TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Tom Cruise once again made the scene for this year’s Scientology IAS gala at its UK headquarters, the one big event he tends to show up for. But this time, former London staffer Alex Barnes-Ross got a better look at Top Gun and his helicopter than he was expecting! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“There is no field in all the society where false data is not rampant. ‘Experts,’ ‘Advisors,’ ‘Friends,’ ‘Families’ seldom go and look at the basic texts on subjects, even when these are known to exist, but indulge in all manner of interpretations and even outright lies to seem wise or expert. The cost, in terms of lost production and damaged equipment is enormous. You will see it in all sectors of society. People cannot think with the fundamentals of their work. They goof. They ruin things. They have to redo what they have already done.” — 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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“People look all the way through books of philosophers, the Bible, life, to find something that will agree with them. At first glance, they’re trying to look for something to agree with. Nah, they’re not looking for something to agree with, they’re looking for something on which they have sufficient experience to establish a certainty. And you go down and you get a book — old Will Durant’s book The Story of Philosophy — whenever you get it out of the library you’ll find page after page, underscore, underscore and an underscore here and an underscore there and exclamation points over in the borders and it’s all marked up, old copies of it. Libraries have to replace it every time they turn around. Because people in their great enthusiasm will underscore ‘God is good.’ Here these rather clever statements one way or the other which are quite profound and quite interesting of which somebody could be certain and then they pick all the way through. The thing they find ‘God is good.’ Fine.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 3, 1953
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“ETHICS: Fair Game for current week for no report of stats are, Annabelle Buchanan, Jo Albert, Donna Tidman, Clarisse Barnett, Ron Stone.” — Lt. Jeff Walker, I&R, November 3, 1970
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“The Christian principal of forgiveness is fine as it goes, but some of us, maybe most of us, have committed overts of such considerable magnitude that it would be impossible for another to atone for us; this is one we have to face up to on our own, Jesus can’t do it for us, the anonymous priest in the confessional with his five Hail Mary’s and two Our Father’s can’t do it. You could walk away from the therapist’s couch, or the church, and be more spun in than you were before — you’ve still got your motivators, the undeserved low opinion of the person you’ve actually harmed…The degree to which we are monitored by opinions is so fantastic, as to be utterly incredible. It is even more incredible that LRH found a way through.”
1995: The David Letterman show included a sketch on Scientology. “Regular Dave-watchers are familiar with Rupert, the owner of the Hello Deli, next to the Ed Sullivan Theater where Letterman usually hosts his show. Rupert, in a tacky Hawaiian tee-shirt and sunglasses, asked people if they wanted to learn more about Dianetics. He told people that he was Elron! One of the Scieno-dudes asked him if he wanted to know more about Dianetics, or what Rupert wanted Dianetics to do for him. Rupert said that he wanted more success with girls. The dude asked him what was holding him back; Rupert said that girls think he looks creepy. I hate to admit that I was a little shocked when I saw Rupert in front of the Dianetics center, which inevitably meant an L. Ron Hubbard joke. It should be mentioned that guest Jerry Seinfeld, who was once courted by Scientology (according to Tilman’s celebrities FAQ), didn’t seem to be adversely affected by it.”
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“Opus Dei wields more political influence around the world than the Church of Scientology could ever dream of.”
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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 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] Prime premieres ‘The Pasta Queen,’ who happens to be a major Scientology donor
[TWO years ago] David Miscavige says Leah Remini hasn’t served him (but Dave’s not here and you don’t see him)
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s favorite LAPD shill now in hot water over Les Moonves ‘allegiance’
[FOUR years ago] Scientology had an historic day in court yesterday, and the experts weigh in
[FIVE years ago] Luke Catton still being ‘Fair Gamed’ years after he exposed Scientology’s rehab racket
[SIX years ago] Add ‘The Last Samurai’ to Tom Cruise movies Scientology uses for themed fundraising
[SEVEN years ago] Never public: L. Ron Hubbard Jr.’s devastating 1972 takedown of his father and Scientology
[EIGHT years ago] EXCLUSIVE: DA’s office asked Leah Remini not to air episode about Danny Masterson
[NINE years ago] Scientology strikes back at Leah Remini as publicity for her upcoming series explodes
[TEN years ago] Ten years ago, ‘South Park’ rocked Scientology in a way it’s never recovered from
[ELEVEN years ago] Dani Lemberger, who led a breakaway Israel mission, sues Scientology for libel and fraud
[TWELVE years ago] Sunday Funnies: Roslyn Cohn’s One-Woman Show Set to Skewer Scientology
[THIRTEEN years ago] Scientology’s Policy of “Disconnection”: A Mother’s Open Letter to Her Children
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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 3,436 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,940 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,446 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 3,996 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 2,986 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,372 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,867 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,171 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,822 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,040 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,594 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,935 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,506 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,422 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,589 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,171 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,430 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,467 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,182 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,747 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,062 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,237 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,919 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,256 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,109 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,225 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,587 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 3,998 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,386 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,270 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,835 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,346 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,606 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,710 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on November 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, 1995-2024 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, 20 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
