The St. Petersburg Times Airs More Of Scientology’s Dirty Laundry
This has not been the best week for Scientology.
October has proven to be one of Scientology’s worst months in history. Between being found guilty of fraud in France, celebrity Paul Haggis telling them “see yah!,” the ABC Nightline series with Tommy Davis walking out on the interview, the two new books coming out by ex members “Blown For Good” by Marc Headley and “My Billion Year Contract” by Nancy Many, the many new pending lawsuits, their orgs closing left and right, and with many members leaving….. it’s safe to say, it’s not too cool to be a Scientologist right now.
This past Sunday and Monday, the St. Petersburg Times reported on interviews they conducted
with former members of the cult. Today was their last installment in their three part series. It was the story of a former member, Don Jason who actually had to jump off a ship to try to gain his freedom. We will get to Don a bit later.
The interviews included former member’s accounts of being chased, harassed and followed by private investigators. Ex members explained how they were drawn back in to the cult and convinced to stay, against their better judgment. They thought they were doing the right thing by trying to have a clean slate with the cult, but time after time when they returned, it only made matters worse for them and prolonged their exit. Some members just wanted to simply start their lives over and to be left alone, and they succeeded, but soon they found out they were infiltrated by Scientology plants pretending to be their friends.
The cult hired private investigators to hunt down these members that had left. Once the former members were caught up with, they were convinced to come back and “route out” of Scientology. For more on routing out, click here. These former members were also asked to sign a ”pumped up” affidavit, so the cult would be able to cover their butts if these members were to leave and speak out against the cult.
Well that time has come. Former members who spoke out against Scientology to the SP Times are seeing information which was contained within those affidavits they signed once again.
Scientology spokes-creep Tommy Davis, (actress Anne Archer’s son) has pulled the affidavits out and showed them to the SP Times in the cult’s defense against the former member’s claims and stories. The cult also dug into these former member’s confidential files and put a crazy, allegation-laden, Scientology spin on their information to try to discredit them.
Scientology spokes-idiot Tommy Davis also denied the cult ever hired private investigators themselves, but that the PI’s were hired by THEIR Scientology lawyers. Way to throw your scum bag lawyers under the bus Scientology! What a bunch of cowards.
I would imagine the cult’s top lawyers like Kendrick Moxon, Helena Kobrin and Monique E. Yingling may be getting pretty sweaty palms right about now.
Miserable Kendrick Moxon
FYI… years ago, Moxon’s daughter Stacy Meyer, died at Gold Base in Gilman Hot Springs Ca. She joined the Sea Org at age 16 I believe. She died by electrocution INSIDE an underground transformer vault on the property. The details are too lengthy to get in to. The case was looked into, but not enough in my opinion. No words can describe a person like Moxon.
His daughter was cremated and her ashes were released at sea. Which sounds all too familiar to cult founder and con man, L. Ron Hubbard’s death. Moxon’s daughter’s death remains a mystery, just like other Scientology related deaths that never made any sense. Some day, those who know what actually happened will come forward. Sorry to side track from the SP Times, but now that Scientology has literally thrown their lawyers under the bus, it made me wonder how Moxon will handle these claims by Davis. People would love to hear what Moxon has to say. Isn’t Scientology saying more or less that they are not liable for the PI’s activities that THEIR lawyers hired? Interesting spin.
The St. Pete’s Times had lengthy interviews and also video taped former members while they told their stories. Their body language told me that they were telling the truth. These videos are posted on the SP Times website for all to see.
The name Pat Broeker came up in one of the interviews, and although he declined to be interviewed by the SP Times, this is one man that must have Scientology shaking in it’s boots.
Pat Broeker was L. Ron Hubbard’s personal messenger and was said to be next in line to take over Scientology when Hubbard died. Broeker’s nickname was ”007″.
Broeker and his wife Annie were very close to Hubbard. Towards the end of Hubbard’s life, Hubbard was staying in a 40 ft trailer in Creston. Some excerpts from the LA Times story The Final Days by Joel Sappell and Robert W. Welkos written in 1990,
From Chapter four:
“The church said Hubbard went into seclusion to continue his Scientology research and to resurrect his science fiction-writing career. But former aides have said he dropped from sight to avoid subpoenas and government tax agents probing allegations that he was skimming church funds.
“They alleged that Hubbard skimmed millions of dollars from church coffers while he was in hiding”
“His thin gray hair, with streaks of the old red, hung without sheen to his shoulders. He had grown a stringy, unkempt beard and mustache. His round face was now sunken and his ruddy complexion had turned pasty. He was an old man and he was nearing death.”
Not very glamorous for the revered founder of Scientology. But members of course refuse to believe that any of those reports are true. Hubbard eventually suffered a stroke which left him unable to get out of bed and his speech was impaired. I guess his “OT powers” could not help him.
L. Ron “dropped his body” (kicked the bucket in scio speak) on Jan 24th, 1986. The particulars surrounding Hubbard’s death were very mysterious and many thought he may have been murdered. When the Scientology attorney rushed to get Hubbard’s body cremated, the cremation center became suspicious when they found out it was L. Ron Hubbard and insisted on doing blood tests. Vistaril was found in his bloodstream. Vistaril is a pysche drugs, and using such drugs are violently against Scientology’s beliefs. A full autopsy was not performed due to the cult’s claims of it being against their religion. A cover up perhaps?
Odd.. When John Travolta’s son died, he also had a quickie autopsy and the body was cremated
right away. Very eerie.
Hubbard’s ashes were tossed into the sea from a TINY boat and there were only a few people in attendance. Sound familiar? Both David Miscavige and Broeker where in attendance. And although Scientologists do not make a big deal about death because they believe that a person comes back several times after death… I find it puzzling that the founder of Scientology died in such a mysterious manner and had such a tiny insignificant ceremony with hardly anyone in attendance. Makes no sense what so ever. Another account of Hubbard’s last days can be found here.
Of course Scientology told it’s members that Hubbard dropped his body and went “exterior” (went outside his body) to go study the upper levels of Scientology’s Bridge To Total Freedom, and members of course believed this fantasy hook, line and sinker. Miscavige then took over the cult. Although according to another reliable source, Miscavige had already been running everything four years prior to Hubbard’s death.
So Pat Broeker is definitely a man of interest, to say the least. He must know an awful LOT of juicy things that Scientology would love to keep quiet.
Another BIG thing that is kept quiet? Broeker’s wife Annie. She supposedly got put on RPF (punishment) years ago and was “straightened out”. People have not seen or heard from her in years. Nobody is sure where she is.
That also goes for cult leader David Miscavige’s wife. Shelly Miscavige. For someone who is the wife of the leader of the ”fastest spreading religion” in the world. *SNICKER*, Where the hell is she? There are hardly ANY pictures of her anywhere and she never attends any of the big Scientology “Ideal Org” openings or any of the big IAS (International Association of Scientologists) events.
At the very least you would think that cult members would question where she is after all these years of her being MIA. But nope, they just keep their blinders on and keep their eye on the prize. But sadly, there isn’t any prize, only empty bank accounts, ruined lives and sorrow.
If Broeker was to come forward with all that he knew, it would be the icing on the cake. He holds the key to many questions that need to be answered. Another big question… how did David Miscavige actually weasel his way into becoming the cult leader in the first place? Miscavige blackmailing Broeker is a huge possibility. But that was years ago and now Broeker has a lot more leverage. I hope Broeker has some decency left in his heart and comes forward and sings like a canary. It’s time.
Now back to the SP Times….
Former member, Don Jason, who was the former No. 2 Officer in Clearwater, and the focus of part three. He tells his story of how he was finally able to leave the cult. Although he didn’t just up and leave, he had to ESCAPE by jumping off a ship.
Don was locked in a cabin aboard Scientology’s asbestos laden cruise ship the Freewinds. FYI… The Scientology Freewinds is also guilty of polluting the island of Bonaire and have been caught red handed dumping pollutants as we reported previously.
Don claims there were cameras monitoring his every move. And when he was informed that he had to go on Scientology’s RPF, (Rehabilitation Project Force) he said he had had enough.
Don was without his passport. (Scientology takes all Sea Org members passports ) He luckily had his driver’s license and a few blank checks that he kept hidden from the guards on the ship on arrival.
Don had planned his escape over many months, and finally pulled a “MacGyver” and constructed what looked like a rolling pin, so he can make his way down the ship’s cable like a zip line off the side of the ship.
His getaway off the ship was successful, but it was only the start of a fierce chase by the cult. The cult was trying to retrieve Don back, so he can hopefully stay in and also to sign an affidavit, in which the cult would of course put their spin on it, keep it on file and then use it to cover their butts if he ever spoke out.
Luckily, Don did finally get free from the cult and is speaking out today. And of course the cult was right on cue and pulled out that embellished affidavit that Don signed after they found out he spoke to the SP Times. It was rife with Scientology spin and lies. The cult did the same to other former members who were interviewed by the SP Times.
I don’t understand why Scientology thinks that showing these affidavits that people signed under duress have any validity what so ever. People do desperate things in desperate situations, and Scientology ends up looking less and less credible with each affidavit they pull out.
That is not the only sleazy tactic that they have pulled. The cult also dug into member’s private files which holds intimate details on them which were acquired through auditing sessions and “sec checks”. They dig for anything that they can use to spin, and then printed it in their Freedom Magazine. *shakes head*
For a “church” to boast such trumped up numbers like millions of members and thousands of orgs, and parade their celebutards around… they certainlyact like a bunch of two year olds when they hear any criticism about them. Some of these former members were just telling their stories. They were not bringing them to court. But yet Scientology went totally ballistic on them.
But it didn’t stop there….
The cult has gone as far as taking out Google ads against the SP Times. They are trying to sway people into reading their Freedom Magazine “slam book” against former members and the SP Times by providing a link to their magazine in their ads. The cult’s Freedom Magazine makes the National Inquirer look like the Associated Press. I hope people do go ahead and read it, because it is SO worth the laugh.
To top it off, the cult took out MANY visual ads which appeared on the SP Times website. You may have seen some of their ads appear here on Glosslip from time to time. But those particular ads are randomly generated by Google and appear when there is matching subject content. Glosslip has no control over the ads. But the ads that appeared on the SP Times website were purchased by the cult I believe. Correct me if I am wrong.
How ironic is this?
Scientology spending member’s dollars to pay for what they have called a ”suppressive newspaper” to run their silly promos in defense of ex members telling their stories of abuse. Oh! It’s just too delicious for words!
So keep on doing what your doing Scientology….
In the words of Billy Crystal….YOU LOOK MARVELOUS! *insert sarcasm*
Another really delicious aspect of this coverage, and all the other things that have gone down about Scientology lately, is that pesky little problem with their tax exemption status. You see under tax exemption status 501(c)(3), an organization CAN NOT be involved in ANY illegal activities. Oh snap!
Allegedly, Scientology obtained their tax exemption status by intimidating IRS agents with threats of leaking personal information. This information was obtained by PI’s hired by Scientology. The IRS agents finally caved in and granted them their tax exemption status back in 1993. Or was it Scientology LAWYERS who hired the PI’s to dig up stuff on the IRS agents? The cult lawyers better start planning their exit! Wonder what it will feel like for the hunters to be the hunted?
Let’s see now, according to ex members, the cult obtains personal information through hired PI’s, harass and stalk ex members and their families, hold people against their will, they confiscate Sea Org member passports and hold on to them, they rifle through Sea Orger’s mail, pay Sea Org members below minimum wage, have implemented family disconnection policies, have caused mental and physical abuse, they are operating hundreds of front groups, and have acquired properties and vast amounts of real estate under phony names ….shall I go on? Do I need to go on?
Hey Governments of the world! Get your head’s out of your asses and DO SOMETHING!
To read the ENTIRE Scientology Truth Rundown Series from the St. Petersburg Times, Click here.
Many thanks again to the brave former members who have told their stories and are shedding light on the cult, and also many thanks again to Joe Childs and Tom Tobin for helping to do the same.
And again as always… “9000 internetz” and “caek” to the members of Anonymous and their wonderful Why We Protest website which is always a wealth of information and fun to visit.
If you need help leaving Scientology or you just need someone to talk to:
call 1-866-XSEAORG. (this is a toll free call)
To members still in….
Be part of the solution…. not part of the problem.
After all ….isn’t that why you joined Scientology in the first place? To help people?
Take back your life and your freedom.
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I don’t think Scientology will be recovering from this mess anytime soon.
In fact, it’s starting to look like the beginning of the end for them.
TO all you OSA reading this; JUMP SHIP NOW!!! While there is still time to do so. 1-866-XSEAORG can help!
Comment by A_Watcher — November 3, 2009 @ 10:58 pm
[...] Queen Related Posts:More Ex-Scientology Members Come Foward To Recount David Miscavige’s Felonious [...]
Pingback by Celebrity Blog | Babelogs | Celebrity Gossip » Blog Archive » The St. Petersburg Times Airs More Of Scientology’s Dirty Laundry — November 3, 2009 @ 11:01 pm
I think the best thing to happen at this point is for the Church of Scientology to sell all of their assets and give back as much as they can to the people they’ve taken so much from. Whether it’s voluntary on their parts or if lawsuits will need to happen…either way that’s just not right what they did. I also want to see David Miscavige in prison but..that’s for the courts to decide. Hopefully soon.
Comment by Chris — November 3, 2009 @ 11:49 pm
Unfortunately, Chris, Scientology would have to have their tax exempt status in the United State REVOKED before any of that happens, Also, they’d have to raid Gold Base and THAT is going to be one HELL of an operation to pull off.
And if Miscavige manages to flee the country, there’d be bounty hunters from all over the planet all too happy to go after him and NAIL his sorry a$$ before dragging him back to the states to be arrested and tried for organized fraud and crimes against humanity.
Boy, will lawyers be frothing at the mouth when THAT day comes.
Comment by A_Watcher — November 4, 2009 @ 2:26 am
It is Indeed Time for Pat Broeker to step forward!
Mr. Broeker, if you read this – please consider calling the St. Pete Times back. Anonymous rolled out DM’s coffin and the exsci’s have dug his grave. You sir are the nails, hammer and forklift we need to finish the job. How many more Sea Org members that are trapped in Hemet or elsewhere have to suffer the tyrant’s wrath before the beast is put in his rightful place?
Comment by AnonLover — November 4, 2009 @ 3:17 am
Scientology has ruined what downtown Clearwater once was…I’ll never understand how they got a classified as a religion which exempts them from property taxes?!?! http://www.squidoo.com/scientology
Comment by Cindy — November 4, 2009 @ 9:21 am
Scientology has ruined what downtown Clearwater once was…I’ll never understand how they got classified as a religion which exempts them from property taxes?!?! http://www.squidoo.com/scientology
Comment by Cindy — November 4, 2009 @ 9:21 am
We had a super secret Scientology “To Do” here in DC on Hallowe’en. They closed down traffic and covered their building with giant drapes to hide from us local riff raff. There were a few protesters, but the police were out in force to protect the privacy of the L Ronnettes. (Da doo ron ron ron da doo ron ron)
Here’s the link: http://dcist.com/2009/10/scientology_event_closes_section_of.php?gallery0Pic=2
Comment by Delilah — November 4, 2009 @ 9:39 am
When govt agencies are not doing their job and not enforcing the laws, especially when it affects national public interest, there Is a place and a person that is responsible for seeing that they do so.
His name is Lanny A. Breuer, head of US Attorney General’s Criminal Division: http://www.justice.gov/criminal. Reports as well as complaints should go to him. Also, Doug Shulmann is the current IRS Commissioner, just sayin’.
Comment by Jc — November 4, 2009 @ 10:35 am
I lived in Clearwater, FL for almost 4 years and at the time I was a devout scientolgist.
I am telling you the truth! Several attempts on my life have been made by scientologists since I made the statement “this is the third reich of spirituality’.
I have made contact with Spiritual Masters from India
whom teach Vedanta and I would not be able to write
this if it were not for their spiritual knowledge and power.
The mind “power” which scientology engages in is manipulative and quite immature.
Also, on the scale of geniune spiritual power it very
low and not at all necessary for spiritual evolution.
There are genuine Spiritual Masters from India whom can help to protect you from scientology as well as
guide you to geniune spiritual liberation.
Comment by Michael Doyle — November 4, 2009 @ 11:45 am
Good article. Not since the days of Bob Minton have I been this optimistic about the future of Scientology. I can almost hear the gold bullion being packed. I think Miscavige will soon realize the wisdom Hubbard had in spending most of his adult life beyond the reach of governments or in hiding.
Comment by Red Ruphansor — November 4, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
Excellent article, telling it like it is. The end of the CofS is looking more and more plausible every day. Going . . . going. . . .
Comment by Paul Adams — November 4, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
What are considered crimes by Scientology are irrelevant if these are not crimes as defined by the Justice system of a democratic nation.
Scientology or Scientologists have been & can continue being guilty of real crimes .
How they can judge their own as committing crimes according to Scientology so can they be judged for committing real crimes.
Scientology tends to terrorize those captured by it by their considerations of what is bad, evil & criminal.
These should be ignored.
Comment by Moneen — November 4, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
Scientology has ruined so many lifes & now they are being totally exposed, thank you to SP Times, some great reporting here. Scientology have alot to answer for. My daughter disconnected in 2000 & not been able to talk to me or any other family members. She is in LA, was sent from England (which she loved) she was forced to divorce her husband & has no family, no money, works all hours of the day, they (Scientology) have taken away 10 years of mine & her life. They deserve everything they get, hope it continues……
Comment by Suz1948 — November 4, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Queen, just to clarify, Co$ may legally liable for the acts of its agents, even if it didn’t specifically order the hiring of PIs; if it said
“do anything to dig up dirt” or “anything to harass” and Moxon did so, they probably would be. Its as if I told you to kill somebody and then later said “I didn’t tell her to buy a gun.” Another specious argument by Tommy.
Comment by Jim — November 4, 2009 @ 3:02 pm
Queen- You’re certainly spot on with regards to Moxon. Truly one of the mosrt despicable people on the planet. A perfect fit for $cientology.
And thanks again for your continuing coverage on the cult. You rock.
Comment by Rachel — November 4, 2009 @ 3:30 pm
Moneen, that is legally true, but Co$ really does try to have its own legal system. I know someone who knew LRH briefly (he even went clear, but didn’t buy Scientology). Years later, he won a lawsuit against a mutual acquaintance of theirs who was a $cibot and who stole his intellectual property. The amount: $250,000. He needed the money real bad. He couldn’t collect–the “Church” said he was a scientologist also (even though he no longer was active in the cult) and threatened to hurt him if he tried to collect. He never did.
Comment by Jim — November 4, 2009 @ 4:20 pm
Excellent article. Very well thought out and written. I want to thank you for continuing to expose the abuses of Scientology. The end is very near.
Comment by Rebel Too — November 4, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
[...] THAT’S GOTTA HURT: St. Petersburg Times slams the door AGAIN on the Church of Scientology Posted at November 5, 2009 The St. Petersburg Times Airs More Of Scientology’s Dirty Laundry [...]
Pingback by THAT’S GOTTA HURT: St. Petersburg Times slams the door AGAIN on the Church of Scientology — November 5, 2009 @ 1:46 am
They will have to come up with more than that tripe to even slow the movement.[water off a ducks back]
Psychosomatic Healing
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Handling the stress related to all illness. With a reduction in Mental and Physical Stress comes an improvement in health.
Comment by Kevin Owen — November 5, 2009 @ 3:14 am
Annie (Broeker) Tidman is still at Scientology’s International Base in Hemet, California. She attempted to blow once, was recovered, and has not been allowed to physically leave the Base since that time.
Comment by fishdaddy — November 6, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
There is no ‘movement’ Kevin, only the collapse of a nefarious, duplicitous organization convicted of FRAUD, for all the world to see.
Comment by Rachel — November 6, 2009 @ 4:41 pm