TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Scientology is rolling the dice, waiting until the last minute to apply for big changes at its UK headquarters ahead of a major annual event usually attended by Tom Cruise. And to make sure it succeeds, they’ve lined up various shills to make it sound like the best thing ever. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“In dating and locating there is a possible source of bypassed charge (BPC), peculiar to dating and locating. A correct date for one incident or mass can act as a wrong date for another incident or mass, as it is a wrong date for it. A correct location for one incident or mass can act as a wrong location for other incidents or masses, as it is wrong for the others. It is peculiar to dating and locating that a right date or a right location can cause BPC by also being a wrong date or wrong location for other incidents or masses. This does not always occur, but is noted here should an auditor or C/S encounter it. Manifestations of this are: a) pc getting upset inexplicably; b) getting a read on both ‘Correct date?’ and ‘Wrong date?’; c) TA going up; d) increase of mass or pressure. It will relieve on the indication that the date found is a wrong date for other incidents or masses, and on the indication that the location found is a wrong location for other incidents or masses.” — 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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“Age is hooked on to the body, normally, by the thetan himself as self-expression. And it is held in place in terms of engrams and secondaries. It’s held right there, man. Anything that is wrong with a body is held into it and on it by the thetan who has that body. That’s it. As long as he believes he can’t grow a new leg, he won’t have one, either.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 20, 1962
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“FESTIVAL: Completions are up! The Ringmaster was gone for a while but made it anyway. Ten lions failed to report to their pedestals. A difficult knot will now be tied in their tails to give them enough problems. Then they’ll be able to audit. Somehow the show went on and went on very well. TODAY we are going to shoot the roof off.” — The Commodore, September 20, 1971
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“I find Mission Earth insanely good, the only thing is that Hubbard uses so many unusual words, man was he a writer! you have to use study tech all the way through, then read it for a second time and the second time you can enjoy it much more, its so deep that earthlings cant appreciate it.”
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2000: Tory Christman reported that a Scientologist-owned restaurant in Clearwater attempted to refuse her service based on her being a former Scientologist. “I walked across Fort Harrison to a restaurant called Daniella’s. I walked in and stood by the counter. Suddenly the phone rang, and I heard what looked like the owner say ‘Blue top, white pants?’ I realized I was the only one in there in a blue top and white pants. As she skulked behind the wall, and whispered into the phone I realized this is a security issue. I left quickly, and went back across the street to LMT to get a back up. I got Karin Case and we returned and I ordered a salad. No sooner had I ordered than the same lady on the phone earlier came up to me from behind the counter. ‘Are you from across the street?’ I said ‘Yes’. She asked ‘What do you do there?’ I told her it was none of her business. She told me she was a Scientologist and was against what ‘they’ were doing and thus wasn’t going to serve me. I reminded her this was a PUBLIC business, and I had every intention of eating there. She said no, so I said ‘Well then call the police darlin,’ as THAT is Discrimination and is against the law. One of the workers got me my salad, as she looked on reluctantly.”
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“Seeing as how there’s no objective reality in Scientology, everything is a game. The Thetans created the MEST universe so they could have a playground to play in.”
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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:
— 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. Respondent briefs are due September 2.
— 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 submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— 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] Tracey McManus heading to Dallas after stellar Scientology reporting in Florida
[TWO years ago] Bijou Phillips divorcing Danny Masterson: A marriage over, or a purely legal maneuver?
[THREE years ago] Olmedo rules: After grand jury revelation, the court’s words for Danny Masterson’s lawyers
[FOUR years ago] Eureka! Clearwater Scientology member sells quantum protection from 5G and Covid 19
[FIVE years ago] How should we judge the rejection Scientology received in the heartland this week?
[SIX years ago] Garcias answer Scientology’s cross-appeal, COSRECI coughs up dox, and a new church vid!
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology ‘disconnection’ and the incalculable damage it does to children
[EIGHT years ago] Of course Jada Smith was a Scientologist, says principal who ran her Scientology school
[NINE years ago] Marty Singer: Cat White asked Jim Carrey to marry her and he turned her down
[TEN years ago] L. Ron Hubbard, would-be conqueror: Scientology’s fable about Rhodesia is a riot
[ELEVEN years ago] Sneaky Scientology finds another way to get access to high school students
[TWELVE years ago] JENNA HILL RESPONDS TO BARBARA WALTERS ON SCIENTOLOGY EDUCATION
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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 3,392 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,896 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,402 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,952 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,942 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,328 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,823 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,127 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,778 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 3,996 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,550 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,891 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,462 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,378 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,545 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,127 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,386 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,423 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,139 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,703 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,018 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,193 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,875 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,212 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,065 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,181 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,543 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,954 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,342 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,226 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,791 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,302 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,562 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,666 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on September 20, 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
