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]

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: 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

Scientology nostalgia: Never-before-seen photos from a 2001 celebrity wankfest

Hey, we’re going to have a little fun today. We recently managed to get our hands on some photos from a 2001 event that may represent an apotheosis for celebrity-driven Scientology. And for that reason, we think it’s worth revisiting.

Continue reading Scientology nostalgia: Never-before-seen photos from a 2001 celebrity wankfest

Portlanders, did you receive Scientology’s love letter?

We noted in a previous story that a remark on social media indicated Scientology was making a big play in Portland.

Continue reading Portlanders, did you receive Scientology’s love letter?

More proof that governments are aware of how Scientology abuses its own members

[Attila Péterfalvi, still on the case in Hungary]

In 2017 Chris Owen wrote a story for the Bunker about the efforts by Hungary’s government to investigate Scientology’s abuse of the information its members are required to hand over.

Continue reading More proof that governments are aware of how Scientology abuses its own members

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