Scientology in Russia, a series by historian Chris Owen, part 2: The Putin years

[If it’s Russia, it must be a raid]

For some time now we’ve been nudging historian Chris Owen to help us understand what is going on with Scientology in Russia. We’ve seen news reports about numerous police raids of orgs there, and we’ve read about a prosecution involving some real estate fraud, but what are we to think about it?

Continue reading Scientology in Russia, a series by historian Chris Owen, part 2: The Putin years

Scientology takes boards down after Inauguration riots failed to materialize

[The chipboard comes down in San Diego]

In December, we noticed something odd: Many of Scientology’s orgs across the United States were boarded up like they were going out of business.

Continue reading Scientology takes boards down after Inauguration riots failed to materialize

Danny Masterson says he intends to take part in Scientology ‘arbitration’ with alleged victims

[Masterson at his Sept 18 court appearance]

Scientology loves to twist the knife, and now that it has won its motions to force Danny Masterson’s rape accusers into “religious arbitration,” it’s looking for ways to further weaponize its position in the civil lawsuit filed by the alleged victims of sexual assault.

Continue reading Danny Masterson says he intends to take part in Scientology ‘arbitration’ with alleged victims

Scientology in Russia: Historian Chris Owen does the deep dive we’ve been waiting for

[Scientology’s 2011 Moscow Ideal Org grand opening, a photo no longer on its website]

Continue reading Scientology in Russia: Historian Chris Owen does the deep dive we’ve been waiting for

AUDIO: Tommy Davis, as Scientology spokesman, secretly recorded discussing ‘disconnection’

We noticed recently that one of the most important stories we published at the Village Voice is missing a series of audio recordings that go with it. They come from a secretly-recorded tape that captures then-Scientology spokesman Tommy Davis intimidating a church member with the threat of ‘disconnection,’ Scientology’s toxic control mechanism that Davis had publicly pretended didn’t exist in a famous CNN segment.

Continue reading AUDIO: Tommy Davis, as Scientology spokesman, secretly recorded discussing ‘disconnection’

Tom Cruise doesn’t want you to visit his camera-heavy condo in Scientology’s mecca

It’s fun to hear from Clay Irwin again, who sent us some snapshots.

Continue reading Tom Cruise doesn’t want you to visit his camera-heavy condo in Scientology’s mecca

As Kevin Trudeau’s prison stint nears end, his pitch sounds more like Scientology than ever

In March 2014, TV pitchman and “Natural Cures” grifter Kevin Trudeau was sentenced to ten years in prison for contempt of court.

Continue reading As Kevin Trudeau’s prison stint nears end, his pitch sounds more like Scientology than ever

With not guilty plea, Danny Masterson assigned a trial judge his prosecutor knows well

[Danny and the judge]

We were listening yesterday as Danny Masterson’s criminal defense attorney Tom Mesereau entered a not guilty plea for the That ’70s Show actor at his arraignment on three counts of forcible rape, which carry a potential penalty of 45 years to life in prison. Masterson himself was not in court.

Continue reading With not guilty plea, Danny Masterson assigned a trial judge his prosecutor knows well

Danny Masterson arraigned on rape charges, enters a not guilty plea

[Masterson at his Sept 18 initial court appearance.]

UPDATE: We were listening in this morning as Tom Mesereau entered a not guilty plea on behalf of his client Danny Masterson as the That ’70s Show actor was arraigned at Los Angeles Superior Court. The case was then assigned to Judge Charlaine Olmedo to schedule a preliminary hearing in upcoming months.

As of this morning’s posting time, two hearings regarding Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson are both scheduled to happen at the same time at Los Angeles Superior Court — one in the criminal court building, and another in civil court — and for the first time, we can listen in remotely.

Continue reading Danny Masterson arraigned on rape charges, enters a not guilty plea

Danny Masterson accusers want emergency halt on ‘religious arbitration’ to protect rape case

[Chrissie Bixler doesn’t want to run into Masterson in ‘arbitration’]

Tomorrow, Danny Masterson is scheduled, once again, to be arraigned on three counts of forcible rape that have him facing 45 years to life in prison. And for that reason, say his alleged victims, they have asked for an emergency hearing to take place, also tomorrow, so they can ask to have the harassment lawsuit they filed against the That ’70s Show actor and the Church of Scientology put on ice.

Continue reading Danny Masterson accusers want emergency halt on ‘religious arbitration’ to protect rape case

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