Trials involving Scientology going on in Los Angeles and New York? Major trafficking litigation against Scientology in Florida? And Mike Rinder’s book getting major media treatment?
Hey, you may think Scientology is in a bit of trouble, but you’d be wrong about that. In fact, Scientology’s fundraising is so on fire, it’s going XTREME!
Our thanks to the reader who sent in another of Scientology’s impossibly long fliers with the results of the latest fundraising madness. So, while we have a day before the Masterson trial starts, let’s get this reminder that Scientology never, ever gives up.
Yes, once again the Fabos Factor — Steve Fabos and his wife Peggy Oppenheim-Fabos — figure prominently, although this flier is vague about the number of “humanitarians” they’ve contributed this time.
Scientology will have this planet cleared in no time!
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Day Four at the Danny Masterson trial
Your proprietor is on pool reporter duty again this morning as Day Four begins in the Danny Masterson rape trial at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles. And with Judge Charlaine Olmedo bringing in potential jurors from all three of the 75-person panels who filled out questionnaires last week, it’s likely to be a very crowded courtroom and we may be the only reporter in the room for much of the day.
But as we said before the weekend, Judge Olmedo seems pretty confident that questioning by attorneys on both sides, the voir dire process, will go quickly and a jury with 12 members and six or seven alternates will be seated by the end of the day or perhaps early on Tuesday. If that’s the case, she suggested, opening statements could come on Tuesday and the first witness on the stand on Wednesday.
We’re very curious to see how Judge Olmedo moves things along today, and we’ll be taking copious notes for the pool. We are likely to send out an update here at the Substack today, and at the end of the day’s session, a video.
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Technology Cocktail
“A true group will conquer the most MEST. Not even given proportionate resources with another group, it will conquer other groups which are not quite true groups. Brilliance and skill tend naturally to rally to the standards of a true group as well as resources. As a sort of inevitable consequence, MEST will move under a true group. The amount of MEST a true group will eventually conquer — but not necessarily OWN — is directly in proportion to the amount of Theta that group displays—Theta being many things including solutions along the dynamics toward survival. To display Theta the group must definitely tend toward a true group.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1951
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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 trial begins and Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?
— The Underground Bunker Podcast
[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
— SPECIAL: Your Proprietor’s updates on the Danny Masterson trial
[1] Sep 21 [2] Sep 28 [3] Oct 4 [4] Oct 10 [5] Oct 11: Day One [6] Oct 12: Day Two [7] Oct 13: Day Three [8] Oct 17: Day Four
— The Underground Bunker Podcast on YouTube
[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin
“Everybody is a southpaw earlier on the track, and they’ve shifted over in desperation to the right hand. Well, this southpaw in space opera came about — para-Scientology — came about where the individual carried his gun on the left-hand side of the body and drew it and used it with the left hand (the blaster and so forth). And you’ll find that people are very, very unwilling to use their left hands. They just don’t want to — don’t want to use that left hand and — because it kills people. Just as simple as that. And when people get killed their emotional kickback and so forth, is telegraphed through on the back blast and it makes one feel bad and one goes on down Tone Scale on a — on the overt act-motivator mechanism.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 17, 1953
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“The barometer in this area is known to go from very low to very high within 5 days. Hurricanes seldom come here and usually reach only 60 to 85 mph winds. We are in a “moving depression” that isn’t moving. The ship is quite safe where she is. Only ‘Moderate to fresh winds gusting strong’ and ‘Rain’ is forecast for where we are. Golly that glass got low!” — The Commodore, October 17, 1970
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“I think Trump might be an angel, or an alien with some of the powers you guys imagine for an OT. He certainly is a ‘Big Being.’ I keep catching glimpses of a column of white light 10 feet across coming down from above surrounding, protecting and empowering him.”
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2001: Messages from Scientology to members about their efforts in the wake of the September 11th tragedy at the World Trade Centers continue to be posted to a.r.s. “If you’ve ever wanted a prospect-rich environment of monied top-drawer Corporate America clients who need AND WANT your help, here it is. Tired of beating your brains out with small-think Mom & Pop shops? Dreamed of playing in the Big League? If I’m ever asked again, ‘How do I get my consulting practice going?’ or ‘How do I attract more clients?’, my first response is going to be, ‘Did you got to New York?’ We’ll cover your immediate expenses. This is the defining moment in time for you and all of us. So, swallow hard as anything that stops you now on this one is Enemy. Recognize it as such, rise above it and get your butt on a plane to New York or spend the rest of your life wishing you had. ML, Harrison Quigley, Deputy Chairman, PCA Int’l”
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“I’m still amazed considering the subject of this forum when I read folks wondering about the efficacy of homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic medicine etc. People, assume everything’s a scam or magical thinking and work it back from there.”
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker
Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Trial began October 11 in Los Angeles.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Arraigned on August 29.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff scheduled to be sentenced on Oct 28.
— Rizza Islam, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for October 24 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, Scientology moving to compel arbitration. Plaintiffs filed amended complaint on August 2. Hearing scheduled November 17 to argue the arbitration motions.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Selection of arbitrators underway. Next court hearing: February 2, 2023.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Stay in place, next status hearing October 25.
— 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.
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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] New allegation: Woman says she was raped by Danny Masterson at ‘Dracula 2000’ cast party
[TWO years ago] SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tommy Davis threatens to sue Aussie network over axed series
[THREE years ago] He freed key documents from Scientology’s rehabs, and now he can talk about it
[FOUR years ago] Scientology tried to ruin her. Now, Sylvia DeWall has a message for her former friends and family.
[FIVE years ago] On tonight’s ‘Leah Remini,’ reality star Mimi Faust takes on Scientology’s harm to family
[SIX years ago] Scientology finally uses trillions of years of wisdom for something useful: The perfect burger
[SEVEN years ago] When Scientology makes you a villain, you understand that it rules its members by fear
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology leader David Miscavige gets in just under the wire in NAFC lawsuit
[NINE years ago] Starting Today: Jefferson Hawkins Helps Us Get Our Scientology Ethics In!
[TEN years ago] Texas Blues: David Miscavige Forsakes The Largest State in the Lower 48
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology Mailbag: We Hear it from Church Members
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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 2,820 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,325 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,875 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,865 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,756 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,061 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,931 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 2,036 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,509 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,825 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,391 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,310 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,478 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,058 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,320 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,356 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,071 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,636 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 951 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,126 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,677 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,808 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,146 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,001 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,120 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,476 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,779 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,885 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,283 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,159 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,742 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,237 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,491 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,600 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 17, 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
