We were shocked to learn that a monumental event held at Scientology’s Citizens Commission for Human Rights storefront in Clearwater, Florida — featuring an art show celebrating such major stars like Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson — had resulted in a video that only had 31 views after nearly two weeks.
We thought we’d help Scientology get the word out about a confab that was being cruelly overlooked. Come on, people, give this thing a look!
As the video explains, major Scientology stars such as LD Sledge, Steve Cherubino, and Neal Fox came out to give talks and sing songs in order to lament how psychiatry had destroyed the lives of our creative but dead icons, such as Ernest Hemingway, Marilyn Monroe, and Brian Wilson. (Hey wait, he’s still alive, isn’t he?)
And all of it was set against the important work that CCHR does as Scientology’s most unhinged front group, agitating for the complete dismantling of modern mental health care so it can be replaced by L. Ron Hubbard’s sane ideas embodied in Scientology. So you can see that it’s a totally worthy cause.
Here, please enjoy the show, express how disappointed you are that you didn’t catch it live and that so few people have seen it online, and let us know how you, like us, are going to try and help Scientology’s front “Artists for a Better World” get the word out!
And hey, speaking of CCHR, there’s news today of a remarkable court verdict coming out of Spain. The psychiatric profession there filed a lawsuit against CCHR and its Spanish chapter, accusing the Scientology front group of constantly publishing hate-filled screeds against psychiatry and psychiatrists. CCHR’s websites called mental health professionals criminals, sex offenders, and genocidal maniacs who were responsible for the Holocaust.
Well, yes, that’s what Scientology does, 24 hours a day, all around the world. What of it?
You’re not going to believe this, but the court in Madrid found that this was actually a bad thing, and it ruled that CCHR needs to take down its websites in Spain and stop impugning the psychiatric profession, and to pay the court costs of the Spanish Society of Psychiatry, which brought the lawsuit.
Can you imagine!
Of course, it’s a stunning verdict, but it would never fly here in the US, where CCHR, under our First Amendment protections, can smear the psychiatric profession all day every day. But still, it’s always fun to see David Miscavige’s Scientology get a good thrashing by a court.
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Bonus items from our tipsters
Hey, thetans, be part of the show! (And bring yer wallets.)
That Ron, he was a riot.
Join the jolly old elf in Aruba!
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Did you know you can get an email every morning when we post our daily Scientology story? We know some of the folks who come to the Underground Bunker aren’t here to talk about the politics of the day, and that’s why we created a daily politics feature over at our other blog, The Lowdown, and we ask readers to take their political discussions over there. And if you drop us a line at tonyo94 AT gmail, we’ll put you on the list so you get a morning reminder that a new Scientology story has been posted — and only for our Scientology stories.
“Recently I contacted some very interesting facsimiles of Captain Frank de Wolfe of the United States Army, who was wounded at Fort Donelson in 1862. You may think I am talking about a past death; I am not. I am talking about a sympathy facsimile picked up when I was about a year and a half old, evidently, on the death of my great-grandfather. I almost killed myself. I started running out a lot of emotional curves and life began to look more and more interesting, and then when I went to get up out of the chair I couldn’t get up. I wondered what this was all about so I began to run some more emotional curves, and then I suddenly recalled that my great-grandfather had a black cane with a solid gold dog’s head. It was a great little gimmick, this solid gold dog’s head. The facsimile which I had just finished running out was the facsimile of the death of my dog when I was 14, which tied in to the cane with the dog’s head, which was the death of my great-grandfather that occurred while I was still sick with pneumonia when about a year and a half old. Evidently my legs from the waist down had been out of valence most of my life.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 10, 1951
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“So evidently there’s a grade of ‘animal’ according to the very best professors. Looking it over, modern ‘education’ and all, we then have the job of moving people up on this course action with which there would be wide agreement due to teachings in universities. Animal + Technique Zed = Human Being + Dianetics to Grade IV = Homo Novis + Power, R6EW and CC = Clear + OT grades to OT VII = Operating Thetan + what research I’m now doing equals ( ). There are a lot of in betweens and a lot of tech but those are the major points.” — The Commodore, December 10, 1970
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“There was another time when I perceived a reptile and it was this disgusting staff member, he was 1.1, and I think I was just looking at him and I got this reptile idea in my head, and I got the idea he was one. He gave me a bad look once after I mentioned I had just seen a UFO, which was the first one I’d ever seen and it was cool and I was excited and he shot me this evil little nasty look. He was totally in a fake PR valence all the time, and guess what, gosh this keeps getting better, he was related to Mike Rinder! Yes that family has bad DNA, maybe this special telepathic connection DNA. Mike Rinder was running around assisting Miscavige with the takeover of Scientology and now he trashes all of Scientology, his life so far as been assisting the enslavers, he is not good for humanity.”
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1998: Karsten Lorenzen attended the Clearwater picket and gave testimony in the Lisa McPherson civil case concerning another isolation watch. From the St. Petersburg Times: “A former Scientologist from Denmark said Friday that he helped force bread, fruit and liquids into the throat of an unconscious woman as part of an effort help her recover from a mental breakdown. Karsten Lorenzen’s detailed account at a news conference held by a group of Scientology critics resembles the experience of Lisa McPherson, as documented by state investigators and Clearwater police. Church officials said Friday they had not fully investigated the Denmark man’s story but called it another in a series of unsupported and fantastic allegations by critics who, they contend, have serious credibility problems. They said force-feeding is not a prescribed procedure in Scientology.”
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“Miscavige is a crime boss. If you’re a crime boss or a loan shark you can’t let somebody disrespect you or not pay back a loan, you have to make an example out of them to keep the rest of the underlings in line. This is more important than public perception.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next hearing set for February 8. Trial scheduled for August 29, 2022.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), false imprisonment, aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Next hearing scheduled for December 21.
— 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: Pretrial conference December 17 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for February 11.
Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ US Supreme Court denied Valerie’s petition Oct 4.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: California Supreme Court granted review on May 26 and asked the Second Appellate Division to direct Judge Steven Kleifield to show cause why he granted Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Oral arguments held November 2, awaiting a ruling.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9, 2020 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: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28, 2022.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 23. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.
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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, including our four days in Los Angeles covering the preliminary hearing and its ruling, which has Danny facing trial and the potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
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] Danny Masterson accusers: Scientology’s illegal behavior shouldn’t count as ‘commerce’
[TWO years ago] George Gascón goes there: Elect him Los Angeles D.A., and Danny Masterson gets a fresh look
[THREE years ago] Scientology school sinks to new low, but the federal dollars keep pouring in
[FOUR years ago] A close up look at how human rights abuser Scientology is touting human rights as a front
[FIVE years ago] The way to break free from Scientology’s mind trap: Admit to yourself that you’re gullible
[SIX years ago] DOX: Woman sues Pasadena company for forcing Scientology on her
[SEVEN years ago] Marc Headley responds to sliming Scientology gave him at the ‘International Business Times’
[EIGHT years ago] The big reveal: What you actually learn on Scientology’s Operating Thetan Level Three
[NINE years ago] DOX: Autopsy Report of Scientology President’s Son, Alexander Jentzsch
[TEN years ago] Scientology Subluxation: Commenters of the Week!
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Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,510 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,015 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,535 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,555 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,446 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,753 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,621 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,395 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,726 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,199 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,515 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,081 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,000 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,168 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,749 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,010 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,046 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,761 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,286 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 641 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,816 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,367 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,516 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,836 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,691 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,810 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,166 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,469 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,575 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,973 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,849 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,432 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,927 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,181 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,290 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on December 10, 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
Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast
