Current lifetime: Born April 25, 1966 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Most famous for: Singing roles on Broadway, including the title role of Phantom of the Opera
Fun Scientology completion: Arc Straightwire, 2005
Mike Rinder tells us that James Barbour emerged as a favorite fixture at special Scientology events in the mid-2000s, where he would perform for the pleasure of Scientology leader David Miscavige. After Barbour pled guilty to having sex with a 15-year-old girl, however, his involvement ebbed. But then, more recently, he has emerged again as a featured entertainer to help out with Miscavige initiatives.
Says our Celebrity Centre source: “I was aware of James when he arrived on the scene at Celebrity Centre in LA. That was the first half of 2000s. He became the go-to guy for Scientology events of all sorts: CCHR, CC events, New Years etc. He was particularly appealing because of his delivery of bombastic, over the top inspirational songs. He still does events when his schedule permits. After his run as the Phantom, his career has stalled and he hasn’t been able to make the transition to film or TV like so many other Broadway actors. I think it’s another case of talent believing that Hubbard’s ‘Tech’ works while they are being exploited by Miscavige’s vampire organization.”
LINKS:
January 15, 2015: ‘Phantom of the Opera’ gets a two-fer: Scientologist and child molester!
August 8, 2018: Fake medals and kiddie diddlers: Scientology’s cruise ship scandal gets even worse
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Our book, 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. Our collaboration with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’, is also available at Amazon in paperback and Kindle versions.
The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2017 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2017), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)
Learn about Scientology with our numerous series with experts…
BLOGGING DIANETICS: We read Scientology’s founding text cover to cover with the help of L.A. attorney and former church member Vance Woodward
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
Other links: Shelly Miscavige, ten 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
