PODCAST: Tory Christman on visiting the Danny Masterson retrial

We first wrote about Tory Christman in 2001, and 22 years later it’s still one of our favorite stories of all time — about a woman who went from one of Scientology’s most reliable foot soldiers to one of its most resilient critics.

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What Marc Headley’s ‘Blown for Good’ says about Scientology ‘expert’ Hugh Martin Whitt

[Hugh Martin Whitt, Claire Headley’s stepfather, in a Scientology propaganda video]

After yesterday’s historic day, with Claire Headley testifying as an expert on Scientology for the prosecution in the Danny Masterson retrial, we went outside the courthouse and did our usual end-of-day video report.

Continue reading What Marc Headley’s ‘Blown for Good’ says about Scientology ‘expert’ Hugh Martin Whitt

Judge Olmedo nixes defense claim that door was opened to Danny Masterson’s own report

[Philip Cohen and his client, Danny Masterson]

During yesterday’s full day of cross-examination endured by Jane Doe 1 at the Danny Masterson retrial in Los Angeles, we were reminded about defense attorney Philip Cohen’s idiosyncrasies that were on display throughout the first trial last fall.

Continue reading Judge Olmedo nixes defense claim that door was opened to Danny Masterson’s own report

Plaintiffs in Scientology trafficking case ask permission for appeal after getting derailed

Attorneys for Valeska Paris and Gawain and Laura Baxter have made their first filing to Judge Thomas Barber’s court since the shocking and disappointing March 31 decision by the judge derailing their lawsuit and granting Scientology’s motions for arbitration.

Continue reading Plaintiffs in Scientology trafficking case ask permission for appeal after getting derailed

Some winners have emerged from Scientology’s most recent pilgrim shearing!

This morning, while we wait for the second week of testimony to begin in the Danny Masterson retrial in Los Angeles, we are happy to report that the first hints of what took place at the San Fernando Valley “Ideal Org” the previous weekend have begun to trickle out.

Continue reading Some winners have emerged from Scientology’s most recent pilgrim shearing!

Scientology honcho David Miscavige turns 63 today, and here’s his official church bio!

Scientology leader David Miscavige turns 63 today — hip, hip, hooray! — and we thought it would be fun to look at the actual, official biography Scientology has for him on its website.

Continue reading Scientology honcho David Miscavige turns 63 today, and here’s his official church bio!

Mike Rinder and Jon Atack explain why you find it so difficult to leave Scientology

While your proprietor is recovering from this first week of testimony at the Danny Masterson retrial, we hope you enjoy the latest discussion by these two titans of entheta as they discuss “peak experiences, placebo, and the sunk cost fallacy.”

Continue reading Mike Rinder and Jon Atack explain why you find it so difficult to leave Scientology

Defense opened the door to hacking allegations in Danny Masterson retrial

[Was an email from Jane Doe 3 to Danny Masterson about his then-new wife Bijou Phillips hacked? Photo by @meghanncuniff]

First for you today we have a programming note: Today’s session of the Danny Masterson retrial will begin a bit later this morning, so the first report you may get from us will be at the lunch break.

Continue reading Defense opened the door to hacking allegations in Danny Masterson retrial

Jane Doe 3: Scientology required a victim to get her attacker’s car washed

[Danny Masterson, happy that his car is clean?]

Even more Scientology content came in yesterday as direct examination of Jane Doe 3 was completed at the Danny Masterson retrial in Los Angeles, and there was one moment in particular we wanted to highlight before what we expect is going to be a full day of cross-examination of Jane Doe 3 today.

Continue reading Jane Doe 3: Scientology required a victim to get her attacker’s car washed

DA led Jane Doe 3 through devastating testimony yesterday, today cross begins

[Deputy DA Reinhold Mueller and defense attorney Shawn Holley]

Jane Doe 3 once again provided devastating testimony about what it was like to be in a relationship with That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson at his retrial in Los Angeles yesterday, describing in detail incidents of abuse and sexual assault. And what a difference it was not only that she led off the witness testimony this time, but also that Deputy DA Reinhold Mueller’s questions led her into so much Scientology content.

Continue reading DA led Jane Doe 3 through devastating testimony yesterday, today cross begins

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