While here in the US today many children will be reconnecting with their dads for Father’s Day, some of us know that it’s not going to happen this year.
Some of us are ex-Scientologists. And when you leave Scientology, you run the risk of being labeled an enemy of the church, what it calls “suppressive persons.”
When that happens, Scientology instructs everyone who wants to remain in good standing with the organization to cut that “SP” out of their lives.
I myself followed this “disconnection” policy after my own brother, Robbie Levin, left the organization in 1984. He was declared “suppressive” for leaving the church. And so I had to disconnect from him then if I wanted to remain in good standing. And the way my mind worked then, I did not want to “lose my eternity.”
By the year 2017 I had a different view of Scientology and its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. I disobeyed that disconnection order and reunited with Robbie. The result was that I was declared suppressive. And now the people who were close to me had to make that choice.
And that’s how I lost my kids.
My son Collin wanted to receive Scientology services and found out that he couldn’t because of my status. He asked me to call the ethics officer at Celebrity Centre. He wanted me to get back on the correct path. The lead ethics officer at CC demanded that I come in and see her. I said “nope, not happening.” I did suggest she could meet me anywhere else. She declined and then threatened me with an instant declare. (I told the whole story on Leah and Mike’s podcast, episode 22, if you want to hear all the details.) So after I talked on the phone with this young woman, my son Collin had to disconnect from me in July 2017.
Then my daughter Savannah followed in early 2018 with a phone call where she was being coached on what to say to me. At the time I was giving her money every month because she needed it for college. She informed me she no longer needed it. What? Then she said “Dad, do not call me, text me, or email me any more.” I asked her, “you mean nothing ever again?” She said “yes, nothing.” I questioned her on who had worked with her on how to “handle me” and disconnect. She got pretty flustered with that question. And that’s the last time I talked to her.
And that was the end of my existence as an active dad. Now I’m a dad in waiting. I’ll never give up hope. If I could get out after 46 years, anyone can leave. In 2021 I found out I had a life threatening disease. My operation was successful. Do you think my children knew or cared? Now this Father’s Day feels like a black void. A void I have learned to live with. I feel bad for my kids. This is more harmful for them than me. I still send them birthday cards, wish them happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. No one is stopping me from communicating with them. However, they have been taught to be victims. To run from their alleged enemies. They are the effect of spiritual blackmail and my belief I was helping them by educating them in Hubbard’s teachings.
This is Scientology’s legacy. Fear, anger, delusion, blackmail, prejudice and lies. I am so grateful I am out. No one tells me who I can communicate with or not. I make my own decisions and chose my friends and those who will not be my friends. And I’m still willing to communicate with anyone.
I am looking to broadly expose Scientology with the full length documentary I produced which is about ready to go to festivals and be sold. And my kids are in it, although they refused to be interviewed or give statements. And my band’s album was released the first of this year and many of the songs tell of my long arduous journey as a zealot. They are all part of the story in “Brothers Broken.”
So dads, please savor your time with your children. And you who have dads, give them a big hug on Father’s Day. Most all of them deserve it.
— Geoff Levin
——————–
Underground Bunker readers: Please sign up for substack!
Your proprietor is beginning to experiment with substack. We’ll be telling you more about it later. For right now, please go to our substack (tonyortega.substack.com), and sign up for free emails. We want all of our wonderful longtime readers signed up before things start changing here and there.
Please sign up today!
——————–
“I think you could probably get a cat to talk with the reach-and-withdraw band of processes. I mean it. I mean it. I think you could get a cat to talk. But how would you go about processing a cat, you see? Well, the same way you tend to process children. Sloppily, hunt-and-punch, no regular sessions, not treating it with the dignity that auditing demands. Don’t you see? You know, a lot of Scientologists’ kids are going to be practically unprocessable in a few more years, if people keep hunting-and-punching processing on them, you know. Grabbing them off as they pass by, and running an assist, don’t you see, and never flattening the auditing command and so forth. I’m surprised, every once in a while, one of my kids will yelp when I say I’m going to give them an assist, you know. They yelp! They’re usually very pleased, but once in a while I will propose something like this, and I’ll get a protest.” — L. Ron Hubbard, June 19, 1963
——————–
“To the members of the FB, FSO and FAO: Thank you all — each and every one — for your good wishes on my Birthday. I’m thrilled with the ‘Mad Money for Cassettes,’ and very anxious to see my Mystery Gift. Much love,” — Mary Sue, June 19, 1971
“The attempt to Black PR those who adhere to KSW, is just that — Black PR, promulgated by those who didn’t and don’t keep Scientology working, and whose results with the materials sure do show that up. Yep, I’m a ‘fundamentalist’ allrighty. Paid my dues on Flag’s Internships, and through thousands of hours of application to earn that epithet.”
——————–
2000: Jeff Jacobsen reported that the Bank building in Clearwater was the site of a protest this week. “Eleven people picketed the Scientology Bank Building in downtown Clearwater today from 11am to 1pm. We had some TV coverage and got tons of horn honks and thumbs up from the heavy traffic. Both Jeff Jacobsen and Mark Bunker had Incident Reports filed by the Clearwater Police over the 10 foot rule in the temporary injunction filed after the Minton-Howd event last October. We had 4 newbie picketers and they all had a good time and plan to picket again. When the TV crews got there, both Pat Jones and Al Buttnor rushed out to talk to them and try to persuade them that there was no news here. Al Buttnor seemed especially upset today.”
——————–
“I’ve seen Oz promote homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and herbal voodoo on his program. He’s Dr Woo-Woo.”
——————–
Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next pretrial conference June 30. Trial scheduled for October 11.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Last hearing was on January 18, referred to grand jury. Additional charges also referred to grand jury after January 5 assault while in jail.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Readiness hearing scheduled for August 22 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for September 19.
— Yanti Mike Greene, Scientology private eye accused of contempt of court: Found guilty of criminal and civil contempt.
Civil litigation:
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Complaint filed April 28 in Tampa federal court.
— 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.’ Valerie’s motion for reconsideration denied on March 15.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Next hearing scheduled for June 29.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for December 6.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: New trial ordered after appeals court overturned prior ruling.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Lawsuit filed by the FTC and state of Georgia in August, now in discovery phase.
——————–
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?
——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK
[ONE year ago] Finally, truth in Scientology advertising: What an ‘Ideal USA’ would really look like
[TWO years ago] Records show that Danny Masterson is a woeful Scientologist — would he turn on the church?
[THREE years ago] Ignore the apologists: Yes, L. Ron Hubbard lied about having an engineering degree
[FOUR years ago] Stacy Francis goes to Washington: Are we witnessing another Scientology political op?
[FIVE years ago] Clearwater bar owner under surveillance has a surprise for Scientology: He’s expanding
[SIX years ago] Scientology goes big with Barnes & Noble and with the Euro 2016 football tournament
[SEVEN years ago] LEAK: ‘Crappy stories’ about Scientology are driving more people to the church than ever!
[EIGHT years ago] Paul Haggis, Chill EB, and more Scientology fun in an all-video post!
[NINE years ago] LEAK: Scientology’s Script For Softening Up A Crowd
[TEN years ago] The Master Gets Its Scientology On in 2nd Trailer
——————–
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 2,700 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,205 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,755 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,745 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,636 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,942 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,811 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,585 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,916 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,389 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,705 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,271 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,190 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,358 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,938 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,200 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,236 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,951 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,476 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 831 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,006 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,557 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,706 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,026 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,881 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,000 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,356 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,659 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,765 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,163 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,039 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,622 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,117 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,371 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,480 days.
——————–
Posted by Tony Ortega on June 19, 2022 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, 1995-2021 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2021), 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
