We received this statement from Geoff Levin, and we’re happy to post it here…

It’s been a long journey getting out and speaking out and Tony’s been there from the very beginning of my deprogramming in September 2011, when I read my first article in the Village Voice.

What a journey.

We released our [...]]]>

We received this statement from Geoff Levin, and we’re happy to post it here…

It’s been a long journey getting out and speaking out and Tony’s been there from the very beginning of my deprogramming in September 2011, when I read my first article in the Village Voice.

What a journey.

We released our PEOPLE! album after 50 years of disconnection, and we had the world premiere screening of Brothers Broken at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose on August 20th. There was great press coverage and interviews with TV stations and radio. We had one more screening for the festival on August 26th at the Icon Theatre and Kitchen.

Now, our Los Angeles premiere is on Sunday at 7:30 pm at the Laemmle NoHo7 in North Hollywood.

Our documentary is about Scientology’s toxic disconnection policy but it is also about reconnecting. I have restored so many friendships and met so many wonderful new artists, musicians and filmmakers.

The world outside Scientology has so much to offer. Yes it’s crazy right now and there are amazing, effective people who are genuinely helping and creating positive effects. We all have the potential to do that. I went from victim mode to “Something Can Be Done About It” — my other go to guy Mike Rinder’s blog was my second source of deprogramming after Tony.

I look at where we stand now as Scientology and David Miscavige are exposed every day now.

The billions the church has cannot help them now. The echoes from all our voices started the avalanche that will bury the Scientology organization so it can no longer spread its lies, fraud, and human rights abuses. Thank you, Tony, and all the other whistleblowers. You all have been my guides to a life free of Hubbard’s toxic beliefs.

— Geoff Levin

Geoff points out that Sunday’s LA premiere will take place just a few blocks from Scientology’s Valley Ideal Org. Photo opportunity?

 
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Technology Cocktail

“As Mest is made to help too much, a plateau of civilization is reached in which the individual is downgraded to a number. The end of this—the lights eventually go out through lack of personal initiative and ability. We are in a fantastic position, at the right time and place, to halt this cycle of decay and start a new one on Earth. And I believe we should overtly do so. How? We are masters of IQ and ability.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1960

 
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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?

[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

— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond

[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner

 
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Source Code

“Where does that leave psychology?…This is the way the wheel is going to turn. And the wheel has already begun its slow inexorable spin. They are about to become a more radical element of Scientology. And we’re about to become the conservatives and they’re about to become the revolutionaries. They’re the Johnny-come-latelys, the cowboys in the black hat. And we’re the old homesteaders, been there a long time. And they’ll give us all the propaganda we want to drive this point home, because it will outrage them to such a degree that every time they pick it up or hear it they will go into a complete scream. They will help us. In every university they will help us. They’ll explain to all of their classes, ‘Hubbard is crazy because he says actually Scientology is a very broad subject that psychology is just a part of,’ Ha-ha-ha! None of the students are laughing. Students can understand a radical offshoot, or a Johnny-come-lately type of an approach that says all men are animals.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 1, 1964

Avast, Ye Mateys

“According to a long newspaper article John F. Kennedy picked up a body in Germany five minutes after he was killed in Texas. Spotting and naming the people of his family and office and mentioning personal habits and actions, this is John F. Kennedy all right, now 7 years old is now the son of Johan Schuler of Munich and has the name of Johan Schuler. The parents are worried about his ability to lead a future normal life. An interesting point is not that he picked up a new body but that Germany is now alert to ‘reincarnation.’” — The Commodore, September 1, 1971

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Overheard in the FreeZone

“Scientology is NOT dead. It is alive and well, much to the chagrin of squirrels and SPs. The only thing that can kill Scientology is reasonableness and allowing SPs and squirrels to dilute and suppress the philosophy and technology. The way forward is to pour the coals on the purpose of Scientology and validate THAT, not the antithesis.”

 
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Past is Prologue

1999: Letters to the Editor of the St. Petersburg Times were published this week on the subject of Scientology. “To set the record straight, the Church of Scientology not only pays property taxes, but it pays more than anybody in downtown. The Church of Scientology further brings in excess of $100-million to Clearwater through its parishioners, who come from around the world. Let’s not forget that downtown went belly up before we ever located here. After all, that’s why the buildings we bought were empty. The debate is not about needing the church or not. We are members of the community, as are over 10,000 Scientologists who are Clearwater citizens. We are doing our part to contribute to city plans. Our parking needs are being addressed and have not been set in concrete, so as to allow the city to finalize its downtown plans. We don’t want a structure that is but another eyesore like so many other downtown lots. Everyone should applaud the cooperation. – Pat Jones, director of public affairs, Church of Scientology. / Residents of Clearwater will not come downtown as they once did. They do not want to mingle with the Scientologists, who deprive a city of taxes. We all know them as a cult. – N.J. Swan, Clearwater”

 
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Random Howdy

“It’s too bad Russell Crowe didn’t become a full-time Scientologist. He would have been the ultimate batshit crazy Scieno. He would have made Cruise look like Mr. Rogers.”

 
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentencing on Sep 7.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Trial scheduled for August 15.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud.

Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Complaint filed August 2, first hearing set for Dec 4.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration. Plaintiffs allowed interlocutory appeal to Eleventh Circuit.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— 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 sentencing of Masterson on Sep 7. Next hearing set for Sept 26.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Next hearing Nov 6.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.

 
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SCIENTOLOGY: FAIR GAME

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] After 9-year appeal, Scientology wins tax exemption in the Netherlands
[TWO years ago] Hot new progress reports from Scientology’s massive world takeover!
[THREE years ago] Leah Remini podcast: Scientology leader’s Fair Game campaign against his own father
[FOUR years ago] Another capital to get a ‘national’ Scientology center. Can you feel the excitement?
[FIVE years ago] A peek inside Janis Gillham Grady’s second volume as ‘Commodore’s Messenger’
[SIX years ago] DRONE FLYOVER: Scientology’s failed underground vault project in Wyoming
[SEVEN years ago] Marty Rathbun defends Scientology leader David Miscavige as he trashes tell-all memoir ‘Ruthless’
[EIGHT years ago] Louis Theroux film — ‘My Scientology Movie’ — to premiere October 14 at the London Film Festival
[NINE years ago] Signs of chaos emerge for Scientology’s drug rehab legal defense
[TEN years ago] Scientology Leader David Miscavige Files Declaration in Texas Lawsuit

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on September 1, 2023 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, 1995-2022 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2022), 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

 

Tony Ortega at Rolling Stone

 Geoff Levin surprised us and made available the trailer for his upcoming documentary, “Brothers Broken,” which takes a devastating look at the effects of Scientology’s toxic “disconnection” policy.

Geoff and his brother Robbie were founding members of the 1960s rock band PEOPLE! that had a hit with their 1968 single “I Love You.” But just as [...]]]>

 
Geoff Levin surprised us and made available the trailer for his upcoming documentary, “Brothers Broken,” which takes a devastating look at the effects of Scientology’s toxic “disconnection” policy.

Geoff and his brother Robbie were founding members of the 1960s rock band PEOPLE! that had a hit with their 1968 single “I Love You.” But just as that song was breaking big, they joined Scientology and then even joined the Sea Org, working as musicians to help spread the L. Ron Hubbard gospel.

It destroyed the band and eventually destroyed the relationship of these two talented brothers from San Jose, California. Robbie got out of Scientology by the early 1980s, but Geoff stayed in and even increased his dedication to the church, which included cutting off all ties with his brother.

Eventually, Geoff’s loyalty to Scientology turned him into a virtual hermit suffering intense depression and suicidal thoughts. But then one day, everything changed.

“We’re not completely finished with the film, however it is finished enough to submit to Sundance,” he tells us. “The film is also tied in with our band PEOPLE!’s new album, the first in 50 years. I think it’s a different approach to telling the truth about Scientology. My experiences corroborate those who have gone before me. And I appreciate their work. And first and foremost I am grateful I ran into the journalist at the Village Voice who first exposed me to L. Ron Hubbard’s lies.”

Geoff’s return to sanity and the eventual reunion with his brother makes for a powerful film, and with its background in the 1960s music scene and Geoff’s involvement in Scientology’s Celebrity Centre, this is one of the most unique takes we’ve seen on the subject.

And yes, full disclosure, your proprietor and this website play a small part, and we’re humbled that Geoff and Robbie included us.

“The Bunker has been so supportive,” he says, and we certainly have enjoyed how much the commenting section here was a big part of this story at the time.

Take a look at the trailer, and let us know what you think.

 
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Lawsuit by Danny Masterson’s rape accusers passes early hurdle

Yesterday Judge Steven Kleifield shot down arguments by Danny Masterson and the Church of Scientology regarding the lawsuit filed by four of Masterson’s rape accusers, overruling the two “demurrers” they had filed to try to derail the case.

Masterson’s demurrer was designed to get him removed from the lawsuit. He also wanted references to the rape allegations removed from the harassment lawsuit, and he wanted the two Jane Does suing him to identify themselves. One of Masterson’s key arguments was that he wasn’t personally being blamed for any particular act of harassment against the women, but instead is being accused of acting in a conspiracy against them. Also, he argued that the women were improperly joining together to sue him when they were alleging different things at different times and in different places.

But Judge Kleifield turned away each of those arguments. He said that the women could sue together, that Danny could be sued as an agent of the church in the campaign against the women, he refused to take out the language about the rape investigation, and he said a demurrer was not the proper place to argue against the Jane Does using their fictitious names.

Scientology made similar arguments in its demurrer against Bobette Riales, the only one of the women suing who was not formerly a Scientologist. Kleifield sustained both demurrers in regards to Bobette, but gave her 20 days to make changes to the lawsuit that would fix the problem. (Like, for example, alleging acts of harassment in Indiana in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.) So as long as Bobette’s attorneys make those changes, then she will remain in the lawsuit, making it a near total sweep for the plaintiffs in yesterday’s hearing.

The only thing the judge upheld for Masterson was an argument regarding the women being able to sue for attorneys fees and treble damages, which the judge denied. But we anticipate that these lawsuits are going to continue to evolve over time — especially if Masterson is found guilty in his criminal case — and what specific damages the plaintiffs will be entitled to may also evolve.

We’re going to post both rulings by the judge. They’re long because he is very carefully restating the arguments on both sides. We find that Judge Kleifield is a thorough and conscientious judge who takes this case very seriously, unlike his colleague Judge Burdge, who handled Valerie Haney’s lawsuit against the church.

 
The ruling largely overruling Danny Masterson’s demurrer…

Bixler v. Scientology: Dann… by Tony Ortega

 
The ruling overruling Scientology’s demurrer…

Bixler v. Scientology: CSI … by Tony Ortega

 
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Source Code

“How do you run a grief charge? Take him to the beginning of the moment when the incident first occurred….This goes way back on the track to a thing called, evidently, the Weeper — salt water. And for about half a million years man was having a hell of a time trying to rush into the waves long enough to get some food and rush back to get some air. And he didn’t have anything with which to rush. And it was, and it was very frustrating. So frustration winds up in spilling salt water. He had a couple of little tubes and he pushed these out of the shell and he’d pump like mad trying to pump out all the salt water. You run a preclear on this and it’s just fabulous.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 7, 1953

 
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Overheard in the FreeZone

“Recently I blocked a woman because she was using plain Black Scientology on me. I felt quite relaxed after blocking her.”

 
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Past is Prologue

1999: The Dark Horizons website carried a description from the set of Battlefield Earth this week, the movie in production based on a book by L. Ron Hubbard. “I had reservations about this movie, Battlefield Earth based on a book written by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and of course with Travolta’s involvement, one has to think Is this an attempt to mainstream Scientology beliefs into our movie theaters? But after reading the B.E. script (revised and revised, I might add!) and researching this L. Ron Hubbard person, I found that this movie is based on a great science-fiction story! L. Ron Hubbard it seems was a ordinary writer way back in 1930’s, writing 1000’s of stories for pulp magazines, mostly science fiction. The religion of Scientology didn’t seem to get started until later in his life, and it seems just a way to make money! Scientology does have a website for this movie WWW.BATTLEFIELDEARTH.COM. I rank this new B.E. movie somewhere between Planet of the Apes and Star Wars.”

 
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Random Howdy

“I had a dream I was L. Ron Hubbard and I was wearing a cape, sitting on a throne, with a bevy of teenage beauties sitting at my feet.”

 
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Demurrer filed by Masterson, arraignment delayed to October 19.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 29 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
— Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29. Bond revoked Sep 14. Nobbe dead, Sep 14.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Petition for a writ of mandate filed with Cal 2nd Appellate District, Sept 10.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Oct 26 (motions to compel arbitration)
— Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Update required in federal lawsuit on Oct 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.

 
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Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!

We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.

Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!

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 our weekly series. How many have you read?

 
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THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] As Scientologists face another day in L.A. court, we have a bizarre twist to the case
[TWO years ago] Exploiting Tony Bourdain’s suicide or giving out weird massages, Scientology never rests
[THREE years ago] Scientology is hacked off that Luis Garcia and attorney will appear on ‘Leah Remini’
[FOUR years ago] What’s the worst that can happen when you sue Scientology? Here’s one frightening example.
[FIVE years ago] A secret Scientology wake, a ‘Snow White’ link, & more odd twists emerge in the Cat White story
[SIX years ago] Comedy gold: Mark Ebner catches Scientology cheating with Sarah Silverman
[SEVEN years ago] U.S. SUPREME COURT DENIES SCIENTOLOGY IN FORCED-ABORTION LAWSUIT
[EIGHT years ago] How You Can Help Raise Money for Narconon’s Legal Defense!

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 7, 2020 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, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), 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, 14 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