At the end of Tuesday in the Danny Masterson trial, we told you that we were a little concerned about Judge Charlaine Olmedo’s admonishment of prosecutor Deputy DA Reinhold Mueller.
She was unhappy that he’d introduced so many Scientology concepts so quickly that day, during alleged victim Jane Doe 1’s testimony. We were somewhat concerned that Judge Olmedo had become so worked up over what seemed to us like pretty basic features of daily life in Scientology. For example, that Scientologists consider themselves superior to non-Scientologists, which they refer to with the racist term “wogs,” and that non-Scientologists were often thought of as the “enemy.”
If Mueller was going to have a hard time introducing such basic concepts in this case in order to understand the feelings and actions of Danny Masterson’s victims, we thought Mueller might have a very difficult task ahead.
But yesterday morning, after reviewing the preliminary hearing transcript and noting that such concepts had been introduced in the case more than a year ago, Judge Olmedo once again denied defense attorney Philip Cohen’s motion for a mistrial, and things went along much more smoothly.
Plenty of Scientology concepts came into Jane Doe 1’s second day of testimony yesterday, including such arcane things as “Things That Shouldn’t Be” reports, and the notion of “high crimes,” the threat of a “non-enturbulation order,” and the consequences of being “declared suppressive.”
Cohen objected at regular intervals, but not more than you would normally expect during such testimony, and Judge Olmedo continued to respond that the material was being introduced not for “the truth of the matter,” but simply for the witness’s state of mind.
So, it turned out that our concerns that Mueller would be seriously reined in turned out not to be the case. Scientology was a heavy presence in yesterday’s testimony, which was marked with Jane Doe 1’s harrowing and graphic descriptions of a horrific attack that she alleged happened in Danny Masterson’s bedroom on April 25, 2003.
There were so few interruptions, in fact, that Mueller managed to finish his direct examination of Jane Doe 1 by 3:30 pm, and then cross-examination began.
It’s turning out that Judge Olmedo was not kidding when she said that she knew how to move a case quickly through her courtroom. We’ll remind you that the Harvey Weinstein trial, which is happening down at the other end of the hall, started the day before the Danny Masterson trial did, and yet they’re still trying to seat a jury down there while in Judge Olmedo’s courtroom a jury has been seated, the opening statements have unfolded, the first major witness has testified, and cross-examination of her has already begun. Amazing!
So as Day 7 of the trial begins this morning in Los Angeles, we’ll be interested to see what sort of pace defense attorney Philip Cohen sets as he continues his cross-examination, and what Judge Olmedo does to keep that pace high. We’ll be in the back row, tapping away.
Here’s the video we sent out to subscribers yesterday at the conclusion of the court session. And a warning: We got a little hot under the collar in this one, and we’ll try to rein it in a bit next time!
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Technology Cocktail
“Postulates are as good as they predict new data which, when looked for, is found to exist. on a Group Dianetic level, the release of theta from enturbulation compares to the release of or reduction of an engram. Release of theta from MEST, then, restores reason and removes Force from the situation.” — 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 [9] Oct 18: Day Five [10] Oct 19: Day Six [11] Special interview with Chris Shelton, Oct 19
— 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 [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins
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“The whole theory of psychotherapy fell down and went boom the moment we discovered that we were not treating the first dynamic when we were running engrams. Psychotherapy went by the boards. It died. It turned up its heels, and it has now even ceased to give an odor.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 20, 1954
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“Lack of use of Auditing to handle physical troubles has greatly extended our MO list. The practice of not auditing pcs who did not F/N at Exam and introducing ‘remedies’ has shown us which way not to go. Medicine and drugs reach back into the history of the witchcraft, Satanism, infanticide love potions and handling inter personal relations with arsenic. Born of abominations drugs and medicine continue their career in modern times. The only improvement has been to cut the throat of the patient instead of a sacrificial goat’s. I’m fed up with medicine and the lunatics in the drug business. We should pass a law they must wear the clothing of their trade — conical hats with stars and moons on them and black robes. Our recent stat on MO lines proves it. We are the wave of the future. We should get our feet out of the contaminated past.” — The Commodore, October 20, 1970
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“There is nothing better than Scientology, because through it the dynamics make sense, everything becomes clear and obvious. Yet amazingly, we run straight into counter-intention. There’s a lot of people who have staked an incredible amount on perpetuating and strengthening the grip of apparency on us.”
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1997: Gerry Armstrong reported that Scientology is threatening the producers of a UK TV documentary on L. Ron Hubbard. “As is probably well known 3BM Television has produced for Channel 4 a documentary biography of Hubbard. Scientology representatives have been threatening Channel 4 to prevent the airing of the program. The threat is of obtaining an injunction based on the charge that 3BM induced me to breach the 1986 settlement ‘agreement’ and the Marin County California judgment which prohibit me from speaking about Scientology, Hubbard and so forth. 3BM did not induce me to breach any agreement or judgment. The fact is I am willing to communicate to anyone about Scientology or Hubbard and my experiences therewith at any time and require no inducement. But even if I had been induced, the ‘agreement’ was obtained illegally; and even if it had not been obtained illegally it is illegal on its face.”
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“Hubbard was like 12 when he was in Asia. The only thing he was studying was jerking off.”
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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] Crazy fun on Scientology’s private cruise ship in the Caribbean, still tied to the dock
[TWO years ago] What Danny Masterson’s prosecutor revealed about the case in yesterday’s hearing
[THREE years ago] Scientologist anti-vaxx group fundraises on the idea its big California loss was a win
[FOUR years ago] Scientology’s astounding pre-history in a new book you really need to read
[FIVE years ago] Scientology’s Flag Building brain injury: In Clearwater, it’s déjà vu all over again
[SIX years ago] Chris Shelton: What Louis Theroux missed about the Scientology experience in his film
[SEVEN years ago] Two years after Scientology’s ‘Super Power’ debuted, it’s still a flop
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology is turning Larry Hagman’s house into a drunk tank for celebs
[NINE years ago] Next in the Garcia Fraud Lawsuit: Scientology Is Asked to Explain Its Arbitration System
[TEN years ago] 35-Year Scientologist Steve Poore Says Church Leader David Miscavige is “Scared to His Core”
[ELEVEN years ago] Jesse Prince Back From the Brink; Scientology Petition Takes Off: It’s The Thursday Stats Roundup!
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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 2,823 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,328 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,878 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,868 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,759 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,064 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,934 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 2,039 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,512 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,828 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,394 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,313 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,481 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,061 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,323 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,359 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,074 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,639 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 954 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,129 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,680 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,811 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,149 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,004 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,123 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,479 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,782 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,888 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,286 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,162 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,745 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,240 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,494 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,603 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 20, 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
