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Miss Lovely is still dishing on Scientology: It’s Paulette Cooper’s birthday!

[Paulette and her husband, Paul Noble]

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Every year, we celebrate the birthday of the woman who is the reason we started the Underground Bunker in the first place, to support our book about her, ‘The Unbreakable Miss Lovely.’ Happy birthday, Paulette Cooper! ALSO: Scientology’s Paris Org looks dead as Olympics open [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

Continue reading Miss Lovely is still dishing on Scientology: It’s Paulette Cooper’s birthday!

Scientology asks for more time to talk Whitney Mills’ mom out of wrongful-death lawsuit

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: The Scientology defendants in the Whitney Mills wrongful-death lawsuit have asked for another 30 days to respond. And while that’s not too unusual on its own, there are some interesting statements and suggestions about the case in the 7-page document they filed. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

Continue reading Scientology asks for more time to talk Whitney Mills’ mom out of wrongful-death lawsuit

Scientology does have a tax-exemption fight on its hands: But not in the US

[Scientology is in Dutch in the Netherlands]

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Two years ago we told you that Scientology gained a big victory in the Netherlands as it ruled that David Miscavige’s organization was tax-exempt. However, new documents show that the Dutch IRS is denying 95 percent of what the church wants covered, and Dave is furious. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

Continue reading Scientology does have a tax-exemption fight on its hands: But not in the US

Scientology debacle: Rent comes due on the double life of Aaron Kyro

[Aaron Kyro the Scientology staffer, and Aaron Kyro the skateboard mogul]

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Aaron Kyro is a 20-year staff member of Scientology’s San Francisco ‘Ideal Org,’ but in his other life he’s proprietor of the YouTube empire Braille Skateboarding. We wondered how he kept both going at the same time, and this week, it looks like he’s hit some major trouble. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

Continue reading Scientology debacle: Rent comes due on the double life of Aaron Kyro

When Scientology sent out its baddie to ‘handle’ the Lisa McPherson protests

[The protest, memorialized at Jeff Jacobsen’s Lisa McPherson website]

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Some new photos have surfaced that document one of Scientology’s darkest scandals and how it handled public criticism. And wait till you see who shows up in them! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

Continue reading When Scientology sent out its baddie to ‘handle’ the Lisa McPherson protests

Scientology says construction has begun on its next Ideal Org — in Puerto Rico!

[The money is flowing in PR!]

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Thanks to one of our readers, we have another Scientology fundraising letter, and this one claims that construction has begun on the Ideal Org project in Puerto Rico. Didn’t Boston say it was going to be next? Those Beantown OTs better pick up the pace! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

Continue reading Scientology says construction has begun on its next Ideal Org — in Puerto Rico!

The telex machine wasn’t Scientology’s only old-tech obsession

 
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Val Ross is back with another great look at her time in Scientology and the bizarre ways of the Sea Org, and the slavish dedication to old technology that was demanded by founder L. Ron Hubbard. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

Continue reading The telex machine wasn’t Scientology’s only old-tech obsession

A lost tradition? Summer was when Scientology celebs partied in Hollywood

 
TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: This August, Scientology’s Hollywood Celebrity Centre should be holding its 55th Anniversary Gala. But the last time it held one appears to be ten years ago. Geoff Levin reminds us what the annual bash was all about, and shares a rare letter from church leader David Miscavige! [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

Continue reading A lost tradition? Summer was when Scientology celebs partied in Hollywood

Scientology-friendly, gun-toting Nevada politician indicted in charity scam

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Over the years we’ve been fascinated by fiery conservative Nevada politician Michele Fiore and her ties to Scientology. Well, she’s suddenly in a world of trouble, facing federal charges for a charity scam. And we don’t see her shooting her way out of this one. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

Continue reading Scientology-friendly, gun-toting Nevada politician indicted in charity scam

‘Going Clear’ is at Netflix, and Scientology still doesn’t want you to see it

[Alex Gibney and Lawrence Wright]

TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Is it really more than 9 years since ‘Going Clear’ premiered at Sundance? Seems like just yesterday we were there with the celebs to take it in. Pardon us as we wax nostalgic as this great Scientology documentary from Alex Gibney and Larry Wright moves to Netflix. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

Continue reading ‘Going Clear’ is at Netflix, and Scientology still doesn’t want you to see it