TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Alex Barnes-Ross tells the story of how he came to know Amir Essalhi, a Scientology staffer at the Edinburgh org, did a video with him, and then helped Amir leave the controlling, abusive organization after it retaliated against him. Also: Scientology abuses laid out in Europe! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]
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Technology Cocktail
“When the individual fails to put in his own Ethics, the group takes action against him and this is called Justice. I have found that Man cannot be trusted with Justice. The truth is, Man cannot really be trusted with «punishment». With it he does not really seek discipline, he wreaks injustice. He dramatizes his inability to get his own Ethics in by trying to get others to get their Ethics in: I invite you to examine what laughingly passes for ‘Justice’ in our current society. Many governments are so touchy about their divine rightness in judicial matters that you hardly open your mouth before they burst into uncontrolled violence. Getting into police hands is a catastrophe in its own right in many places, even when one is merely the plaintiff, much less the accused. Thus, social disturbance is at maximum in such areas.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1980
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“Evidently, it’s practically an affront not to be able to find out about something. Any time you want to go around wearing a bath towel with a Woolworth diamond on it and be a swami reading people’s minds, also take out a large insurance policy and get your burial arrangements straight. It’s probably why they hung Christ, if they did. That’s right. That’s right. If he was the Son of God, he should have been able to find out about all the orthodox malpractices. And he didn’t. And they hung him. They didn’t hung him. They crucified him. Common practice of the day. If he existed. It isn’t true that he led a good life, so they crucified him. You see, that wouldn’t be the right story. He should have found out about ’em and he didn’t, so you see they had to crucify him and that’s just about the way it would be. Now, if you go around telling everybody you can read their minds — I know this might get you lots of PCs for a little while — be sure at the same time that you go down to the Bide-a-Wee Cemetery and get yourself a nice quiet lot because probably you won’t have time a little while later. It’s very hard to buy a lot when you haven’t got a body to pull money out of the pockets of. But that’s about how it is, you see?” — L. Ron Hubbard, February 7, 1962
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“The rule that blown SO members may not work in orgs is now being fully enforced. This affects Durban and Asho. CS-1 should advise these and other orgs. Franchises employing them are instantly indebted $5000 to the SO for VIIIs and other sums for other training. One special permission exists for Chris Stevens on petition to work in Tech only in JBG org. SO members who do not return from leave are classified as blown. It is interesting that freeloader org and SO billings are paid when billed. It gives an avenue of conscience money. It is actually very cruel not to provide an avenue for redress of wrongs. But freeloader billings have to be billed regularly.” — The Commodore, February 7, 1971
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“Given the current athmosphere in the world against the family and the push for the sodomite agenda, it is not hard to predict that some people might discard or ban from LRH books any reference to homosexuality, including the descriptions of the 1.1 tone level in ‘Science of Survival’ as regards ‘sexuality’ and ‘procreation.’ My intention is to demonstrate how those quotes (the dangerousness of the 1.1 tone level as regards to sexuality and procreation) are more valid today than any time in human history.”
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2001: Randy Enerson reported that Scientology is trying to handle critics who are informing Battle Creek, Michigan locals of the implications of a new org in their community. “John Carmichael is currently in the Battle Creek Michigan area attempting to ‘handle’ the local media as well as any critics in the area that are already speaking out and exposing the truth of scientology. The CoS is closing their Ann Arbor Org, and trying to purchasing the historic old Hart Hotel in downtown Battle Creek. Carmichael has reportedly been busily shopping a huge load of DA materials on critics of the cult around town to the local media. Yesterday John Carmichael met with a local critic in an attempt to discourage him from further letters to the Battle Creek Enquirer newspaper exposing the criminally convicted cult.” Kristi Wachter posted information from Scientology about the new Battle Creek org. “The Battle Creek building is 58,600 square feet, and they got a really good price on the building. The new building will be 12 times bigger than their current building but will cost them a third of what they’re currently spending. Since the new building is a hotel, they plan to use a lot of the rooms for staff and visiting Scientologists to stay in. The mailing notes that it will officially be the biggest Class 5 org in the world. Apparently this is not a new org; the Ann Arbor org is moving to Battle Creek, which may be more convenient for some area Scientologists, since Ann Arbor org currently serves people from as far away as Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. According to the mailing, they’re still raising funds for the downpayment. The mailing also says the Detroit org is working on purchasing the building they’re currently in, and are also still working on putting together the downpayment.”
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“The 49ers sucked so bad I was forced to turn to punk rock and hard drugs for entertainment. It’s all John Brodie and Scientology’s fault.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. Appeal now fully briefed, waiting for 2nd Appellate District court to set a hearing date. Masterson has also submitted a habeas corpus petition.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Pleaded guilty on Nov 10 to a 17-year prison sentence (eligible for parole in two to three more years). Awaiting transfer to state prison.
— Aaron Matthes charged for SA of child under 12 years old: OT Scientologist facing multiple mandatory life sentences. Next pretrial court hearing set for Feb 2.
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 respondent’s brief is due February 11.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ 15 days of arbitration completed, Val waiting for further word from the IJC.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal. Appeal fully briefed. Motion to replace Jane Does’ AI-tainted brief denied by court. Awaiting a court hearing date.
— 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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Other links: The prosecution of Danny Masterson. Leah Remini’s Fair Game Podcast. Leah Remini’s A&E Series. Scientology’s Celebrities, from A to Z. Bryan Seymour’s suppressed series, 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] Surely this is the video that will get you to join Scientology staff, slacker!
[TWO years ago] Chris Shelton marks a Scientology milestone, and reveals something about himself
[THREE years ago] VIDEO: Scientology begs for staff in Chicago as it prepares to go ‘ideal’ — as soon as Saturday?
[FOUR years ago] Scientology will be central in tomorrow’s Danny Masterson rape case hearing
[FIVE years ago] Here’s Scientology’s 2021 Super Bowl ad: A pandemic-flavored ‘mystery sandwich’
[SIX years ago] Scientology will try to force Jane Doe in Miami child abuse case into ‘religious arbitration’
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology’s social media effort tries so hard to distract you from what’s really going on
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology officials from around the globe called to Florida for news of ‘Scientology TV’
[NINE years ago] Great moments in Scientology journalism: When Alex Mitchell blew the lid off ‘Babalon Working’
[TEN years ago] Our Texas legal expert helps us understand what’s next in Monique Rathbun’s lawsuit
[ELEVEN years ago] An L. Ron Hubbard island fantasy: The Scientology daydream you haven’t heard
[TWELVE years ago] REPORT: Man was hired to keep Shelly Miscavige from escaping Scientology base near L.A.
[THIRTEEN years ago] Jenna Miscavige Hill Continues Her Media Blitz; More Scientology News in Thursday Roundup
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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 3,532 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 4,036 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,542 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 4,092 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 3,082 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,468 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,963 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,267 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,918 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,136 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,690 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 5,031 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,602 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,518 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,685 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,267 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,526 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,278 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,843 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,158 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,333 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 5,015 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,352 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,205 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,321 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,683 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 4,094 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,482 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,366 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,931 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,442 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,702 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,806 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on February 7, 2026 at 07:00
E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter.
Our book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is 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)
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Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
