TODAY AT SUBSTACK: If you’ve signed up for free emails at Substack, you will receive today’s feature story at your inbox: Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard said every person is actually trillions of years old, and over that many lifetimes has committed every horrific crime possible. Maybe that explains why there’s an OT Scientologist in Pinellas County Jail right now accused of truly awful things. [What is this Substack thing, anyway?]

 
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Technology Cocktail

“One of the reasons Scientology tended toward disuse in the late 1960s was not its workability. It was a growing cultural disinclination to do things thoroughly.
‘Fast, quick results’ was interpreted as seconds or minutes. In old psychotherapy as practiced in the 18th Century it required ONE YEAR of weekly consultation to see if anything could be done about a case and FOUR MORE YEARS to produce a meager superficial result. Compared to that two or three hundred hours of processing was nothing. As we began to dominate this field in terms of persons handled and results obtained, psychiatry invented ‘instant psychiatry’ by which no result was gotten in no time.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1980

 
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON

We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.

 
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH

— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see

[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf

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— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond

[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman [55] Mark Bunker [56] Trish and Liz Conley [57] Trish Conley [58] Alex Barnes-Ross [59] Alex Barnes-Ross [60] Alex Barnes-Ross [61] Alex Barnes-Ross [62] Alex Barnes-Ross [63] Alex Barnes-Ross [64] Tory Christman [65] Tammy Synovec [66] Dennis Erlich [67] Alex Barnes-Ross [68] Valerie Ross [69] Kat in Austin [70] Mark Bunker [71] Phil Jones

 
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Source Code

“All this of course is, is, I’m just, I’m just kidding you mostly. I don’t believe that you’ve been in the universe seventy-six trillion years. I don’t believe you have any past before birth. I don’t believe that there’s any reason whatsoever for this universe to be here except that some fellow called the devil or something that built it. Uh, I don’t believe any of these things. And I don’t want to be agreed with about them. It infuriates me to be agreed with about them, so I’m not asking for anybody to agree with me. But I’m not asking for anybody to disagree with me either.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 1, 1952

 
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Avast, Ye Mateys

“NEXT PORT: The next port has its drawbacks but also its advantages. It is a bit dusty and occasionally smelly. But it is very quiet. It has an interesting native area. And you can have ash trays by the ton at the pottery shop. Remember to bargain hard. Offer a third or less of what is asked and come up a bit when buying odds and ends.” — The Commodore, December 1, 1970

 
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Overheard in the FreeZone

“I think it’s great that the church has a healthy second dynamic, like you see young people running their orgs, very likely they are Scientology kids. Maybe it has something to do with marriage being respected and abortion being avoided. We don’t seem to have a young generation in the Free Zone. I guarantee you the church will always exist because it’s got a second dynamic, of course only in a quiet way though but that’s better than nothing. We need younglings and babies so start making them.”

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Past is Prologue

1995: The anonymous poster Xenu reported on the state of AOL’s folders this week. “After a period of quiescence, the ‘Scientology and Copyright’ folder on AOL is again under concerted, coordinated attack. It’s been deleted repeatedly over the last few days, with no public acknowledgment from AOL of what is going on. RonArtistR in particular has been foaming at the mouth with posts demanding the deletion of the copyright folder. Apparently AOL has chosen the path of least resistance. Free speech is apparently too much trouble to allow. Other folders have also disappeared. Alan Morris reported the deletion of the ‘Scientologie’ folder, and Woodsie found his post containing the recently released report by Jon Atack deleted. Apparently AOL finds this material threatening… I posted the first part, in 8 pages to the ‘religion & ethics?’ bds…only to find it all removed the following morning.”

 
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Random Howdy

“I’m putting out a shoop challenge. I’m envisioning a shoop of LRH with a doll of Miscavige sitting on his lap and Tiny Cancer has a Tom Cruise doll sitting on his lap. The prize to the winner is a chicken dinner or a quadrillion Howdy bucks.”

 
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7, 2023. DA’s response to appeal brief due August 13.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing December 1.

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Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Some defamation claims were removed by Judge Hammock. Judge Hammock’s ruling is on appeal. Leah’s appeal brief was filed June 3. Respondent briefs are due September 2.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson. Judge Upindra Kalra’s ruling denying Scientology’s motion to strike is on appeal. Jane Does’ response to Scientology’s appeal brief submitted July 30. Scientology’s reply due October 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, gets ruling to depose Jane Doe 1. Trial has been set for January 10, 2028.

 
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SCIENTOLOGY: FAIR GAME

After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.

LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH

An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.

SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

 
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?

 
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THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] The Christmas season is here, and Scientology wants all your presents
[TWO years ago] Undercover investigation: Scientology’s dangerous games with mental health care
[THREE years ago] After Danny Masterson mistrial: Transcript of the press conference and more reactions
[FOUR years ago] The Danny Masterson court cases and Scientology: A video update
[FIVE years ago] If the feds are sniffing around, they might look at Danny Masterson’s besties
[SIX years ago] Scientology amps up shattering suppression in the wake of Leah Remini’s onslaught
[SEVEN years ago] President George H.W. Bush dies at 94, and we remember a fateful October 1991 day
[EIGHT years ago] How L. Ron Hubbard used ‘past lives’ to set a trap for Scientologists
[NINE years ago] Leah Remini: Scientology’s new attack has a Katie Holmes angle they aren’t talking about
[TEN years ago] Legoland theme park donates $10,000 to Scientology front on behalf of Jenna Elfman
[ELEVEN years ago] Hey, Dr. Phil, get a clue about Scientology and stop stiff-arming Lori Hodgson
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Sunday Funnies: Fundraising Mailers Galore!

 
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Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Joe Reaiche (1958-2024) did not see his daughter Alanna Masterson in his final 6,999 days.
Mike Rinder (1955-2025) did not see his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in his final 7,589 days.
Tammy Synovec has not seen her daughter Julia in 3,464 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 3,968 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 4,474 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 4,024 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 3,014 days.
Klaus Büchele has not seen his daughter Jasmin in 5,400 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 2,895 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 6,199 days.
Marc Headley has not seen his mother Trudy in 4,850 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 4,068 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 5,622 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 4,963 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 13,534 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 9,450 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 5,617 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 5,199 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 5,458 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 4,495 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 4,210 days.
Marie Poulin has not seen her mother June in 3,775 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 2,090 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 3,265 days.
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 4,947 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 5,284 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 10,137 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 5,253 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 3,615 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 4,026 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 4,414 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 4,298 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 3,863 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 4,374 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 4,634 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 15,738 days.

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on December 1, 2025 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.

The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2024 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2024), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 20 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele

 

Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast

 

Tony Ortega at Rolling Stone