Yesterday, we discussed the news that Leah Remini has pretty much abandoned the Church of Scientology after belonging to the organization for decades. Leah wasn’t, like, a Tom Cruise-level Scientologist, but she was a noted Scientologist who was close to people like Tom, John Travolta, and Jennifer Lopez too (maybe, kind of). In yesterday’s Page Six story, sources claimed Leah had left CoS after five years of “modification” after asking an innocent question about the whereabouts of Shelly Miscavige. Leah was allegedly “blacklisted” by CoS after she openly questioned Miscavige’s methods, especially the “CoS excommunication” policies. This line came at the end of the Page Six story: “A Scientology rep denied all allegations.” But Leah is doubling-down (good girl) and issuing her own statement:
Leah Remini has broken her silence after deciding to leave the Church of Scientology.
“I wish to share my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming positive response I have received from the media, my colleagues, and from fans around the world. I am truly grateful and thankful for all your support,” she says in a statement to PEOPLE.
For years, the King of Queens star, 43, was one of the best-known members of the Church of Scientology.
In 2007, Remini laughed off reports that she had tried to convert Jennifer Lopez, one of her closest friends, to Scientology. “Two girls can’t hang out together?” she told PEOPLE. “What does that have to do with religion?”
See, that’s interesting. Leah issues an exclusive statement to People Mag and now we can all say, “Oh, I guess that Page Six story was right on the money, she really has left CoS.” And so now we can really believe this story in this morning’s Page Six:
“King of Queens” star Leah Remini threatened to call police, sources said, after “her many unanswered questions” about the whereabouts of Church of Scientology leader David Miscavige’s wife, Shelly, which led to the actress being interrogated for years.
Page Six reported yesterday that Remini is making a dramatic break from the church after she began to also question practices including forcing its followers to “disconnect” from family members branded as “suppressive persons” [SPs] and the treatment of its Sea Org members.
“When you ask a question, like, ‘Where is Shelly?,’ you are immediately hauled in, interrogated and asked, ‘Why are you asking, who are you connected to, are you going on the Internet?’ ” said a source.
The source added that in such sessions, “[You are then] shown pictures of the buildings that the church built, told that the ‘SPs’ are trying to get you because the church is winning, and that when you go on all these ‘SP’ sites, you are literally cutting across man’s ability to go free. You are, in fact, killing mankind.”
The source continued, “Because Leah threatened to call the police to find Shelly, she was put through ‘Security Checking,’ her family was put through it, and her friends.”
Scientology blogger Tony Ortega wrote earlier this week: “Shelly has not been seen [in public] since 2006, except for one sighting when she was allowed to attend the funeral of her father… Remini dared to ask about it — and loudly.”
A source told Page Six that as a result of her questions, the former co-host of CBS’ “The Talk,” “was put through ‘thought modification’ for five years,” but, “When they tried this with her again earlier this year, she said, ‘Enough.’ ”
A Scientology rep had denied all allegations in our previous story, and did not immediately return a request for comment.
Seriously, though: WHERE IS SHELLY?!!?!?!!? For the love of God. The fact that it takes Leah Remini going to war with these people for the Church of Scientology to get this kind of coverage should tell you something. Leah is not an incredibly powerful celebrity by any means, but the fact that this C-list actress/TV host is willing to put herself out there and go to war should tell you that David Miscavige’s leadership of CoS is a house of cards. They are not all-powerful. They are just a really corrupt, insane cult.
Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet.
Good for her!
I know, right?! She threatened to call the police on David Miscavige? New respect for Leah Remini, I gotta say.
If she really did girl’s got balls, seriously. Kudos for her for being of that mess.
She has balls because she’s in the public eye. She needs to keep herself there too. If she wasn’t as well known we would never hear from her again. As long as she keeps herself in a position where people would notice if she wasn’t there she’ll be fine. I hope she keeps talking to. All the celebs left are a bit nutty. Others are afraid to come out as Scientologist. It’s only a matter of time now.
+1, 2,and 3!
I like her 100-times more now! Just can’t understand why people get involved with this sect unless they are emotional unstable or broke. And it’s not a religion. Ridiculous.
Leah was born into it, so it’s not her fault that she was stuck in it. It makes her actions now even braver.
Here’s the link to Tony Ortega discussing Remini blowing the cult. How she was treated, after she questioned Miscabbage’s wife’s absence from Tom Cruise’s wedding:
http://tonyortega.org/2013/07/08/scientology-celebrity-rebellion-leah-remini-dared-to-ask-wheres-shelly/
If they were broke they wouldn’t get involved, since that is the main reason for the ‘church’ to have members – is to suck money from them.
More food for thought the next time you pay to see a Tom Cruise movie because “I can separate someone’s personal life or whatever”. Think about where the money is going. Think people!
Exactly. Have not watched a Tom cruise movie since his couch jumping days.
Me too!
Same here!! I won’t even watch any of his old movies on TV.
Me either. He’s a great actor yes, but I just can’t look at him anymore.
Me too!!!! Opt out of his stuff, Alec Baldwin, Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, Chevy Chase, Leo DiCaprioanyone that I think is an asshat
Good. At least one high profile member is willing to speak up against COS. Besides Jenny Miscavige, of course.
What bothers me, is that this is being portrayed as a “management” issue, a David Miscavige problem. What it is, is CO$ itself. A religion created by a crazy science fiction writer who figured out a way to make money by declaring himself a church – L. Ron Hubbard actually said that.
The religion itself is corrupt, fake, and dangerous. Sure David Miscavage took it to an extreme, but the corruption was there from it’s inception.
Glad to hear she’s out.
Me too.
Glad to hear and know that someone is publicly asking about his wife. If my azz goes missing, I hope someone has the courage to say . . . “Hey. Exactly where IS Dena? U know. I haven’t seen her in a couple of years now.”
You go, girl! Don’t let these people intimidate you. Keep exploring this phony organization for the harm they do to their members.
why can’t the feds look into this
why havent they
what the heii is going on here?
I believe a federal investigation was dropped after a court in a civil suit said that CoS activities fall under protection of the first amendment. Basically, CoS admitted to controlling behavior (monitoring food, mail, comings and goings, using forced labor as a disciplinary tool), but because CoS said that those tactics were in their religious doctrine, the judge said, pretty much, his hands were tied.
They have been repeatedly investigated by the Feds especially in the 70s and 80s. LRH was so batshit crazy and they did so many crazy abusive things it was possible to build a case and prosecute. Once Miscavigw took over, he was slicker in lawyering up and sanitizing the facade to make it less vulnerable to exposure and prosecution. The key moment was harassing the IRS into granting them tax exempt status in the 90s. One reason for this is that CoS members conducted a campaign of harassment against the IRS, including personally against individual employees, to break them down. They also have inflltrated and harassed the DOJ and FBI. Also, the government became less aggressive after the embarassment of Waco in going after cults.
Most recently, the FBI was said to be doing a top secret investigation of CoS but had its cover blown accidentally when Lawrence Wright was doing his recent exposé of the cult called Going Clear. Highly recommend all of you read it. At least there is hope, CoS is apparently shrinking. Main thing we need now is for IRS to revoke the tax exemption to finally bring it down.
One thing Wright explains that is hard to understand is that people like Shelly may be “voluntarily” held captive out of fear, brainwashing and blackmail so technically there is not crime authorities can investigate or prosecute,
Excellent rundown of the situation bored! The key to all of this is withdrawing their tax exempt status. They will fold like a house of cards, and none to soon.
Sorry. I saw a shiny thing and missed your post. I added this link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Snow_White
Massive amounts of intimidation provided by groups of individuals in the cult hired to stalk people and ruin their lives, payola and threats to police have the police working for the cult, threats and intimidation and insiders in the IRS and the press have them looking the other way to protect themselves from the cult’s intimidation and illegal crime practices, and massive amounts of cash paid to crooked lawyers hired to hold up anything in court forever and prevent things going to trial. They’re their own Mob. It’s a crime organization. Their “religious” practices are basically teaching people utter and complete denial, which aids them in their mind control practices. Yes it is crazy. So was Nazi Germany and it happened in the civilized world too.
You nailed it!
Bored suburbanhousewife and gg. You two know your Scientology. We know Greta Van Susteren is CO$ and her husband is one of their powerful lawyers. I have heard whisperings of Roger Ailes being CO$ or at least having a history with them. Or have you heard of it? What other press/media have they infiltrated?
It’s such a weird cult. Honestly, I don’t even understand why it’s even allowed to be still running here. There are countless stories out there about their shadiness, some minor, some extremely serious. I applaud lisa for getting the hell out. It seems like a scary thing to be involved in.
I don’t know what the appeal is, It seems like a very scary, toxic, money grabbing organization. It needs to be shut down!
They haven’t been shut down because they’re rich and have lawyers who fight for them. They rely on their claims that they’re a “religion” to avoid a lot of taxes, criminal charges, etc. Honestly, they are scary. I’ve read a few books on the COS and yeah…creepy.
That said, I live close to a COS center so if I vanish off the planet, you’ll know it’s because of this post, lol!
lmao, we have one of their “boarding schools” ten minutes from me. I’ll have your back, if you have mine.Damn, lol.
This could explain some things:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Snow_White
I just read that exposé book on Scientology yesterday and they talk about Shelly. She was sent away to one of L. Ron’s compounds. “Out of sight,out of mind” was the termed used. There was a missing persons report filed, but I guess Scientology let them know where she is. Given what I read, I’m sure she’s being held prisoner. Although, apparently it gets cold where she is because David Miscavage sent her a sweater and a pair of gloves for Christmas…:/
How considerate of him. Do they operate in Siberia or something?
Why aren’t the police involved? Anyone know?
I was about to ask the same. She threatened to call police, then went through some serious bullshit modification, but then never called police? Someone should call.
People have been calling all along. See my reply to #6. All the remedies are boobytraps.
@gg
I don’t see a reply from you on #6.
Okay, NOW it’s up.
The only thing I can think of is that someone DID call the police and reported a missing person, but when law enforcement investigated, they produced Shelly Miscavige and she told the police herself that she was fine.
I mean, *someone* must have reported her as a missing person by this point, right? Right??
It’s been seven years, for Pete’s sake.
I am assuming that her husband either never was a Scientologist or that he must be leaving as well, if they are still together. If he still is, wouldn’t the Church (and I used the term loosely) demand that he divorce her and try to keep their daughter from her? I thought that is their standard procedure.
I think celebs are treated differently. They are only a phone call away from press access and a big story, unlike the little minions.
That’s what I was wondering. My understanding is that he would have to abandon her. I wonder how JLo is going to handle this? I hope Leah stays vocal and continues to ask questions. I understand if she doesn’t though be she has young children and their safety may be in danger. Scary stuff…
Nope. They’ve refused to ‘disconnect’ her or declare her a suppressive person.
http://tonyortega.org/2013/07/08/scientology-celebrity-rebellion-leah-remini-dared-to-ask-wheres-shelly/
thanks for the support. that’s her entire statement? that’s not even comfirmation.
I think it is most definitely confirmation. If the story wasn’t true, she wouldn’t have bothered to say anything at all.
Maybe it wasn’t meant to be a confirmation. Maybe it was meant to be more of a warning.
I think Leah knows the CoS is watching her story and her comments to People Magazine pretty much tell the CoS that the rest of the world is watching too.
There is only so much she can say. She’s probably quite scared to say any more than this. Nicole Kidman has a lot to say as well and she knows to keep her trap shut no matter how much people want her to talk. When people speak out, their families are threatened and blackmailed.
don’t forget Katie Holmes she knows all kinds of stuff.
I honestly would love for them all to spill but understand why they don’t, I mean they have families, friends and careers to think about. Not worth risking their’s or their children’s safety.
I agree it is not so much a confirmation to me. As much as Leah is not denying leaving.
I also suspect Leah might be the lining up a big interview. Prime time interview.
Leah is a girl who has never had issue’s with running her mouth. And I suspect this girl knows where some bodies are buried at. And willing to talk about it.
I bet she might actually have that Cult in a tizzy. Knowing she likes to talk.
Im glad she publicly acknowledged the support of her fans, it keeps her in the public’s eyes and that will keep her safe.
I really admire her.
She must be as tough as nails to endure 5 years of ‘Security Checking’ or ‘Thought Modification’- which is basically brainwashing.
Also her Mother is an advanced member of Scientology and she and the rest of her family refused to disconnect Lhea which is awesome. I think we’ll hear more from her soon.
I’m really hoping for an interview with Tony Ortega..
that would be awesome. maybe if she keeps talking loud enough something will be done. good for her.
I think you might be giving her too much credit. She doesn’t seem to be going to war, publicly, officially she didn’t even mentioned quiting. Basically it sounds like she’s had enough auditing. Her issue isn’t so much the missing woman, sounds like she’s tired of being reprogrammed for 5 years straight
I’m so glad she’s out, not because of who she is, just because she’s a human being who is not being brainwashed and abused anymore, and compromising her family. I cannot imagine buying into this in the first place, it’s all so nuts from the word go.
There is, or was, a CoS in downtown Toronto and I was walking by one day when a member tried to get me to come in and do an assessment. I politely said ‘No thank you’ and he proceeded to yell at me on the street. We laughed and kept walking because he looked like a complete psycho, he was completely enraged. I’ll bet the recruiters get punished for not bringing enough people in and his day wasn’t going so well.
In the UK they, rather tellingly, set up stalls in the streets advertising courses in “Dianetics” (L. Ron Hubbard’s magnum opus of pseudoscientific bulls**t) as the answer to your prayers, rather than openly calling themselves the CO$.
Clearly the word is getting out that people are getting wary of the cult!
I think they’ve always done that. I remember such a front a couple of houses down from me when I lived in Ottawa, Canada in the early ’80’s.
There was a Dianetics center, out and proud, at a busy intersection in Atlanta, painted bright red and blue to attract attention, in the late 70s. They’ve been doing these “personality tests” and other ruses to get people’s private information, all along.
The block next to where I worked had one. Every once in a while they would try to get me to do a test, and I would always laugh in their faced and tell them off. I made sure to always include cult in at least one of the insults. I am so disgusted with Scientology, and if I hear somebody is a scientologist I automatically judge them and dislike them. I will admit it. They tried to get my mom in a mall in Buffalo. She didn’t know what it was, and they had these space ships and stuff hanging off of it, and all his books. My mom thought it was the new star wars or something, and I saw her being questioned, grabbed her hand and told her to not listen to that cult bullshit. I said find someone else to brainwash as I walked away and told my mom all about it.
When I moved to San Francisco 10 years ago, they were always set up outside the Old Navy on Market St. But I haven’t seen them in years.
They have a well appointed and located building in North Beach, but it never looks like it is occupied. It has a fancy sign.
Now I am wondering where they went.
Omfg! My friends went to the CoS in dt Toronto too!! It’s crazy. They went and did a test also. For one of my friends, they said she was depressed and she needed their help, she began to cry (emotional much?). now this is where it gets weird. For my other friend they claimed that she lied thru out the whole test b/c they couldn’t come to a conclusion about it. Like w.e the results she had, they clearly didn’t like it. i wonder why?!?! she was truthful. Weird stuff.
Good on her. Hope she’s safe. It defies rational belief that so many people fall for this crazy cult. Boo Scientology. I’m still hoping Cruise wakes up and sees the error of his ways.
I’ll probably catch hell for this, but is it really any weirder to believe in Zenu and that volcano nonsense, than is is to think you’re drinking the blood of Christ, or that homosexuality and shellfish are sins?
Or shaving your head and taking a vow of silence like the Buddhist? Or the magic underwear and polygamy of Mormonism?
All religions are weird cults if you ask me.
It’s not the beliefs of CO$ that people have a problem with, so much as the massive fraudulent pyramid scheme they’ve set up to fleece the vulnerable of their life savings, the slave labour, the splintering of families, using confessions to blackmail members into staying and the hyper-aggressive sales tactics.
Similarly, my grandmother was catholic and took a great deal of comfort from her faith during her life and I appreciate what God meant to her, whether or not I personally believe. It’s when the church abuses its power that people are entitled to criticise it.
But it IS the beliefs that people have a problem with (among other things). In fact, people repeatedly mock their beliefs on this board and elsewhere with “praise Xenu!” and “in the name of Xenu” in a sarcastic, derisive way.
People most definitely DO make fun of CO$ and while I abhor this so-called religion, as an atheist I see the belief in alien interventions as no different than the belief in a man in the sky controlling my destiny-I believe in neither.
For the record, I don’t approve of the belittling of EITHER belief system, but the hypocrisy around here drives me crazy, which is why I usually avoid COS-related threads.
@ TOK: “So while I may have the right to not practice the Catholic religion, I still don’t have the right to stop them from imposing their religious beliefs upon me, to the point where they are literally LEGISLATING their religion.”
The above is what breaks my heart. Large, organized religion historically divisively pits people against each other. It seems like regardless of whether it’s Sharia law or so called conservative Christian politics to Hindus & Buddhists at each others’ throats, ‘religion’ seeks to show everyone the way, and if you don’t agree, we’ll pass laws to see that you obey. If that doesn’t do the trick, then we’ll murder and vigorously attempt to violate & control each other in the name of our religion.
My personal values, morals, and beliefs stop at my front door; I would love to see a world where people tend their own gardens and stay out of mine.
@Sloane-Exactly. I have no desire to take away anyone’s right to believe in God nor do I feel the need to deprive others of their inherent human rights because it conflicts with my personal beliefs (not that atheism has any of those 😉 ) and I expect the same from my fellow countrymen. It really is that simple.
I’m not saying that my way of thinking is *The Right Way* or saying others should believe what I believe and I expect them to grant me that same respect in return.
But that’s at the heart of many religions-the exclusivity of it, the ability to divide by propping up oneself as somehow “better than” based on the religion they subscribe to. Why can’t we all just believe in what we want to and support each other’s right to believe differently? I think we might be able to accomplish that, but only if we removed the organized, institutional aspect of religion, which will never happen..not in our lifetime anyway.
Yes it is because among other things if you leave the Catholic Church etc you are not labeled a “suppressive person” and your family/friends who are still involved with the religion can still talk to you/see you. Do not compare Scientology to any other religion. Scientology is dangerous
Quite a few religions practice shunning. The Catholic Church doesn’t do it officially but I have a couple of gay friends who found once they came out they were forced to leave the church and at that point many former family members and friends refused to have anything to do with them.
Mormons have magic panties?
google: “Mormon underwear” for a real eye-opening experience.
It’s a cotton camisole and shorts that is worn under your regular clothes. The camisole has capped sleeves, you wear your bra over it. Part of the reason for wearing it is to keep LDS women modest. Sleeveless shirts/blouses/dresses are frowned upon. You get these garments when you go to the temple and get your ‘endowment.’
Former LDS member here. There are some very lovely people who are LDS and I am fortunate to call a few of them dear friends but the church is absolutely cult-like in its ideology as well as some of its dealings, which is why I left.
Sadly, google says the garmets are not actually magic. 🙁
I don’t have any issue with adults wearing under things to remind themselves of their faith and or ‘ be closer to God’ .
While I take personal issue with both underware and belief in God, to each her own.
If your panties help to follow your beliefs and or protect you from harm, I say that’s no different than wearing a cross. Really, right?
no they don’t, and they also don’t believe in polygamy which is the difference between they OPs points. The stuff she wrote about mormons is a lie, and the beliefs that people talk about with Scientology is true.
See the difference OP.
As for the underwear, they don’t believe the is magic, and it is only for people who went threw the Temple and its much like a cross or a saint card, it is suppose keep you safe, but they don’t believe its magic.
The hypocrisy of the Catholic Church is staggering. Agree with you.
Believing in religion is fine. It serves a healthy role and purpose for the majority of followers. Using it as an excuse to commit crime is not OK.
There are thousands of people who have been abused by Catholic priests and it’s been hidden by the Church for a very long time. A lot of what went on in Scientology was hidden for a long time. There are parallels in the misuse of power and position in both organisations.
+1
Shall we hide from the backlash in my hidden bunker?
I +2 that.
As a born and raised Catholic, I completely agree! I stopped attending mass after the whole scandal broke. The only exception I make is to attend funerals and weddings. I don’t feel I need to be in a church to have a relationship with God. Besides, priests give me the creeps. I also detest having the collection plate shoved in my face 3 times in one hour during mass when we all know the Catholic Church is an extremely wealthy organization and a portion of the donations are going towards paying off their victims.
The hypocrisy of the Catholic Church is limited to a (hopefully small) segment of those in power. Which bugs the living hell out of me, and I think ratz. is pretty much THE WORST. But that being said, there are so many in the Catholic Church that are doing amazing works of service, and wholeheartedly espouse knowledgeable, respectful discourse and learning.
to add to the responses, I don’t know of any other religion that will literally chase you down and stalk you for leaving.
none interrogate you like $ci does, none lock you away when you’re “bad”, like $ci does, none make you pay to learn the basic tenets of the “religion”, like $ci does…
Yes, there are other religions like Scientology that are even worse and more abusive. There are, in fact, huge portions of the planet where you can be and are killed for not following the local religion.
Well in one Muslim country (forgot which) being an apostate is a punishable offense.
It’s a matter of faith and using your faith to achieve inner peace and to do good in the world. I am a inclusionist Christian, and I firmly believe there is a lot more to the story than the way the world was presented in the Bible-considering the various edits that have taken place over the last 2000 years. I don’t think it’s fair to attack anyone’s beliefs, as long as they are not infringing on civil liberties or personal ability NOT to practice their religion. That’s where we get into a problem with Scientology. They are clearly, consistently, violating people’s rightss.
Ugh. See this is why I need to leave this thread…like now.
I think it’s great you’re an inclusive Christian (so is my uncle, whom I love dearly) but the Catholic Church as an institution and many evangelical Christians fight against my rights as a woman and the rights of gay people on a daily basis and that is NOT freedom from religion.
I have zero problem with a personal belief in God but I will ALWAYS have a problem with legislating religion and that is a very real issue in American society. So while I may have the right to not practice the Catholic religion, I still don’t have the right to stop them from imposing their religious beliefs upon me, to the point where they are literally LEGISLATING their religion. I mean, at least I can avoid CO$-I don’t have to join their cult, but the very insidious and harmful way that a religion that I don’t subscribe to impacts and controls my civil rights in something that is unavoidable and truly upsetting to me.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/protecting-access-to-birt_b_1262530.html
http://feminist.org/blog/index.php/2012/11/13/catholic-church-continues-fight-against-womens-and-lgbt-rights/
As a cult survivor, I’m totally fine with attacking peoples’ faiths.
@GbyewGirl-Ha ha..touche 😉
..and I’m glad you got out.
But my point was simply: attack the institution or the systemic issues that arise from an organized religion, but don’t mock the actual beliefs.
That being said, it’s tough with COS, because it truly does NOT seem like the kind of “religion” that you can practice privately. It seems like the institution and the belief system are inseparable. Guess that’s why it’s a cult.
You have a point, Original Kitten, but I don’t think one religion’s abuses is a reason not to call out another’s. Scientology and the Catholic Church clearly focus their controlling tactics on different areas. Scientology makes it personal by stalking and manipulating people. Christianity legislates. They’re both objectionable and they’re both called out differently. With Scientology it’s a lot of info outing and public mocking to defuse their social power. With the Catholic Church it’s some long-needed legal recourse and lawsuits against hospital mergers that would leave a community only with a religious hospital.
“but I don’t think one religion’s abuses is a reason not to call out another’s. ”
YES, you and I are completely in agreement on this and your points are insightful and important ones.
I just think sometimes on these threads I detect a note of hypocrisy in the comments, ie one person building up their religion while disparaging another, that’s all. It bugs me but maybe I’m oversensitive about it because I feel strongly about discriminating or making blanket statement about someone based on their religion (or non-religion in my case). The insinuation being that one religion is somehow superior to another.
Please understand my point was never to defend CO$ in any way, shape, or form–simply to say that no religion is without its faults. I recognize that COS is cult in everything they do but they are a Church in the eyes of the law, so I categorize them as a religion, until our government has the balls to change that.
….aaaand so much for me leaving this thread huh? 😉
@Tok
Word. I’ve always maintained that the First Ammendment, in so far as it extends the right to practice religion as one choose, is mostly lip service. This country was not founded on the right to religious freedom, but for a certain few to practice their bastardized version of Christianity as they saw
fit. If we’re honest with ourselves egalitarianism has never been the express platform of the RR. The whole point of liberalism is to pare away all factors that impede people from living their as they choose without imposition, within certain ethical confines of course. But this is not enough for some. Chritianity has a predilection for hubris and invasive coercion, and because it is backed by outlr institutions in so many ways it is FAR more insidious. I completely get what you’re saying and agree.
fit
TOK, I am very much against legislating choice based on religion, and support marriage equality, legal abortion, and drug legalization. I am horrified by and do not condone Edit THE many abuses of the Catholic Church. There is a history of running roughshod over the poor, the weak, the young, the old, women, and minorities. I also think the religious right in the US has created a cult of Christianity and is trying to force everyone to comply. It’s bullshit. I think purity balls reinforce rape culture by teaching young women that they do not have agency over their bodies, and encourage parents to slut shame their daughters. It’s a fucked up and twisted approach. I am a terrible Christian, or completely not a Christian, in the eyes of the right wing psychos such as Rick Perry. I had to find peace with my beliefs, and condemning a bunch of people to hell just doesn’t sit right with me.
I support, fully, your right to be an atheist. I wish nothing but good in anyone’s life and think everyone has value and the right to walk their own path. I may pray that my atheist friends are blessed with good lives-but I’m not inviting them to church unless they ask first. They know my beliefs-nothing else to say.
@Viktorygin-
“Chritianity has a predilection for hubris and invasive coercion, and because it is backed by our institutions in so many ways it is FAR more insidious.”
That’s exactly it. It’s so ingrained in American culture to the point that it is not only accepted, but expected. To me, that is far more dangerous and influential on my life than something as extraneous and uniquely singular as the CO$.
Again, I respect and support the right for people to worship, and of course, who can’t admit the inherent beauty in a church? I appreciate the sense of community, comfort and support that religion provides for so many–just keep it out of government, that’s all.
@Prettytarheelfan-Your words are not only eloquent and inspiring, but also comforting and hopeful– indicative of a new way of religious thinking–you are truly the definition of an INCLUSIVE Christian, and very much remind me of my uncle, whom I greatly admire.
@PrettyTarheelFan: I dunno, but you sound like the best kind of christian to me – as in striving to be more Christ like and a force for kindness & acceptance, rather than a scary Puritan.
You should ask for vacation time from work because you have A LOT of reading to catch up on darling.
@ the artful dodger. Really? I’ve read the Bible, Dawkins, Darwin, I took a seminar on myths and religious studies at university, but please feel free to enlighten me.
And calling a stranger ‘darling’ on the internet is rude and condescending.
@ Tapioca. I know some very clever people who take comfort from religion, and I don’t begrudge them that. My own father turned to the bible when he was dying, but to act like many aspects of it aren’t downright ridiculous is just silly.
An if Scientology is a pyramid scheme, please explain how the catholic church is not?
Add in pedophiles, abusive convent systems, the churches blind eye to any misconduct, and I would say that they are much more abusive.
@ Nick. You may not be ostracized by the church for leaving, but I think the whole ‘burn in hell’ thing speaks for itself.
The Catholic Church is threatening ex communicating politicians and preaching for ever expanding families in a world that can’t feed itself now, so the attempt of deep seated control of individuals and peoples is right out in the open and does, IMHO, compare to aspects of Scientology.
That being said, there are so many beautiful Catholics in my life that I love but obviously don’t agree with.
What is really weird is how someone always comes along on any Co$ post to say nonsense like this.
Ok I will straight up raise my hand and say I think their belief system is nutty and silly. But I also am a firm believer of following your heart and believing what gives you peace, so while I don’t think its true or anything other then science fiction I respect other disagree and believe this.
Now where they lose me is that its not just believing we came her on space ships, or that if you reach a certain level you can fly its that they ENSLAVE people, they threaten people they, destroy families, they don’t allow children proper education, they stalk people, and they probably KILLED Shelly!! This is a line that should not be crossed. Brainwashing people and blackmailing them to give all their money and lives away is wrong.
Oh and for the record all religions get made fun of, all. Trust me, jokes get made about Mormons, Catholics, Jews, Muslims etc. Saying Rolling with Xenu isn’t any different then asking a Mormon kid how many moms they have, well actually it is because Mormons don’t believe in polygamy, or about being an alter boy for the Catholic church.
People crack jokes, and it isn’t exclusive to Xenu.
I have always liked her. Were there no better pictures you could have posted of her? Just asking.
I wondered the same thing. why the terrible pics?
I don’t even know how people land in places like that. What can possibly make you think you need to be in a cult? What is your state of mind when you decide to join?
Part of me feels so bad for every single member of this church because when you look for religion, you’re desperate. You need something. And you start getting spiritual because you’re in such a vulnerable place that you need to believe in something, anything. And these people prey on that. They prey on your needs and vulnerability. They take you when they know you need help and just use you.
I hope she stays safe and they leave her alone.
I’m glad she’s breaking free. I’m also glad she’s talking publicly about Shelly. Hopefully someone will start poking around.
But why use these unflattering photos of her again? Surely there are some better ones out there 🙁
You know how they’re always asking actors opinions on Jolie’s breast surgery? Why not ask Tom Cruise or John Travolta what they have to say about this?
I was just saying this the other day.
I would LOVE it if some interviewer would ask Cruise or Travolta or any other high ranking celeb about the slave labor, the “secret” compounds, and Shelly Miscavige.
It would be amazing but I’m sure that their people make that off-limits before the interview even starts. I bet the questions have been asked in the past and the interview was simply shut down.
But yeah-that would be awesome 🙂
She got out too late. I think the damage is done to her child, who she chose to raise by those whacky principles.
Hopefully she has set some parameters for her child.
I just remember that Rachael Ray episode…horrifying!
How is this pyramid scheme even legal and who would be attracted to such a batsh*t cult?
I don’t understadn how a woman can go missing and never be seen again … and nothing is done about it?? Surely Miscavige and his wife would say ‘wait, these stupid rumors need to stop’ and organize a photo op or an interview. It would calm all the gossip down, at least about that particular matter. Maybe isn’t fit to be interviewed, as in mental health issues (due to natural reasons or provoked by outside influences ~ahem). Are they afraid of what she knows/has to say?
Is she alive?!!!
Scientology do themselves no favors because everything is SO secretive. Nothing is explained properly and even when celebs do talk about it they talk in riddles like that insane leakes Tom Cruise youtube video.
I don’t keep up on these stories so I had no idea his wife seems to be missing somehow. I agree – if no one has seen her since 2006 (or whenever), why has no one at least reportted her missing? She may very well not be dead but held prisoner by this insane midget and his followers. Yet there has been no investigation of any kind? Doesn’t she have family who wonders where she is?
Well, her mother “killed herself” by shooting herself four times in the chest with a shotgun.
the poor woman is either dead or not photo-ready (as in pale, starving, bruised)
I always liked her and always thought she was so pretty so WTF happened to her face???
See? I always knew I liked her. I was so put off when I found out she was a Scientologist too. I hope everyone else uses this as a moment to get the hell out.
I am so glad that she is standing up for herself and she has washed her hands of those crazies!
but seriously, where is SHELLEY??
its been how many yrs since she has been seen??
There is a Chgo branch in the downtown area, it gives me shivers when I pass it.
I’m happy for her, it must have been really hard. Kudos to her family for standing up for her.
is anybody else having trouble going into Shelly’s wiki page?
No, I can access it just fine.
They’re vicious bullies is what they are. The more the get away with, they more they will push. See Hitler, Amadinejad, etc, for evidence.
Funny that CoS would show people pictures of the buildings they’ve built to show how successful they are. Here’s an article discussing how all their building projects are hollow success shams – most of those buildings are nearly empty.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/alexklein/is-scientology-self-destructing
This article proves what I’ve always thought of their building in SF. It’s just a pretty facade and there is nothing going on inside those walls.
I applaud her for standing up not only for her own rights but also mentioning David’s wife Shelly and the members of the Sea Org, etc who have been abused by the church. I thought it was classy of her to say that while she still believes in her faith that she felt the current leadership was corrupt. That’s not only ballsy but classy as well. I’m not certain that it’s necessarily “easier” for her to separate from the church than the little guy but at least she is trying to work for their freedoms as well. I think it’s scary that David wants to get rid of his wife and instead of just divorcing her makes her disappear. I hope that Leah has some kind of security or bodyguard around.
“They are not all-powerful. They are just a really corrupt, insane cult.”
This needs to be said over and over and over again, every single day forever.
That wording in that statement in People magazine is as much as saying ‘It’s true – I’m out’.
Of course, knowing the cult as we do, they won’t take this lying down. They always attack. Their preferred method is to launch a smear campaign against the ‘offender’ – Leah, in this case. They did it to Jason Beghe and Paul Haggis by setting up smear websites.
http://tonyortega.org/2013/07/11/mike-rinder-is-the-leah-remini-anonymous-smear-website-coming-soon/
If you read Tony Ortega’s article, you’ll see that it appears that an anti-Leah website was registered YESTERDAY – the very day the s**t hit the fan.
Is the cult really that stupid?
On the off chance your question was not rhetorical: yes, they are that stupid. Conniving, evil, brutal, etc. – but so stupid in so many ways when it comes to public image. They STILL believe they can pull the wool over everyone’s eyes.
Thanks to the internet, it’s much harder for them to fool everyone.
Oh, excuse me, I should have used proper $cilon language: “interwebs.”
😉
Claudia, I just saw your comment. I agree with you. Makes me upset for Leah…But I’m sure she knew this was coming and has tried to brace for it. 🙁
How many times can Scientology make these sites? They are so obvious and main stream media is finally starting take notice. It’s not the feds or the cops who will take down this cult. Scientology has those guys wrapped up and paid off.
Scientology will be crumbling from the inside and these “slanderous” websites are the beginning. They are so juvenile and easily sniffed out to their origins.
Leah has People, TMZ, Pagesix, etc reporting for her. And it’s not like there will be some pro COS trending on twitter anytime soon. If anything, twitter is always good for a grassroots movement and anti COS trending is right up that alley.
At this point, these amateur sites might be doing more harm to the COS than their victim.
Thank you for linking this.
The tone on Co$’s hate sites is always the same, too. They’re juvenile and extremely prudish.
The high profile people who have been in the church most of their lives, who have defected (Leah and Paul Haggis etc) are notorious for being super outspoken and the kind of people who don’t let others push them around. I don’t even want to know how rough it must be for less assertive, more cautious people to break free. Leave alone people with no money or celebrity status.
Go Leah! And keep going!
You go girl¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There will be backlash for her. Just wait, in the next few days there will be a story with very unfavorable press about Leah. My fear is that people will not see the connection and loose sympathy and it will affect her career options an earning potential.
Hopefully the majority of her fans will be smart enough to understand that any speech against CO$ will results in a subtle and effective smear campaign. She is doing this at great risk. This is why Nicole Kidmann is so quiet on this front.
Nicole is quiet because of her kids with Tommie Girl. Fear. Leah is not in this situation.
Nicole is quiet because Co$ will release her audit tapes containing a lot of private and embarrassing information that she doesn’t want made public.
The more stuff that comes out, the more questions get asked which Cos does not want.
I’ve always always always loved Leah (maybe its because my home life is pretty much exactly like King of Queens) and when I found out she was a Co$ member I was so put off. I’m glad she came to her senses because she never seemed like someone to be so backasswards into that stuff.
Part of me wonders if they’re giving her this public break and not labeling her an SP as long as she stops asking questions…
Leah grew up in this cult. She did not choose to join it; her parents chose for her. That makes her leaving now all the more admirable.
I’ve loved Leah since King of Queens. One of my all time favorite shows. It’s obvious that nothing has been done to find poor Shelly because someone is being paid off. This should be handled by the FBI.
Good luck. Not so far in the future, the whole world will be like this in “hunt for terrorists”.
No need to “hunt for terrorists” as you put it. They work in cushy offices in the CoS headquarters.
@Mew: The future is here already. We are all surveilled, and our Fourth Amendment and privacy rights have been terrifyingly compromised. Scientology just dresses it up in a tax exempt religion.
Leah, you in danger, gurl!
Or a better question: “Where is the police?”
No questioning of using the seaorg kids as slave labor? I wish she was questioning far more, but the two thngs she was I applaud her for.
I look forward to the day when the “Church” of Scientology is prosecuted under RICO. It’s as much a crime organization as any Mafia family.
So, this organization gets tax exemption, because they claim to be, a religion?!?!
This is illogical. Sad. A sham.
Who knows how many rebel scientologists have mysteriously disappeared?
I don’t understand how the police aren’t more concerned about shellys whereabouts
I’m not a proponent for scientology, but its funny that we’re sourcing David Ortega and criticism of sea org when he was a major apologist and in denial about how bad underage sex trafficking was in this country.
I’m not a proponent of Tony Ortega on his alleged opinion of sex trafficking, but he is one of the strongest journalists on this particular subject of COS, barring the FLA newspaper that did lengthy exposes.
“Religion” should have nothing to do with elitism, which it seems the CO$ has everything to do with. The rich celebrities get treated with velvet gloves while the rank and file get treated like slaves. This organization does nothing but suck up money from vulnerable people to make Miscavige and his like rich. They MUST exert control over everything their members say and do lest it be exposed as a fraudulent scam. Hello…it’s already exposed. Only a matter of time before the walls crumble and this evil, cruel, deceitful and shameful organization crumbles. Oh, and if you’re reading this Tom Cruise and John Travolta, SHAME ON YOU.
Im so confused here (puts down hot pocket) and please dont yell at me, but…
1. If Leah has her family and her own wealth/career to cushion her then why doesnt she make a complete, unequivocal public break from CO$? Why the flirty statements to People? Are these feelers for public opinion? If so then are the reasons pure?
2. If Leah is really old school CO$ then she has seen more people than Shelley go missing, right? Maybe if you’re a CO$ housewife or chauffeur or something or go missing it doesnt count?
3. Why wait 5 years then? Again, i cant swallow this Shelley angle as a motive for Remini. Does anyone else feel like there is just something missing in this story?
4. I hope Leah truly does flee the cult of Old Father Hubbard but how will she illicit sympathy when she was such a CO$ mean girl before? Is this a personal tantrum along the lines of Miley Cyrus outing her dad’s mistress on twitter? Was there outrage before this?
5. The higher ups in this cult get a full retinue of household staff free of charge provided to them. Are they paid by the leaders separately? Are they treated well? Cults may come and go but karma is the gift that keeps on giving…
Idk but this whole thing is sad and creepy. Love Leah’s talent though.
I think Shelleys dead.
… I think that Shelley went crazy and that she’s being contained near Lake Arrowhead so it doesn’t get out that she’s bat-shit crazy and in need of a psych ward. Since CO$ doesn’t believe in psychiatrist’s all they could do was lock her up … and send her a jacket and gloves at Christmas …
I only read through all the comments to see if i would come across a blatantly obvious CO$ troll. DISAPPOINT.
Why all of a sudden is this shrieking harpy considered ‘brave’? Cuz she left a religion that she touted for, oh, the past 25 years or so…was a chief recruiter/strategist…and defended them at every turn?
No, sorry. The only reason why she’s ‘speaking out’ is because they told her to STFU. Something many, MANY people in Hollywood have wanted to do for years.
My ex was a grip on King of Queens for a few seasons, and the stories he told me about this bitch were unbelievable.
Do tell. Was he recruited? I’ve never been a big fan of hers, but I am a big fan of life changing epiphanies and second chances. Do you not think that she is being sincere about leaving? Or do you think she was kicked out? It’s not clear.
No, thankfully he was not. I guess she wasn’t all that vocal about it, at least with crew. But she was a total BITCH and very condescending. Just a nasty piece of work. I believe Kevin James at one point called her a ‘strong cup of coffee.’ LOL
I think she was probably given the boot, but who knows?
Agree!
Damn she got ugly
it’s finally occurred to me why the feds haven’t gone after scientology… they provide useful services for the national security state. they torture: engage in psychological torture and how to change/control behavior — all very useful information for the 1% and their protectors. just imagine what nsa could do with all those audit tapes.
plus the side benefit of how to loot whatever remaining finances of these people might be available.
there’s no way they don’t know about ‘the hole’ and what transpires there. if they are surveilling friggin north korea and those prison camps, they can sure as hell conduct that spying in this country. not to mention all the communications data they’ve already collected.
Here are some theories of what happened to her and where she is:
http://tonyortega.org/2013/04/17/love-in-the-time-of-miscavige-a-scientology-tale/
http://www.businessinsider.com/is-the-missing-wife-of-scientologys-leader-hidden-in-this-spike-fenced-compound-2012-7?op=1
Well, lookee here. Guess who’s the first person to throw Leah under the bus?
The delightful Kirstie Alley.
And from this article just posted by Tony Ortega at the Underground Bunker, she’s a major driving force in organising cult to circle the wagons. I thought I couldn’t dislike this woman any more than I do, but I was wrong.
http://tonyortega.org/2013/07/14/leah-remini-blowback-kirstie-alley-calls-for-scientology-celeb-strategy-session/
I hope Leah stays strong and realises that any of her so-called-friends who disconnect from her, really weren’t her friends at all.
Lea will be fine. Reminds me of everyone saying COS was going to get Katie Holmes and Suri. They don’t seem to care about either of them at all.
I guess Tom made some agreement that he would not be seen with Suri in public. And he has not. Wonder if Tom and Will are still friends. I have not seen them together in a long long time. Also has anyone ever seen Tom and John T together. I would think all the celebrity COS people would be super tight.
Scientology abuses and tortures their employees. They break families completely apart and steal their life savings. They are the retrovirus of religions.
This is a great blog about CO$. From an insider at the Celebrity Center Intl. in LA. http://scientologycelebrity.wordpress.com/
Why is the US Government letting this monstrosity of a religion continue? Already too many people have died from lack of medication or medical care. This cult horrifies me so much because I was involved with a cult and understand how someone can get sucked right in.
Leah Remini was quoted in Huffington Post and New York Post as having had years of confessionals. She had the thought reform mind-control action called “Truth Rundown” being enforced on the hapless target.
I was in the *Church* for decades. I know of what I speak.
I explain the Truth Rundown here ~~
Here’s a short pithy video on what Leah endured ~~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9mSyrNUbfc