Clearly Lies Are True

by Pamela Nickel Williams

The memoir, Clearly Lies Are True , is a compelling and powerful first-hand narrative account of the childhood and sexual abuse of Pamela Nickel Williams, the daughter of early cult followers of Scientology during the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Written from her perspective as a young child and teenager, and told through vivid, detailed memories and experiences, Pamela’s story captures a unique period of time within the Church of Scientology. By finally speaking her truth, she courageously confronts her past, revealing how Scientology powerfully and forcefully influenced her family. Yet, Pamela’s message is ultimately one of hope, as she gained her freedom, and became a cult survivor, as well as a survivor of sexual abuse.

Review
"Pam's harrowing and intriguing account of her childhood growing up under the influence of Scientology, with a horribly abusive father and a disengaged mother that Scientology not only couldn't help but ultimately caused even more damage to, shows the reality of what Scientology really does. Pam's writing gives you a series of snapshots of what it's like from a child's perspective to be forced to constantly be pushed and pulled about, seemingly at random by adults who have no idea what they are doing yet are so sure they are saving the world. Rarely have I seen anyone tell their story in such a raw yet effective way. This one is definitely worth your time." - Chris Shelton, Msc - Author and Host of Speaking of Cults, A podcast about cults, coercive control and recovery

About the Author
Pamela is an accomplished educator who has taught in the public education system, the private sector, and in higher education. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of her book will be donated to the Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides resources, support and advocacy to those who leave Scientology and the Sea Org.

Excerpt - Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The Beginning - Circa 1961
Building memories meant to last a lifetime, we posed next to the sign that read, Continental Divide – Loveland Pass – Elevation 11,988 feet. A location where the North American continent literally divides itself. Huddled between my mother and father, I sat barefoot on the cement slab that covered the rocks below us. Wearing just shorts and a t-shirt, the sun warmed my small, uncovered arms and legs. The wind blew loose strands of my blonde hair across my cheeks and nose, and into my face.
My mother’s long legs, crossed at the ankles, stretched out from inside her white shorts. Her thin sandaled feet touched the ground below us. A sleeveless lightweight cotton blouse covered her tall frame and fluttered in the breeze against her torso. Shielded by her black framed sunglasses, her eyes were hidden. As her lips parted, a smile radiated across her face, revealing a small dimple in her left cheek.
Leaning against my father, his right arm enveloped me, while the dark black hair on his forearm rested against my bare shoulder. His large hand firmly held my tiny wrist still as it lay upon my uncovered knee. In his other hand, he casually held a lit cigarette between his index and middle fingers. Dressed in a short sleeved plaid shirt with buttons undone at the top, his white under shirt exposed his thick neck. Gazing intently at the photographer, our matching green eyes squinted in the sunlight as the kind tourist took our picture at what seemed like the top of the world.

Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2025

About the author

Pamela Nickel Williams was born into Scientology. Her parents were early Scientologists who worked closely with L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology's founder, at the first Church of Scientology in the late 1950s. Pamela and her parents were practicing members of the Church until the late 1970s.

After years of burying her childhood memories, Pamela began writing and documenting her experiences, seeking to acknowledge the abuse she suffered, and to try to understand the dysfunction that existed within her family due to Scientology's beliefs and practices.

Her memoir, Clearly Lies Are True, is a powerful and compelling firsthand narrative account of her experiences as a child during the early inception of Scientology. As both a cult survivor, and a survivor of sexual abuse, her book chronicles her parents' search for "Total Freedom," her sexual abuse at the hands of her father, and her mother's psychosis, which was brought about by Scientology.

Pamela is an accomplished educator who has taught in the public education system, the private sector, and in higher education.