Let the interviews begin! Your proprietor was busy this weekend as we prepared to fly back to New York for a week off from the Danny Masterson trial. Before we could get out of town, several good folks wanted to chat with us about what it’s been like to report from the courtroom.
Doug Scott Kramer’s channel “Dazed but not Confuzed” made an appearance at the Bunker back in March 2021, and we were happy to join him this weekend for a discussion of the trial.
He’s allowed us to premiere the interview here this morning, and we hope you find it interesting.
His was just one of four lengthy interviews we did this afternoon, and we thank our interviewers putting up with our froggy voice as we pushed through a minor cold.
On Sunday afternoon, we also talked live with Andrew Gold…
And we also went live with Chris Shelton….
Each one asked us different questions about the trial and Scientology, and we really enjoyed them all.
So now we’ll try to figure out how to get through the Thanksgiving week and then get back to Los Angeles as the jury deliberations resume.
Again, we want to point out that Judge Charlaine Olmedo said that the jury had deliberated too short a time to declare it “deadlocked,” and she wants them to try to reach verdicts after the holiday.
We think that may be possible, and this jury could still find unanimity.
We’ll be there if it happens!
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Technology Cocktail
“We can make a 4.0 in Dianetics by very arduously swamping up via negative-gain processing the reactive mind, and he will remain relatively stable and with greater longevity, and is as defined in the first book; but we have not put aside the normal course of ageing in the body nor have we completely proofed this individual against the shocks and upsets of existence which would come from new incidents of pain and unconsciousness.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1953
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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 Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.
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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 [12] Oct 20: Day Seven [13] Oct 21: Day Eight [14] First week in review, with Jeffrey Augustine [15] Oct 24: Day Nine [16] Oct 25: Day Ten [17] Oct 27: Day Eleven [18] Oct 28: Day Twelve [19] Second week in review, with Jeffrey Augustine [20] Halloween special [21] Nov 2: Day Thirteen [22] Nov 3: Day Fourteen [23] Nov 4: Day Fifteen [24] Third week in review [25] Nov 5, Saturday special [26] Nov 6, Sunday special [27] Nov 7, Day Sixteen [28] Lisa Marie Presley breaking news [29] Nov 8, Day Seventeen [30] Nov 9, Day Eighteen [31] Nov 10, Day Nineteen
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“Though little progress has been made in the field of psychic phenomena in Dianetics, we have made enough progress to raise the hair of the whole society — just as we are doing on the subject of processing. But it is interesting to me that some of the past concepts of what life is seem to be very antique at this time. We haven’t had time to look up some of the confirmations thoroughly enough, but there is just a little bit more evidence in favor of immortality and the individuality of the human soul than there is against it….The preponderance of the evidence is in favor of individual immortality. I never thought that would be the case. All my life, I had supposed that when a person was dead, he was dead. He looks awfully dead! Actually, that was all the scientific evidence the society had on that basis a few short months ago: ‘He looks awfully dead’.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 21, 1950
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“PORT: Well, we sure left that port cool. Ship’s Rep rounds taking the usual presents, found all very high ARC hoping we’ll come back. The hostile newspaper was ordered to suspend publication. You all did very well there and I’m proud of you.” — The Commodore, November 21, 1969
“I’ve decided to re-join the ranks of people who have accepted responsibility for the impact of Scientology in the world and want to keep up the good work and move forward with it into society. I’ve got all sorts of ideas banging around and I want to discuss them with people. I personally think that this ongoing idea I have heard many say, that ‘the brand is damaged’ etc., is a little — or a lot — off. There’s enough truth to the idea to make some sense, but there’s also some sort of lie about it that gives persistence to an unwanted reality. In my recent ‘reawakening’ to the subject, I’ve been talking about Scientology to lots of people. All of them have known nothing about the subject other than what they have been told in the recent ‘made for TV’ controversies. I think I have been smart in who I have talked with about the subject. I have been talking with people who are at 3.0 or above on the tone scale! Just as Ron observed, these people don’t readily accept entheta as reality. And they are often very skeptical about media and current ‘culture.’ What’s shoved down our throats hasn’t often been good for us. What I am hoping for in my posting this is to hear back from people who want to FULLY revitalize themselves on the subject of Scientology in terms of applying it again. I am hoping for PMs, and talking, and doing some mischievous planning together! ‘Man, in affinity with man, survives.’ I believe we can all help each other out.”
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2001: Spiegel reported that Microsoft has offered to share the source code for Windows with the German government to counter suspicions that software written by a Scientologist-owned company could spy on the user. “In Unterschliessheim near Munich on Friday, the German branch of the world’s largest software company offered Parliament and the Federal Interior Ministry access to Windows source code, which normal Microsoft customers don’t have a chance of seeing. This is Microsoft’s response to the discussion about alleged hidden functions in the Windows operating system. In Parliament, the aging Microsoft Windows NT 4 system is currently installed on about 5,000 office computers. A debate has been ongoing inside Parliament for months as to whether it will next be equipped with the new Microsoft Windows XP or with the open-source Linux system. Supporters of the Linux solution, such as SPD Representative Joerg Tauss, have specifically mentioned that Microsoft software posed a security risk because the majority of computer viruses are distributed through holes in the Microsoft system. The discussion specifically included integration of the ‘Diskeeper’ program into Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP versions systems. That software for data maintenance was developed by a US corporation managed by a professing Scientologist.”
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“It’s not a question of whether the Church of Scientology has ever been capable of world domination, obviously that’s absurd. It’s that Hubbard’s writings state this as his goal which lays the groundwork for banning Scientology and similar organizations by governments around the world, justifiably so, in my opinion. If you’re going to talk shit, don’t cry foul when people make you choke on it.”
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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 March 1 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 at least through December 13.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Case settled ahead of scheduled Dec 6 trial.
— 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] Scientology founder’s breathless promotion of his ability to ‘endow another body with life!’
[TWO years ago] Scientology’s super couple throws in the towel and finally agrees to pay $3.5 million tax debt
[THREE years ago] Scientology not only wants Danny Masterson rape lawsuit quashed, it wants sanctions
[FOUR years ago] Things to be thankful for — the new Scientology holiday catalog is here!
[FIVE years ago] Tonight: Leah Remini and Mike Rinder wrap up their 2nd season with questions from viewers
[SIX years ago] Shelley Duvall is ill, but is Scientology’s Vivian Kubrick the best person to step in?
[SEVEN years ago] Scenes from the divorce of the second marriage that L. Ron Hubbard never had
[EIGHT years ago] Swiss politicians sue Scientology for libel in battle over anti-drug front group
[NINE years ago] The “Ethics” of Political Power: Scientology’s Worship of Ruthlessness
[TEN years ago] No, Kelly Preston is Not Rebelling Against Scientology By Acknowledging Autism
[ELEVEN years ago] Scientology’s ‘Super Power’ Building: Cash Cow for the Church
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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 2,855 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,360 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,910 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,900 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,791 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 5,096 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,966 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 2,071 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,544 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,860 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,426 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,345 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,513 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 4,093 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,355 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,391 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 3,106 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,671 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 986 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 2,161 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,712 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,843 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 4,181 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 9,036 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 4,155 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,511 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,814 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,920 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,318 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 3,194 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,777 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 3,272 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,526 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,635 days.
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Posted by Tony Ortega on November 21, 2022 at 09:00
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
