February 2017 CrossingCurrents Volume 10 Issue 1 SCIENTOLOGY’S VOCAL CRITICS by Bob Waldrep What do Tom Cruise and John Travolta have the inner workings, beliefs and practices of half of those viewers, some 1.1 million, were in common other than being well-known Scientology. However, probably none of in the highly sought 25-54 age demographic. 3 actors? Most might correctly guess they are them were as well known to the general If nothing else, these numbers indicate there also well-known Scientologists. In fact, Scien- public (due to her “celebrity” stature) as is still an interest in Scientology and perhaps tology is probably best known due to the Leah Remini who had been raised in Scien- a lack of awareness about what these celeb- high public profile of these and other celebri- tology from the age of nine and left in 2013. rities and other Scientologists actually be- ty members, such as former Cheers star Remini had the credentials. She had starred lieve. Remini had found an audience. Kirstie Alley and MSNBC news host Greta in the hit network comedy King of Queens. And while the celebrities in Scientology may Van Susteren. In fact, Scientology probably She had been a host on the first season of believe their membership is like that of any markets itself through its celebrity members The Talk and she had appeared on the highly other member, the treatment and attention more than any other religious group. popular, Dancing With the Stars. given them is far different than that of the In a 2005 interview, Stephen Kent, a profes- rank and file member. Like most celebrity sor of sociology at the University of Alberta, members, Remini obviously did not under- said he believes, “America increasingly blends stand this while part of the group or else entertainment with news, to the neglect of turned a blind eye to it. important news items involving Scientology.” It is not simply the length of her documen- Suggesting that Scientology uses its celebri- tary (seven episodes) that sets it apart from ties as ambassadors and to soften its image, most other documentaries about Scientology Kent who has extensively studied and writ- – it is its emphasis. Rather than focus on ten about Scientology, went on to say, “They what might be considered the outlandish increasingly use their celebrities in a news- beliefs of Scientology, Remini chose to put making fashion…They are public relations the spotlight on the abuses of its leadership, officers for Scientology, and part of their especially David Miscavige, its Chairman of mission is to represent Scientology to the She could speak, not only from her experi- the Board, who had assumed leadership with outside world and other governments.” 1 ences in Scientology, but as a successful ac- the death of its founder in1986. Probably the best example of how these ce- tress who had once used her celebrity to The story is told through interviews with lebrities can promote and defend the teach- promote and defend Scientology. After leav- other former members – all of whom had ings of Scientology is Tom Cruise’s highly ing the group she wrote Troublemaker: Surviv- been involved in Scientology for twenty publicized attack on Psychiatry – which Sci- ing Hollywood and Scientology a revealing look years or more before leaving and had risen entology ridicules as having no validity – at her involvement in Scientology and what to positions of leadership. Through first-hand while promoting his film War of the Worlds in finally led her to leave. experiences, they were much more knowl- 2005. This led to a “war of words” with he Books by former members are nothing new edgeable about the abuses of Scientology and Today Show host Matt Lauer (Read about nor are they the only means being used to than Remini who led the more sheltered life this in my article “Tom Cruise Phone Home” bring Scientology under public scrutiny. In- 2 of a celebrity. They also knew the “abuse” www.crosswindstore.org/free-info/) creasingly, producers and media outlets were could follow them even after their depar- developing documentaries about Scientology This begs the question, does the information ture. In fact, many had told their story be- provided by these celebrities accurately por- that were quite compelling. Knowing the fore and already suffered for it. tray the teachings and practices of Scientolo- power of film, Remini produced her own Scientology has aggressively sued those who gy? Many who have left the group would say documentary, Leah Remini: Scientology and the make public statements against the Church no, especially when it comes to its more Aftermath, which was broadcast on cable’s or make public its secret beliefs, or controversial teachings. Even Cruise, though A&E network as a seven-week series. “Tech” (technology). They also harass and having accurately stated the teachings of Sci- The first episode aired November 29, 2016 try to discredit opposers through “Fair entology about psychiatry during his debate and 2.1 million viewers tuned in to watch it. Game”, a practice Hubbard began as a means with Lauer, did not reveal the truth when And, while those numbers might be consid- to control enemies or detractors. asked about other teachings of Scientology ered small for a major network program, such as its connection to space aliens. they are quite astounding for a program on Ex-members who speak out against Scientol- ogy are labeled SPs, “suppressive persons,” In recent years, a number of books have cable – particularly a documentary. Perhaps and are also subject to this policy and cut off been written by former members exposing even more significant is the fact that over Continued, p. 2 Page 2 from family members who are still part of the physical attacks were said to be brought on and those she interviewed is the financial loss group. Imagine a Mother leaves Scientology for such things as simply not being able to or ruin that comes from spending tens, and and her children remain in the group. If she complete an assigned task – a task that was in even hundreds, of thousands of dollars on speaks out and is labeled an SP, she will no many cases impossible to accomplish. Scientology coursework and auditing sessions longer be able to have contact with her chil- These are not new allegations. An article in that are essential for advancing to higher lev- dren and grandchildren. This can be particu- the June 21, 2009 edition of the Tampa Bay els. (Remini told The Hollywood Reporter, she 8 larly devastating and controlling as evidenced News describes the scene at a meeting of gave three million dollars to the Church.) by some of those interviewed by Remini. some thirty Scientology leaders in which, Remini and other ex-members have said Scientology’s official stance is the “fair game” “Miscavige gathered the group and out of members are encouraged to do whatever it policy was canceled in 1968. However, based nowhere slapped a manager named Tom De takes to get the funds, even running up huge upon their experiences, many reporters and Vocht, threw him to the ground and delivered credit card debt or taking out loans or mort- ex-members would say differently. One, Mike more blows. De Vocht took the beating and gages to pay for the materials. Rinder, a former high ranking ex-member and the humiliation in silence – the way other Such allegations aren’t new. In fact, Time re- consultant for Remini’s documentary, was executives always took the leader’s attacks.” 6 ported similar claims over twenty-five years subjected to this policy or its practice and ago in its ground-breaking May 06, 1991 cov- offers film footage in the documentary to “[Scientology] is a hugely er story, “The Thriving Cult of Greed and substantiate it. Remini and her film crew also Power” by Richard Behar. The title indicates offer footage of their being followed during profitable global racket that Behar found the organization to be money- the filming of her documentary. survives by intimidating centered and in the opening he states it: Scientology’s response to the A&E documen- members and critics in a “The Church of Scientology, started by tary is typical of how they handle critics and science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard to seems to offer further evidence in support of mafia-like manner.” ‘clear’ people of unhappiness, portrays the assertion they continue to use “fair game” Time, May 6, 1991 itself as a religion. In reality the church is type practices. In their “official” response, a hugely profitable global racket that sur- Remini is depicted as a bitter failure who is Many former members also disagree with vives by intimidating members and critics simply trying to profit from her departure: Scientology’s growth claims believing its num- in a Mafia-like manner.” His conclusion, “Leah Remini has become what she once bers are actually declining. However, one of “…in the end, money is what Scientology declared she never wanted to be known those interviewed by Remini had a different is all about. As long as the organization’s as: ‘this bitter ex-Scientologist.’ As USA take based on his position in Scientology hav- opponents and victims are successfully Today wrote, Ms. Remini is ‘as famous for ing required him to visit numerous Church squelched, Scientology’s managers and being an ex-Scientologist as she is as an locations. He believes there is some truth to lawyers will keep pocketing millions of 9 actress.’ She needs to move on with her the claims if they refer to a numerical in- dollars by helping it achieve its ends.” life instead of pathetically exploiting her crease in property/buildings instead of mem- Addressing its litigious nature, Behar wrote, former religion, her former friends and bership.