TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Since he used subterfuge to purchase Clearwater’s Fort Harrison Hotel in 1975, it has stood as a monument to Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, who was a classic reactionary and apartheid supporter. But sure, the NAACP wants to party down in Ron town? Sure, why not? [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“A dirty needle is caused by one of three things: 1. The auditor’s TRs are bad. 2. The auditor is breaking the Auditor’s Code. 3. The pc has withholds he does not wish known. If a needle goes dirty in a rehab session, do an L1C right now and quickly find why. Rehabs are not a substitute for processes. If a grade hasn’t been run. you can’t rehab it of course. In rehab, never use a new process to cure an overrun. Rehab the process that was overrun, not new ruds. And see HCO Pol Ltr 10 Feb 1966 on this subject. You can get free needles on pcs. It just requires standard TRs, standard tech. standard rehab and wanting to get one and letting a pc have one.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1979
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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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“Dianetics has probably got more history per square inch connected with it than any other activity that’s ever occurred on this planet. The planet has really never recovered from the impact. That’s the truth of the matter. Along about ’51 or something like that I stopped shoving Dianetics as such, you see, why it sort of left the missing step at the bottom of the steps, you know, sort of feeling. It gives very definite, if somewhat superficial, clues to human behavior. I say somewhat superficially —it’s hilarious, you know, sometimes, somebody trying to find his aberrations in this lifetime. This poor bloke that just went on a mad jihad or amok —that’s the word. The Malays go amok. And we had an American university boy go amok the other day and got up in the tower of the University of Texas and slaughtered a lot of people with rifles and that sort of thing. It was interesting to me that he’d just been to see a psychiatrist. Told the psychiatrist all about it, that he had impulses to do it and so forth. And the psychiatrist said, ‘Good boy.’ And the fellow didn’t turn up for his next appointment. The psychiatrist never much bothered about it and then he went out and killed about 39 people or, I don’t know what the figure was, 14 or something like that. But it was interesting to me just as a little side comment, that if you read carefully into such cases — movie star commits suicide — just been to see a psychiatrist.” — L. Ron Hubbard, August 4, 1966
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“Since Lisbon our rudder has not reached its extreme swing. It gave trouble after the auto pilot was connected. When we disconnected the auto pilot the helm would not turn completely. It has only been partially corrected. As it is limited the ship does not steer well and three times has gotten us near real trouble. This is a dangerous situation.” — The Commodore, August 4, 1969
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“The hiring of the doppelganger was originally in agreement with LRH: To take over some administrative tasks and also as a host so that LRH could concentrate on his research, writing and C/Sing etc. I got told by some oldtimer that there where two different LRH-bodies on the ship: A smaller and thicker one and a tall one. Both were seen by him at the same time: One in the cabin and one holding a lecture on deck. And two sets of similar clothes and shoes in two different sizes. The doppelganger can be around on the ship and MSH or kids would not object as they are in on this scam, told that the true LRH is somewhere else in hiding for security reasons or on some important mission. So they – and perhaps some close friends – knew about that and kept it a secret, because revealing that would create bad PR for LRH. Thus it might be true that Janis Grady really did believe she was talking with LRH, when she was handled by the double. So it might really be that most of the CMO, WDC and even RTC guys know nothing about the takeover and the influence by intelligence, they just have been hired and went to the Apollo since 1972 and ‘worked close to LRH.’ When the idea hits them that they have been part of a takeover plot by the Deep State, this is such an overwhelming overt they will swear that this was not so. Everyone who found that out by accident was begged not to reveal this secret to safeguard the PR and security of LRH. Only Quentin seems to have found out the truth and it cost him his life.”
1995: Ted Mayett, former Scientologist, has been attempting to get a refund from the Las Vegas org, and has taken the unusual step of attempting to picket their location. “The picket reads ‘They Lie About Money.’ When I arrived at the building there were 5 cars parked there. I park across the street and through the glass storefront I look at them and they look at me as I approach. And now I’m right in front of the glass, on the property, as I proceed to unsling and untie the picket. Before I get off the property. You may find this hard to believe. The door opens and one of them comes flying out. And it’s the DSA Las Vegas. She happened to be there. Well, the picket never happened. We stood in the heat for an hour, this woman and I. I do not mention her name because I am not sure of the legality of it. Ted, what is the problem? ______ you are being fed lies, this entire church is built on lies. She wants to know what lies. These people are truly brain dead. I tell her the people in this building alone have lied to me five times regarding this money. One of the boys comes out with a check for $500.00. I had already declined another partial payment, told them it was no big deal. That when they had the full amount I would be right out here and they could give it to me. Now I have two of them asking me to take the five hundred and not picket. I said yes and that I would be back Tue. for the balance. The said they would not have the balance by then. I said no problem, five hundred a day would keep me from picketing. But not less.”
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“He needs to do a comeback flick, something full of pathos that will tug at people’s heartstrings like ‘Fresh Prince: Down and Out In Bel Air’.”
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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 August 13.
— ‘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 December 1.
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 was due July 3, extension granted.
— 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] Why a troubled VP bid has us recalling a bizarre 1980 Scientology extortion attempt
[TWO years ago] While Miscavige spends millions on new buildings, Scientology withers elsewhere
[THREE years ago] Danny Masterson delay attempt: Shawn Holley busy with Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer case
[FOUR years ago] Danny Masterson delays motion to dismiss, and other recent mysteries for Scientology celeb
[FIVE years ago] Leah Remini podcast: The ‘Scientology and the Aftermath’ episode that never aired
[SIX years ago] Scientologist-led anti-vaxx ‘Conscience Coalition’ is off to a humble start
[SEVEN years ago] Ron Miscavige: ‘When I look back, it reminds me of stories I heard of the Stasi in East Germany’
[EIGHT years ago] Almost four years after its grand opening, a new look inside Scientology’s ‘Super Power’
[NINE years ago] Nancy Cartwright’s ‘defense’ of Scientology is the saddest thing ever
[TEN years ago] London! And a member of government asks us, what can we do about Scientology?
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology’s newest testimonials video is everything you want it to be
[TWELVE years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology Puts the Fun in Fundraising!
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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 3,345 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,849 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,355 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,905 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,895 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,281 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,776 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,080 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,949 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,503 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,844 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,415 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,331 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,498 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,080 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,339 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,376 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,092 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,656 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 1,971 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,146 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,828 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,165 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,019 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,134 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,496 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,905 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,295 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,179 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,744 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,255 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,515 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,619 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on August 4, 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
