TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: One of our helpers had a brainstorm and checked sci-fi fanzines about Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and his book Dianetics in the months after it was published in 1950. We have more examples showing that as the months went by, resistance to this ‘science’ was growing. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“In 1978 giant training strides were made for I was very busy on that as well. The NED Course was brought down to 3 weeks, Class 0-4 Checksheets were carefully shortened back to the 1968 level when auditors were being made at speed but without losing tech which is quite a trick when you come to think of it! When you realize that a large portion of training costs goes into living expenses while taking the course, reducing the length of time of a course gives an enormous reduction in course costs. regardless of what’s being charged. Training is also being helped by scholarships.” — 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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“The most serious barrier that an auditor has to overcome in Security Checking is not necessarily his own case, but a courage in asking . . to ask the questions. You know, that’s kind of a raw, mean, brassy sort of a thing to do. You sit down. Here’s this nice young girl. Everybody knows she’s a virgin. Everybody knows this. And you’re in very good ARC with her and everything is going to go along fine. And then you say to her, crassly and meanly, ‘Have you ever committed any carnal sins of any character or another? Have you ever been to bed in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong man?’ And put it mildly, this is a startling question. But since I’ve started security checking, I haven’t found any virgins.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 5, 1961
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“The LRH Comm Correction Form will be used on any flagrant departures from the standard scene. Not only is it a sign of hat-dump if data is withheld on the grounds that a question is Dev T, it is also a sign of gross hat-dump if the LRH Comm is involved in an excessive amount of running around to get straightforward data. Any action that is Dev T is of course handled as such, and rightly. Getting data is NOT Dev T. Co-ordination requires co-operation.” — LRH Pers Comm, October 5, 1971
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“In another universe gays could be fine indivifuals but not in this one, the way things are designed and rigged. Two sexless thetans can share sexual sensations, out of body, no doubt, but why do that — read HCOB Pain and Sex. Play any games you like but not in this universe — go find another and leave us alone!”
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2001: An e-mail to Scientologists described the opening of the new mission in San Francisco, SOMA, or South of Market. “The Mission is located in a 3 story building on Mission Street in SF, between 5th & 6th streets. I would estimate 500-600 people were on hand. The city had allowed the Mission to close one lane on Mission Street and a podium had been set up on the sidewalk. Cindy Feshbach opened the ceremony with a speech about Scientology and about the Mission. We had major media coverage including a camera & interview team from Entertainment Tonight. Also there was a Golden Era Productions crew getting all the theta. Cindy presented SF Police Department Captain Tony Perra with a plaque which contained on it a pledge from the Mission and from Scientology to assist the SF police and the city to help it with its problems. Captain Perra gratefully accepted the plaque and publicly pledged the SF police department’s support of the Mission in its humanitarian endeavors. Next to speak was none other than Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board RTC. He gave an incredibly inspiring speech about how Scientology has the solution to the problems of society and the world. This was really a dissemination speech because he knew we were getting major media coverage. He read some awesome LRH quotes about war and ended his speech with a statement that the real enemy of man was the Reactive Mind. His presence is awesome. Next to speak was Jenna Elfman, who has sponsored the Mission. She spoke of her devotion to the arts, to San Francisco, and of her sincere desire to help the people of this beautiful city. As part of her speech she announced that along with the opening of the Mission, a Children’s Center for the Arts had been established in the basement of the building, fully equipped with a stage, ballet facilities, and others so that any children of the SF area could come there and learn/practice arts for free. By the way, SF org is getting a new building I can’t say much about it yet but it is happening.”
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“It will take a Snowball of Theta to save the planet from the Hairball of Entheta that is growing bigger in Basement Cat’s belly by the day.”
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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] Scientology leader can sit out while Freewinds trafficking case goes to arbitration
[TWO years ago] Scientology whines in court again, and this time we’re the direct beneficiaries
[THREE years ago] Prosecution plans to call Lisa Marie Presley as witness at Danny Masterson rape trial
[FOUR years ago] US Supreme Court denies Valerie Haney; CA court gets letters on Scientology’s ‘neutrality’
[FIVE years ago] SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS, Ep 9: Director Paul Haggis responds to a lawsuit’s rape allegations
[SIX years ago] Fight Scientology, and you can end up paying the price for years and years
[SEVEN years ago] Buried in US archives, a stunning indictment of Scientology and prediction of the future
[EIGHT years ago] Never before seen: Video of a woman moments after achieving superhuman Scientology powers
[NINE years ago] DRONE FLYOVER: Scientology’s secret saucer-looking underground vault in Northern California
[TEN years ago] VIDEO LEAK: Scientology’s New Year’s Eve 2006, when Leah Remini was still a front-row celeb!
[ELEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology wants your child, even if it’s not yet born!
[TWELVE years ago] Claire Headley Gets Us Prepped for Scientology’s OT Levels!
[THIRTEEN years ago] Oregon Dentist Ordered to Pay $348,000 After Pressuring an Employee to Attend Scientology Symposium
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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 3,407 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,911 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,417 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,967 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,957 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,343 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,838 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,142 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,793 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,011 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,565 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,906 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,477 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,393 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,560 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,142 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,401 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,438 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,154 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,718 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,033 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,208 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,890 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,227 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,080 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,196 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,558 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,969 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,357 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,241 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,806 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,317 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,577 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,681 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 5, 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, 1995-2024 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2024), 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
