TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Although Scientology expends enormous effort to keep leader David Miscavige out of court, he did have to sit for depositions at least twice in 1990s lawsuits. We obtained a full copy of the first of Dave’s depositions and we’re presenting the entire thing (83K words!) today. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“The position of a being on the Tone Scale is determined by his ability to reach (and thus his willingness and ability to duplicate, to communicate and experience). The lower the tone of the being the less willing he is to reach, communicate with and experience his present time environment, and the less willing he is to reach and duplicate events of the past or permit them to happen again. This is remedied by Objective Havingness Processes. These are processes that deal with observing and touching objects in the auditing room or in the environment. They are ‘look around’ or physical contact processes, used to remedy a low or ‘no havingness’ condition.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1978
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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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“We had a gentleman who was suffering from Buerger’s disease, which has to do with one’s legs rotting off. The case was merely opened, not diagnosed. Had the case been diagnosed, it would have been discovered rather rapidly that nobody could help him. That was one of the computations, and it would have become apparent the moment work was started on the case because the person would have run in auto. This preclear had a self-control mechanism of ‘I can handle this myself,’ or ‘I have to handle this myself.’ So he would not have worked well. But you could have discovered this right at the outset by asking him questions in present time about his parents, about what they used to do, what they used to say, what kind of people they were and so on. It must have been a very difficult case to get up and down the track because a case which runs in auto always will be difficult. The next step that should have been discovered about this case was the reason why his legs had to come off. One would have discovered then the fact that Papa died in a railroad accident where both his legs had been cut off!” — L. Ron Hubbard, July 3, 1950
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“QUAL: 175 auditing hours a week is now expected from Processing Section. Quentin being gone exposed that he mainly with the help of Liese and Tommy do the larger share of the Ship’s Auditing.” — The Commodore, July 3, 1970
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“I’ve done the Original OT Levels along with NOTs and Excalibur and more, as have many of our public, so take any of the Grade Chart listed abilities from the Church of Scientology and add to that telepathy, perception into time yet to be, time paths and outcomes yet to be, perception and communication with other universe versions of self, and a host of others, many of which wouldn’t be real to anyone not having done the levels themselves. Remote viewing isn’t part of the subject. That’s false data. Exteriorization with full perception is. They are two different subjects. Remote viewing is a term created by criminals posing as public stealing the data from Scientology to use in government covert operations. They are not anything alike.”
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1998: Clearwater city council had a presentation from Scientology’s representatives concerning the new Super Power building, planned for the lot across the street from the Fort Harrison Hotel, and renovations to the Fort Harrison itself. From the council minutes: “Church representative Matthew Pearse, architect Nick Sakelariou, and in-house designer Sherri James presented the proposal. Referring to color elevation drawings and site configuration maps, they highlighted orientation, aesthetic design elements, and landscaping features of the new six story, 320,000 square foot building. Architectural design reflects the classical style of the Fort Harrison Hotel across the street. Pedestrian bridges in accordance with FDOT requirements link the new building with the Fort Harrison Hotel, and the future auditorium building across Franklin Street. Four, 7-story, towers accent the building s corners. A 150-foot tall tower element incorporated into the building is modeled after a traditional bell tower. Aluminum windows and doors will have blue/green tinted glass to conserve energy. The roof will have no exposed mechanical equipment, as a central chiller plant facility is to be located within the structure. Responding to questions, applicants indicated ground breaking date is not known. A large open area in the building’s center will contain a dome or low pitched pyramid, not visible from the street. Representative James Bond related hotel history since 1927, showing how elements were altered through the years. Addition of cabanas, or dwelling units on the west side of the Fort Harrison Hotel, was done in the 1960’s, flat roof style. The proposal is to return the main building to the way it was. Mr. Bond displayed a rendering of the east hotel elevation showing restoration of planters and original facade elements. Member Herberich moved to approve cabanas and conceptual hotel design as presented, with the understanding a formal application for hotel design review will come back before the board. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.”
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“Can any Scientologist point specifically as to how Scientology or Dianetics has improved world conditions in its 60 years?”
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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, 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:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief was filed June 3. Oral arguments are probably next.
— 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.
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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 doesn’t want you looking at their rotting un-Ideal Orgs!
[TWO years ago] Where is Scientology keeping Andrew Barton?
[THREE years ago] Tom Cruise benefiting from Scientology Sea Org slave labor: The photographic proof
[FOUR years ago] Scientology ‘Hogwarts’ in Oregon has Covid outbreak: 43 students, 8 staff
[FIVE years ago] Tom Cruise at 58: Scientology’s biggest asset continues to avoid the tough questions
[SIX years ago] Scientology’s answer to Garcias’ appeal sets a new record in cynicism and legal depravity
[SEVEN years ago] When Scientology’s toxic policy of disconnection is forever: Saying goodbye to Angela Paris
[EIGHT years ago] Five years ago: Scientology’s ‘disconnection’ and the death of Alexander Jentzsch
[NINE years ago] Scientology has a plan to rescue the U.S. military, and it involves ‘Battlefield Earth’
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s billion-dollar slush fund, its slick operators, and how it gets around regulation
[ELEVEN years ago] German media: Scientology is essentially dead in Berlin
[TWELVE years ago] Will Smith-Backed School That Used Scientology Materials Closes Its Doors
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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 3,314 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,818 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,324 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,874 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,864 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,250 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,745 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,049 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,918 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,472 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,813 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,380 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,299 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,467 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,049 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,308 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,345 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,061 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,625 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,940 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,115 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,797 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,134 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,988 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,103 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,465 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,874 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,264 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,148 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,713 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,224 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,484 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,588 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on July 3, 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
