Don’t congratulate Tom Cruise until he gives back the award that really matters

 
We learned yesterday that Tom Cruise joined a growing protest against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association — the sketchy group behind the Golden Globes awards — by returning his three Globes trophies.

Here’s how the Hollywood Reporter described the news:

Cruise won the best actor honor in 1990 for Born on the Fourth of July and 1997 for Jerry Maguire, as well as a best supporting actor award in 2000 for Magnolia.

Earlier today, NBC announced that it would not be airing the 2022 iteration of the Golden Globes. Said the network in a statement: “We continue to believe that the HFPA is committed to meaningful reform. However, change of this magnitude takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right.”

Advertisement

The backlash began after a L.A. Times report detailing that the organization counted zero Black journalists among its then 87 members. Last week, the HFPA’s membership voted to approve a proposal of reforms aimed at addressing its lack of diversity and other ethics issues, but many in Hollywood, including Time’s Up and a coalition of PR Firms, noted that the reforms do not go far enough.

Cruise’s fans will no doubt laud the actor for returning the trophies, especially since he was nominated for Academy Awards for each of those same performances and didn’t win, and so he doesn’t have any Oscar statuettes to hold onto as consolation.

But we can think of another award in Cruise’s collection that, if he gave it back, would have an even bigger impact on injustice and abuse.

Cruise was first lured into Scientology by actress Mimi Rogers when they began dating in 1986. She had grown up in it and at one point even owned a satellite field office for bringing in new recruits.

They were married on May 9, 1987, which was Dianetics Day, indicating how quickly Mimi got Tom absorbed into the Scientology mindset. But then in 1990 he fell for costar Nicole Kidman while they were filming Days of Thunder, and the church made Mimi understand that she would sign a divorce settlement without a fuss.

Initially, Nicole was enthusiastic about Scientology and rocketed all the way up to Operating Thetan level two (OT 2) in only a couple of years, according to her former auditor, Bruce Hines. But then she soured on Scientology and its leader David Miscavige, and pulled away from Scientology, taking Tom with her.

We didn’t learn about it until years afterward, but from 1992 until he and Nicole split up in 2000, Cruise kept his distance from Scientology, with a few exceptions.

After the Cruise-Kidman breakup, Miscavige made it job one to get Cruise back in the fold, and Cruise was put through years of intense counseling (called auditing in Scientology). By 2003, Cruise was so gung ho again he showed up to help open a new headquarters for the Scientology front group Applied Scholastics in Missouri.

 
That seemed to go so well, David Miscavige hatched a wild plan. In October 2004 he gave Tom Scientology’s highest award, the Freedom Medal, but a special, larger version of it that has only been given to Cruise: The Freedom Medal of Valor.

 
The next part of Miscavige’s plan was to unleash Cruise on the world as Scientology’s very public ambassador, which they tried out early in 2005. The result, you may remember, was Cruise’s disastrous attempt to explain the evils of psychiatry to Matt Lauer on the Today show, and other interviews he gave at the time, including his nutty couch-jumping incident on Oprah’s show.

Cruise appeared insane, and even Miscavige realized that the plan had backfired. Cruise has been guarded and mostly quiet about Scientology since then, like other celebrities, who offer only vague testimonials about it being helpful in their lives.

But even if Cruise isn’t vocal about Scientology, his support of the organization is one of the key reasons it continues to exist at all.

It’s been amazing to see how much of a difference Leah Remini has made since she went public with her defection in 2013 (broken right here at the Underground Bunker), with an Emmy-winning television show, bestselling book, a podcast, and countless interviews and appearances.

The effect on Scientology has been huge as Leah’s work has reached a massive audience which has been made aware of Scientology’s controversies and abuses.

Now, imagine the effect Tom Cruise could have if he turned in his Freedom Medal of Valor award and acknowledged the abuses by David Miscavige. Imagine if Cruise, in an interview, talked about what he knows about Miscavige banishing his wife Shelly to a small mountain compound in California for the last 15 years.

Would Scientology survive such an offensive by Cruise? We have our doubts. And what would be the result? Thousands of workers being allowed out of indentured servitude, thousands of families with the ability to reunite and begin to mend the wounds caused by Miscavige and his policies.

Yes, it would be a much bigger deal than pressuring a sketchy press association that puts on an annual Hollywood awards show.

Will it happen?

No, sadly. Cruise is a true believer. He actually does accept that L. Ron Hubbard was the greatest human being who ever lived, and that David Miscavige is the most important person on earth today.

You think it’s insane to believe that a mid-century science fiction writer discovered the secrets to the universe? Cruise thinks it’s insane that you can’t see that Scientology is this planet’s only salvation.

Anyway, we aren’t holding our breath. And in the meantime, we’ll hold off patting Tom Cruise on the back for turning in his Golden Globes.

 
——————–

Leah Remini podcast: Steve Hassan

Says Mike: “A former Moonie, Steve is today an internationally recognized expert in the field of cults and undue influence. We cover a lot of territory, including undue influence, hypnosis and the methods used to control people. He is Founding Director of the Freedom of Mind Resource Center, which provides training, consulting and support to individuals who are struggling to leave a cult, and to families and organizations that are concerned about cult behaviors.” Listen to the episode here!

 
——————–

Source Code

“The situation internationally, also, has improved enormously; I might make a little bulletin on that effect. The attack on Scientology in the United States has disintegrated into a rout for the government. They are now being attacked — not mildly put — by the United States Senate, and very shortly the House is going to open the ball on the FDA. Australia, their report from the inquiry has been delayed so long, the usual course of those reports and inquiries they have down there. They seem to do this quite routinely. In Victoria, they have inquiries, and then they forget about them. And the last three inquiries, as desperate as they were in progress and so forth, all wound up in no legislation. And so that one will undoubtedly dead-end too. Because its report isn’t even due in Parliament for months. And Parliament is recessing. And all of that kind of thing is happening. And if we can find Victoria, why we will set it to rights, one way or the other If we can find it. You know, you’re only dealing with a tiny little postage stamp on the face of the earth and what seems to be bowling everybody over, down in-in Australia is this fantastic news which keeps coming in to them from the United States, you see. Government runs up white flag, you see.” — L. Ron Hubbard, May 11, 1965

 
——————–

Avast, Ye Mateys

“Dir I&R and MAA are to conduct a full investigation of insecurity of materials of confidential materials on board. They are to steal any they can and lock them up. List to the D/CO. Beginning at 1200 hrs today. Offenders are to be listed and handled appropriately.” — A. Jessup, C/O FAO, May 11, 1971

 
——————–

Overheard in the FreeZone

“Capt. Bill Robertson describes the New Civilization Game and its goals. He describes the basic data behind its creation, what goals will be carried out by the general population, why some goals are ethics points to be carried out by Operating Thetans. In the tape, Capt. Robertson explains why some people keep voting for fascist and suppressive regimes and governments, and what the solution to this is. Want to know why your Democratic Scieno and ex-Scieno friends voted for the fascist Biden regime? They have assumed the suppressive valence of their SPs and that is why they keep voting for them! What to do with the Dem Scienos and ex-Scienos in your Facebook friend’s list that voted for Biden, voted for Obama or are going to vote for Michelle? Assign them a PTS condition and make them stop voting for the SPs. OTs can use remote command.”

 
——————–

Past is Prologue

1995: Grady Ward reported this week a call to his publisher, Austin Code Works, by a man identifying himself as Eugene Ingram, a well-known Scientology PI. “He spoke for ten minutes, did not identify his employer (duh!), and made statements like: ‘Grady is the president of ACW, isn’t he?’ [No] ‘Did you know the FBI investigated Grady for his involvement with the NuPrometheus League [a group claiming responsibility for stealing and distributing Apple Computer Macintosh ROM code in June, 1989].’ ‘The FBI knew he did it because Grady was the only one fired [a provable lie!] from Apple in 1989.’ Ingram then begin to pump for financial information, such as ‘Does he make more than $10,000 in royalties [per annum, presumably] from MobyCrypto? Moby Lexicons? No? How about $5,000?'”

 
——————–

Random Howdy

“The sixties counterculture turned a lot of people into Baba Dumbasses and Shirley MacLaines. People use to be a lot tougher and more levelheaded back in the day.”

 
——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Preliminary hearing set for May 18.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for May 20 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for June 18.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for writ of mandate denied Oct 22 by Cal 2nd Appellate District. Petition for review by state supreme court denied Dec 11.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Dec 30, Judge Kleifield granted Scientology’s motions to compel arbitration. June 7: Status conference.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Dec 17: Feshbachs sign court judgment obliging them to pay entire $3.674 million tax debt, plus interest from Nov 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 24.

Concluded litigation:
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.

 
——————–

SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks

The Australian Seven News network cancelled a 10-part investigation of Scientology and its history of dirty tricks. Read the transcripts of the episodes and judge for yourself why Tom Cruise and Tommy Davis might not have wanted viewers to see this hard-hitting series by journalist Bryan Seymour.

SCIENTOLOGY: FAIR GAME

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’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?

 
——————–

THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Scientology ekes out small victories as the world goes to coronavirus hell
[TWO years ago] Scientology’s mental whammy is like taking one too many pucks to the head
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s bizarre international base and its near-prison life: A Marc Headley classic
[FOUR years ago] On probation and his house of horrors shut down, Tennessee Scientologist talks up Mexico
[FIVE years ago] ‘Freedom’ magazine is back after a six-month absence, and it arrived with a surprise!
[SIX years ago] As seen in the Daily Beast: ‘The Unbreakable Miss Lovely’ is on sale and ready to startle you
[SEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: What part of ‘rebel’ doesn’t Scientology understand?
[EIGHT years ago] PORTLAND LIVE: Mark Bunker at Scientology’s “Ideal Org” Event
[NINE years ago] The Best Reasons Why You Should Doubt the Allegations in the John Travolta Sex-Assault Lawsuit
[TEN years ago] Scientology Operation Against Washington Post Reporter Richard Leiby Exposed

 
——————–

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on May 11, 2021 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, 1995-2020 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2020), 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