and the deniers? We finally have some answers. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
——————–
Technology Cocktail
“MISSED WITHHOLD: An undisclosed contra-survival act which has been restimulated by another but not disclosed. This is a withhold which another person nearly found out about, leaving the person with the withhold in a state of wondering whether his hidden deed is known or not.” — 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
——————–
“You’d feel awfully strange if a robot clanked into the room, sat down in the auditing chair and began to pump your hand. As a matter of fact, you’d feel a little queasy. And in view of the fact that this has probably happened quite often on the track, that a robot walked in and started to dismantle you or something of the sort because you’d just had your doll body revoked, you react very badly to something that doesn’t communicate. You probably wouldn’t even object to the robot dismantling your doll body if he came in and said, ‘Well, I got an order here from the general council that you, having been guilty of mopery and dopery in high space, are herewith deprived of one doll body, and we’re going to take it apart and leave it on the bench for seventy-two hours.’ No, that’s what I used to do. This is a different one.” — L. Ron Hubbard, June 27, 1961
——————–
“I’ve just had a grand slam across the boards on C/S. With Belkacem auditing most, some by Dusty Rhodes and one by Otto, we really swept it up 100%. Two Very Well Dones and the rest Well Dones. And not easy C/Ses to do either. Boy can we get auditing done. Rest of you students better get going. You’ve got a lot to live up to with the standard now being set.” — The Commodore, June 27, 1969
——————–
“What is OT? If it is cause over matter, energy, space, and time, then it is still vague to me. It would be good to know what is possible with one’s mind and spirit, but granted, what LRH did in one lifetime was beyond amazing! Perhaps it is up to us to discover the possibilities. My 6th sense says to me that the CIA has an entire department that have studied and used Scientology tech for advanced horrors.”
1999: The Independent published an article this week on the legal background of Bonnie Woods’ victory over Scientology in a London courtroom. “Represented by a solicitor from Chichester and specialist counsel, both acting pro bono (free of charge), Mrs Woods issued libel proceedings against Cosreci and the individuals who handed out the leaflet. Cosreci counterclaimed, based on the ‘What the Scientologists don’t tell you’ leaflet. They claimed that Mrs Woods had libelously called Scientology a ‘bogus religion’. Cosreci later issued a similar action in 1996, based on a leaflet distributed by Mrs Woods (among others) promoting a television documentary critical of Scientology. Mrs Woods’ original solicitor stopped acting in 1995. She complained of harassment by Scientologists, allegations that Cosreci vigorously deny. In 1996, she was on the point of capitulation, overwhelmed with the volume of work and the stress of court hearings. However, a friend referred her to Liberty, the human rights organisation. Liberty considered that the case raised issues of freedom of speech and, as a member of Liberty’s pro bono panel, Allen & Overy took up the baton. A single category of documents had the most dramatic impact on the case. In America, Bonnie Woods had completed a number of Scientology’s secret ‘upper level’ courses. She felt that these documents were of crucial importance and applied for a court order that Cosreci should produce them. The application was fiercely resisted. Despite this opposition, the court believed that production of the documents was necessary. However, rather than face this or a potentially lengthy appeal, Cosreci discontinued their two claims against Mrs Woods last summer. The court looked at the rarely used defamation defence of qualified privilege arising from ‘reply to attack’. Can a defamatory reply be privileged (and therefore immune from suit unless it is malicious), even if the original attack is true? Arguably yes, said the court. In claims for aggravated damages against joint tortfeasors, must the level of damages be fixed by reference to the conduct of the least blameworthy? Arguably not, said the Court of Appeal. In the end, the points of law were of secondary importance to Mrs Woods. Of more relevance to her were the damages and the public apology that she received from Cosreci to end her six-year ordeal.”
——————–
“The regs do all the fluffing in Scientology, but there are no happy endings. It’s all a tease.”
——————–
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 July 14.
— ‘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 July 7.
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 Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief is due July 3.
— 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. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.
——————–
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] Swiss authorities charge former Scientology donor, set trial date
[TWO years ago] Report: LAPD covered up that Shelly Miscavige’s fingerprints didn’t match in 2013
[THREE years ago] After ‘Roe,’ can Scientology continue to force Sea Org women into unwanted abortions?
[FOUR years ago] More minor Scientology celebrities making news, and not in a good way
[FIVE years ago] The private eye who started out working for Danny Masterson & now may testify against him
[SIX years ago] Tommy Davis is tying the knot in Morocco, and we didn’t get an invite
[SEVEN years ago] In the Sea Org, no one can hear you scream: Another small slice of Scientology horror
[EIGHT years ago] REPORT: David Miscavige has not been to Scientology’s secretive ‘Int Base’ in four years
[NINE years ago] Leah Remini is shooting a TV series about Scientology
[TEN years ago] Did Scientology hire the man sent to prison for hacking us? Not his job to find out, judge said
[ELEVEN years ago] Here’s a reminder of Scientology’s Cold War origins — L. Ron Hubbard on radiation!
[TWELVE years ago] Judge Whittemore Sets Evidentiary Hearing in Garcia Federal Fraud Lawsuit
——————–
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 3,308 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,812 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,318 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,868 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,858 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,244 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,739 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,043 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,912 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,466 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,807 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,374 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,293 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,461 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,043 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,302 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,339 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,055 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,619 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,934 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,109 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,791 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,128 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,982 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,097 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,459 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,868 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,264 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,142 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,707 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,218 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,478 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,582 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on June 27, 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
