The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 10: Political shills

[Ideal shills: Karen Bass, Brad Sherman, and Charlie Rangel]

No US politician has ever paid a price for speaking at a Scientology event like Karen Bass did this summer.

Continue reading The Top 25 People Enabling Scientology, No. 10: Political shills

Riley Keough to outdo Elisabeth Moss for most hypocritical Scientologist?

[Riley Keough and Elisabeth Moss]

Yesterday, Deadline announced that Riley Keough will be joining Dakota Johnson to star in a limited television series based on an upcoming memoir of a woman who escaped the “Children of God” cult.

Johnson will play the Children of God escapee who will team up with her friend, played by Keough, to “investigate and document contemporary cults existing in America today.”

Oh, where do we start.

Continue reading Riley Keough to outdo Elisabeth Moss for most hypocritical Scientologist?

Truths about Nxivm leader Keith Raniere that his loyalists still refuse to face

[Keith Raniere, genius]

Dianne Lipson covered the Nxivm federal trial for us last year with detailed reports from the courtroom. In part, we wanted to watch the Nxivm prosecution closely to give us a sense for what it was like in case Scientology ever, someday, gets a close look by the government. And now that Keith Raniere has been sentenced, we wanted to get Dianne’s thoughts about it.

I was not able to be in court Tuesday to see Keith Raniere sentenced to 120 years in prison. Like many Nxivm observers, I knew this outcome could happen, but it’s still hard to process a sentence that is longer than a life. Federal prisoners are required to serve 85 percent of their sentence. Effectively, Raniere’s sentence is no less than 102 years.

Continue reading Truths about Nxivm leader Keith Raniere that his loyalists still refuse to face

Scientology chiro pleaded guilty to fraud, but we may get to see a sort of trial anyway

[Jay Spina, towering over Scientology leader David Miscvige]

With just a week to go before his sentencing on Medicare fraud was to happen, Scientology donor and Middletown, NY chiropractor Jay Spina threw a wrench into the process, causing his government prosecutors to ask for a delay.

Continue reading Scientology chiro pleaded guilty to fraud, but we may get to see a sort of trial anyway

Masterson accusers cite Marsy’s Law to head off ‘arbitration,’ and Scientology pounces

[Danny Masterson and Scientology attorney William Forman]

Last week we published a story that discussed how California’s version of “Marsy’s Law” might afford some protection to the women suing Danny Masterson who also happen to be his alleged victims in a criminal rape prosecution that has the That ’70s Show actor facing 45 years to life in prison.

Continue reading Masterson accusers cite Marsy’s Law to head off ‘arbitration,’ and Scientology pounces

Scientology continues its ‘Fair Game’ of Gerry Armstrong with court hearing today

[Gerry Armstrong and OT 8 Kendrick Moxon]

[UPDATE: Caroline Letkeman reports that “the hearing concluded a few minutes ago. Judge Chou denied Scientology’s Ex Parte Application for an arrest warrant.”]

Back in 2013 we dove into the incredible legal odyssey of Gerry Armstrong in a two-part series [part 1, part 2] with the help of Jon Atack and Gerry himself. It’s nearly unbelievable what Scientology subjected Gerry to over the years in multiple lawsuits that to this day prevent him from coming back into the United States.

Continue reading Scientology continues its ‘Fair Game’ of Gerry Armstrong with court hearing today

Leaked from Scientology social media: Incredible beings joining the winning team!

We’re reaching deep into the Scientology social media stream again, bringing you postings that Scientologists are sending to each other, so we can get another glimpse of how things are going in David Miscavige’s house of mirrors.

Continue reading Leaked from Scientology social media: Incredible beings joining the winning team!

An early revolt against Scientology leader David Miscavige found in 1983 document

[David Miscavige in 1986]

Our friend journalist Mark Ebner has come through for us once again.

Continue reading An early revolt against Scientology leader David Miscavige found in 1983 document

VALERIE HANEY PETITION DENIED: She’ll have to go through Scientology ‘arbitration’ to appeal

Valerie Haney’s long-shot petition for a writ of mandate has been turned down by California’s 2nd Appellate District, and so now if she still wants to appeal the lower court ruling that derailed her lawsuit, she’ll actually have to go through with Scientology’s “religious arbitration” and then appeal the result.

Continue reading VALERIE HANEY PETITION DENIED: She’ll have to go through Scientology ‘arbitration’ to appeal

Leah Remini: No such thing as Scientology ‘arbitration’ — judges are being duped

“I wish people would stop using the word ‘arbitration.’ There is no arbitration in Scientology. There is no such thing at all.”

Leah Remini had some choice words last night about the judges who have accepted the Church of Scientology’s litigation strategy of shutting down lawsuits by forcing ex-members into “religious arbitration.”

Continue reading Leah Remini: No such thing as Scientology ‘arbitration’ — judges are being duped

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