At last, a measure of justice for the victims of Danny Masterson. It has been too long coming. And these women have had to endure WAY too much to get to this point. Each of them are strong beyond comprehension to have survived the ordeal they were put through: first by Masterson, then by scientology, then by law enforcement and finally having to relive the horrendous events in not just one, but two trials. If you think you have any idea the emotional, mental and physical toll this sort of experience exacts, unless you have endured it personally, you cannot know. I hope these 3 victims, … [Read more...]
The Latest Judicial Tragedy
I have not had much time to dissect and comment on the order from Judge Barber in the Baxter/Paris case, sending them to scientology "arbitration," so this is a bit stale. I was prompted to do this now by the request from the p[plaintiff's lawyers to certify Judge Barber's ruling for appeal to the 11th Circuit. The quirks of the system do not allow an appeal from his order -- as it has not technically ended the case. It is now "stayed" pending the so-called arbitration. But because of the important and unique issues this order presents, they are asking the judge to certify his order for … [Read more...]
Scientology’s Disdain for Law Enforcement
This is an earlier post I am updating, along with a new YouTube video today. In the wake of the Danny Masterson rape trial (soon to be retried after the jury ended up hung), many are curious about scientology's position with respect to reporting crimes to law enforcement. Scientology responded to reports they forbid this in typical fashion -- quoting the LA Times: The Church of Scientology declined to comment on the pending criminal matter, but said the religion has no policy against reporting crimes committed by Scientologists to law enforcement. “Church policy explicitly demands … [Read more...]
Captain David Miscavige Is Served
Everyone with an interest in this is probably already aware of the fact of the court order issued yesterday in the Baxter/Paris human trafficking lawsuit in Tampa. You can read the full order from Magistrate Judge Julie S. Sneed here: Order declaring Miscavige served I wanted to have this document recorded here at my blog even though this is not new news and Aaron Smith-Levin put it on his YouTube channel and Tony Ortega put it up on his substack yesterday. I have a few comments about this and some excerpts from the ruling that I feel are worthy of note. First, this was a fairly … [Read more...]
David Miscavige — Moment of Reckoning
It would appear a moment of reckoning is upon the COB. For years he has managed to avoid being served in any suit that has named him. Last night, the plaintiff's lawyers in the Baxter/Paris case filed a motion to have the court find that Miscavige has been avoiding service and should be held in default. He has been able to get away with his shenanigans for years, but I suspect the time for playing games with the court system is over (at least in this case). At the hearing last month, Judge Barber was not impressed with even the concept of this circus. When he reads the lengths … [Read more...]
Scientology and Legal Conservatives
Tony Ortega wrote this piece recently, covering the scientology petition to the US Supreme Court in the Masterson civil case claiming their "First Amendment rights" are under attack because the California Appellate court ruled that its "arbitration" contracts are invalid when they commit torts against someone who is no longer part of their organization. I have warned previously about the problem with conservative judges Religious Protections Run Amok and Scientology "Arbitration": They make up the rules as they go along Once again, this problem arises. Two amicus briefs were … [Read more...]
House of Horrors
This is an excellent piece in the Daily Beast from Kate Briquelet and old friend Marlow Stern. It's a story that needs far more coverage. And as this case progresses, I hope that will be the case. The Amended Complaint details the Fair Game tactics being employed against the plaintiffs, as well as the strenuous efforts by Miscavige to evade service. Nothing unexpected, but it is good to see it detailed in a legal filing. Media feel protected when they report on documents filed in court. Since the days when Hubbard was trying to avoid being served in lawsuits, there have been strict … [Read more...]
New Human Trafficking Lawsuit
You have probably seen by now the news that 3 former children of the Sea Org filed a lawsuit today. Tracey McManus article in the Tampa Bay Times. Ben Schneiders article in the Sydney Morning Herald This is a copy of the filed Complaint Three powerful law firms are bringing this case, all have experience in big, hard-fought litigation. The complaint goes into extensive detail about what happened to these victims, and also how scientology is organized and operated. The allegations are horrendous -- but are not new and similar things have been stated by many others. … [Read more...]
Scientology “Arbitration”: They make up the rules as they go along
The recent, very disappointing decision from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in the Garcia case highlights once again the problem of trying to deal with scientology in the courts: they understand too well how to game the system. The old adage that when the facts are not on your side, argue the law is page 2 of the scientology playbook. Page one is: baffle them with bullshit disguised as "religious practices." Legal decisions are based on precedent: Precedent refers to a court decision that is considered as authority for deciding subsequent cases involving identical or similar … [Read more...]
Shameful Scientology “Religious Arbitration” Destroying Justice
Anyone who paid attention to the Masterson case Preliminary Hearing last week got a glimpse of the triggering experience of recounting a rape for the victims. After hearing their testimony, Judge Olmedo ordered that Danny Masterson to stand trial for rape. The role of scientology in the matter was not lost on her. Which makes the order of Judge Kleifield in the civil court virtually next door even more egregious. The same women who testified as victims in the criminal case are also plaintiffs in a civil suit. Their civil case was filed before the criminal charges were announced, when … [Read more...]