I have just finished watching this episode. I’m absolutely livid on Mr Robert Almblad’s behalf right now. I went online to see if he had managed to contract with anyone to produce and sell his safe ice machine between the time of the show’s production and now. I’m very happy to know you won your appeal to the patents review court. I was disgusted to find an online blog dedicated to spreading outrageous stories about Mr Almblad, Mr Rinder, and Ms Rimini, and clearly produced by Scientology (I refuse to refer to the organisation as a church). This blog just happened to have started publishing material online at around the same time as the patent case appeal decision in February 2022.
These practices by Scientology must be stopped. I can understand why you all might be hesitant to go up against them in court but the defamation, harassment and resultant loss of opportunity to profit from his safe ice machine look like such a strong case for a civil suit against Scientology. Please do see a specialist lawyer if you haven’t already done so.
I finally got to watch this on Hulu the other night. (we don’t have tv but we got hulu just so we could watch the Aftermath) Mike, this episode made me tear up. For Robert, for you, for the people who are denied his wonderful, necessary invention because of the actions by the C of S… Robert, what a guy, for sticking to his guns and standing by you because it was the right thing to do. That’s integrity. Shame on the C of S and their goons. Despicable. How long before there is some intervention and justice?? Still waiting…. (crickets) Thank you to you and Leah for exposing the dark underbelly of the cherch.
Robert Almblad has truly touched my heart and soul. Now that’s a man of honor and integrity. And a true friend to Mike. These are the people you want to emulate. People who truly care about their fellow man and the planet. It’s so bizarre how scientology wants to clear the planet, (supposedly) and then harms and tries to utterly destroy people. No good can come from despicable actions like hurting other people because you see them as enemies. This can’t end well. I genuinely hope someone does the ice machine with Mr. Almblad because that’s got to be the coolest thing ever. I’m genuinely outraged scientology fair gaming has ruined that for everyone. Most ethical people on the planet? Well for starters that would be Leah, Mike and Robert Almblad. And everyone who’s genuinely trying to do good and help, not utterly destroy, other human beings.
Nice pic up top. could see scn mocking you guys as “Bonny and Clyde”, though Leah, as always, looks GREAT! Nothing like the real Bonny was *A sickly “granny clampett, according to the History channel. They can’t fault Mike’s “confronting evil” TR-0, which would scare ME if I were on the wrong side of it.
BTW, my wife, a never-in, never-involved LOVES the tagline:”Return of the cult classic”.
Het! We ever gonna see the Danny “Donkey punch” episode?
I have never thought a group of people should file a Class Action law suit more than the victims of stalking and harrrasment by the “Church” of Scientology. It’s absolutely outrageous that this seems to be sanctioned by the governnment. Of course, it’s infuriating that they are tax-free, but perhaps a large lawsuit might help in that area, too.
Cat, if someone DID understand that, scientology would immediately fire them (after keelhauling or worst first, of course. Can’t have EMOTION (other than rage / anger) figure prominently in one of their productions. Why, that’s HE&R, AND low on the tone scale, at that. Dwarfenführer would “hole” anyone who would even suggest that idea. they have to ATTACK — HARD, at worst coming up to boredom to combat the low-toned DBs giving testimony on Aftermath.ANGER is even better They can’t be sympathetic! That’s too close to death and total failure.ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK! And of course they have to stay a mere half-tone above the apathy rampant in 50’s-era society. SO SAYS Tubby, and he can’t be wrong or EVERYTHING falls apart like an imploding building making room for a new monstrosity in Vegas.
Sadly, no matter how good it makes us feel when Aftermath scores a big hit on the insanity of Scientology’s tax exemption, I doubt the IRS could politically manage to revoke it without supporting legislation or a liberal Supreme Court decision mandating a ‘public good’ test of some sort. scientology is getting too good at playing the ‘religion card’ and the IRS can not begin to try to legislate what a religion is. Wrong branch of government, and there’s the little obstruction called the Constitution blocking the Legislative branch from . ‘Course, Trump in a fit of pique could do something, but look how well his prior executive orders have worked to right a wrong.(NOT!)
Remember the amendment’s text:”Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion….”
That’s direct and to the point, no unusual words or archaic meanings needed to decipher it.
‘Course, that’s from a guy who never did see scientology as a religion even after he was forced to take the “minister’s” course, which I found to be a load of “stuff” unsuitable even as fertilizer.
Leah and Mike – most powerful episode to date, going for the juggular, tax exempt status, mo
st powerful season will be 3 I suspect. a copy/paste of my comment at tony’s:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aftermath is making it very obvious to our nation that our government supports this criminal organization by not enforcing laws and regulations and by accepting money and jobs too. Look at that letter that was posted in comments the other day from a U.S. Senator who said this organization that acts criminally has first amendment right to do so. I mean, I would love to have the support of a U.S. Senator like that. What was his name? My congressman Brad Sherman mentions scientology in his wikipedia entry. Pretty damn disgusting, I don’t understand why anyone would associate with scientology…
Robert Almblad has the greatest character, as does Mike Rinder, what a great example of true friendship, true humans being bros.
Thanks to Cierra for taking the risk to go on national television to tell her story, it’s good to know these details.
We need to identify Appropriate High-Level Treasury Officials:
SPECIAL RULES LIMITING IRS AUTHORITY TO AUDIT A CHURCH
Tax Inquiries and Examinations of Churches
Congress has imposed special limitations, found in section 7611 of the Internal Revenue Code, on how and when the IRS may conduct civil tax inquiries and examinations of churches. The IRS may begin a church tax inquiry only if an appropriate high-level Treasury official reasonably believes, on the basis of facts and circumstances recorded in writing, that an organization claiming to be a church or convention or association of churches may not qualify for exemption, may be carrying on an unrelated trade or business (within the meaning of IRC § 513), may otherwise be engaged in taxable activities or may have entered into an IRC § 4958 excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person.
Additional information
Restrictions on church inquiries and examinations
Audit process https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/churches-religious-organizations/special-rules-limiting-irs-authority-to-audit-a-church
I’m very glad to see the focus on educating people about why Scientology does not deserve tax exempt status and increasing the public pressure on the IRS to do something about it. The personal story between you and Robert was very touching. Having someone who really did the spying talk about the details of it was also powerful. I’m impressed by how you, Leah, and the producers keep things real and emotionally engaging. Really glad the cult shopping network hasn’t yet hired anyone who understands that.
The more episodes I see of Scientology and the Aftermath, the angrier I get. I admire the courage of so many who’ve shared their Scientology experiences, and I am especially grateful to Leah and Mike for making outsiders like me aware of the abuses of Scientology. As sad as the end of episode 2 was, I’m glad I was able to witness the genuine friendship between Mike and Dr. Almblad. This example of respect and caring for someone else Is what does make our world a better place to live in.
Brilliant episode and so tragic. The lengths CO$ goes to never ceases to amaze me. Mike what a terrific friend you have who would not give in to them to sacrifice you. PS I’m still crying
Do you think any of the people you wrote misdirection notes about that went into your trash ever got hauled to ethics? I just wonder how much freaking out and paranoia those caused! LOL
Mr. Almblad – my dad is an inventor, so I have seen how hard it is to bring a product to market, let alone make it a success. Wish you all the best success in the future!
Someone once said that the best way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Let’s not do nothing. Problem seems to be forming a plan. It’s difficult to impossible on a format such as this. People are overwhelmingly sympathetic and shocked, but that isn’t enough. I like the comment about a round-table discussion with a few knowledgable lawyers. Also, we should all contact our congresspeople. It’s about the impact of numbers. There’s a lot of competition for the ears of people who make things happen and, unfortunately, in the overall scheme of things, we (who have seen these programs or experienced the abuse) form a very small group. But victimization and cruel treatment have befallen many people. Even more are shocked and dismayed that such things can happen in America and are protected. Are there grounds for a class action suit?
Leah, Scientology condemned emotions. They condemned the healing power of emotions.
I know this is just a hold over from that philosophy but…..
Let people experience their grief without trying to stop it. Stop trying to save people from feeling grief. It’s a sign of healing, not something to be stopped or saved from.
Other than that…. you rock girl! You are one awesome women. God bless and protect you.
Ah look at all the followed people
Ah look at all the followed people
David Miscavige, picks up the cash
from the whales who his minions have seen
Money his dream
Waits at his office, wearing the face
That he keeps in a jar by the door
Acts like a whore
All the followed people
We know where they come from
All the followed people
Fair gamed by dear old Ron
El Con Man Hubbard, writer of words
With a promise of OT and Clear
No one comes near
Look at the COB work, hiring PIs
In a fight with no enemies there
What does he care
All the followed people
We know where they come from
All the followed people
Fair gamed by dear old Ron
Ah look at all the followed people
Ah look at all the followed people
David Miscavige, praising his ‘church’
But it’s really attention he craves
Surrounded by slaves
El Con Man Hubbard, hard truths revealed
From the critics exposing his game
No one was saved
All the followed people
We know where they come from
All the followed people
Fair gamed by dear old Ron!
So. Is it safe to assume that the CoS has people working for the Govt. (IRS) I mean. If they can go in and do the heinness things they do to people to ruin their lives. They surely must be selfishly manipulating the Govt for their own gaines. That is one thing that baffles me is that the people are scared into staying in the POS CoS by having their people in jobs like local police to cover up the wreck of injustice they unfortunately take pride in. Sick bastards. Thank you for your standing up for innocent people and hearing their story. Love you guys a bunch.
This was a very powerful episode. I really feel for Cierra Westerman. She was just a young girl, who had a job, with a guy who she thought loved her. But he recruited other young girls the same way and I wonder how many of them could tell the same kind of story. She is brave as hell coming forward now to tell her story to help this crusade along. I applaud her for that. Robert Amblad is such a loyal friend and honest guy. What a loss for human beings that his machine did not get sold and used in hospitals and schools etc just as the kidney dialysis patient described in the comments above. Thank you Leah Remini and Mike Rinder for your courageous telling of the truth for all these people who have been harassed.
Excellent episode, as they all are! I look forward to each and every one of them. I would hope that more of the so called investigators come forward to tell their stories. I can’t believe how many defectors have put up with this shit. I certainly could not.
IMHO – The CoS is committing fraud on the communities in which they have active locations/orgs. This exempt organization enjoys tax free, all of the community services such as law enforcement, fire, EMT, and maintenances, such as roads, parks, etc., yet gives NOTHING in return to their communities. No feeding the hungry, clothing the needy or housing the homeless. All of which is paid for by the tax paying public.
If a not a criminal case for fraud, perhaps a civil one?
This was a wrenching episode. I became outraged and emotional as I saw Leah and Mike interact with Mr. Almblad. His loyalty and honor are stellar and such a contrast to the evil face of Scientology. What the cult does, verses what they say they do, puts them in the same pit of insanity that the Westboro Baptists and all other fanatic groups reside.
LRon’s writings have become the Reactive Mind of the church. They have ceased to be thinking and feeling humans. They have sunk below any semblance of civilization and are living as if this were raw jungle survival. Nothing they say can be believed, and what they do is always 47X(tm) times more degraded than I believed possible.
The United States government needs to issue a permanent restraining order against the Church of Scientology, its affiliates, shell companies, front groups, and agents to protect the entire population of this nation and all its citizens. I would be happy to see them take their money, buy a cruise ship, sail out to sea, and never be seen again. Let them feed on themselves forever.
You said: “The United States government needs to…”
They can’t. It’s not just that – due to a departmental reorganizational oversight – there are no inspectors doing that (the head of the IRS would have to do it now) – BUT ALSO that churches in the US would fight tooth and nail any attempt to regulate how they spend their money. Any attempt to do so would be fought all the way to the supreme court and would likely lose there since the last 3 (4?) judges were basically appointed by the religious right.
I hear you and agree. Even a POS federal judge years back put a TRO on a local sheriff who was going to prevent (per existing laws) the Westboro’s protesting at a military funeral. Uphill it would be, and there is backbone in bureaucracies or judges .. not.
They are free to practice their religion. They should NOT be free to pursue and harass their ex-members. I see nothing spiritual or religious about harassing exes, Scientology is incapable of seeing, much less fixing, the crazy in their scriptures. Scientology is putting themselves only one or two steps from practicing what ISIS does.
I wish all religions had no exemptions and were required to follow all civil laws: labor, safety, healthcare, etc.
Thanks Leah and Mike.
With all the data you now have on these
harrassments and stalkings etc over the
many years of all the critics (and non-critics)
it would be useful to add it all up and come
up with an estimated total dollar amount to
present to the IRS and FBI. Seeing you
last night and reading Tony Ortega’s blog
this morning it looks like millions is spent.
I think you are perfectly correct; something
can be done.
Wake up people still in Scientology ! I mean com on..u can’t be so stupid to see what your Church is doing..
Look online if you need more proof things are getting worse in $cntology
As is required by law, the local Health Departments do restaurant inspections AND the results are printed in our local newspaper with restaurant name, location & violations printed as well. Many of these same restaurants BIGGEST violation is “pink, green, black mold on ICE MACHINE CHUTE….a real health hazard. Often times the others violations would be flavoring syrup not cleaned from soda syrup machine, can opener blade not cleaned, food not stored 6” off floor in walk in cooler. ICE MACHINE…get it….mold on the God Damned Ice Machine chute that drops ice into your drinking glass to keep your beverage cold & YOU have no idea that this could cause you to get really sick….disgusting.
Yet Scientology was ready, willing & able to destroy Robert’s health & safety invention by harassing him & those companies who would help finance and bring to fruition his wonderful SAFE invention because he is friends with Mike Rinder because Mike holds “them” accountable for their abuses of former members.
Wow, talk about a man of HONOR & CLASS…Robert, a man who refused for his own benefit & the possibility of being paid millions of dollars to remain loyal to Mike Rinder. I lost it when I saw Mike Rinder break down…& the look of pain on Mike & Robert’s faces in regard to his horrific & successful attempt by the so called “cherch” to utterly destroy someone’s life. To see these two brave man standing next to each other & emotionally supporting each other, my heart breaks for both of them.
For “them” to pay off those who speak out against them huge amounts of $$$….just WHERE the Hell are “they” getting this $$$ from? Does our government consider it OK to use $$$ donated to the cherch to pay off private investigations to follow, track, photograph, record those who have BLOWN? Isn’t it illegal to harass someone on a daily basis, as in to show up at their home, their place of business, a Dr’s office, a restaurant, a shopping mall, a park…anywhere to “noisily & loudly embarrass them”?
Don’t bother to try to get OUT of this “organization” & other way but their required way..i.e. “route out” .because THEN you have to sign a confidential agreement to keep your mouth SHUT & never speak out against them…& it’s all recorded on tape & with a signed contract….so much for RELIGIOUS FREEDOM……you are NOT “free to leave THIS cherch apparently without signing away all your legal rights, as to leave any OTHER way only brings to yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbors & anyone associated WITH you a life of pure hell on Earth for eternity…..they’ll follow you to the end of the Earth, just go away & keep your mouth shut.
All of this testimony, again and again and again….yet nothing is done about it. What WILL it take, how many more people & how much MORE testimony has to be “out there” before any government agency looks into them? Oh wait, yeah, I remember what I said before….the government got their asses kicked over Warren Jeffs FLDS removal of the women & children from the compound…& those same women took their children & went right BACK to the ONLY life they’ve ever known, just like “them”….too afraid to leave, too afraid to lose family, friends, their place in Heaven/many lives….
Like the Gilligan’s Island theme….”Just sit right back & we’ll tell a tale…a tale of a….”….the light is on, but no one is home that matters, that IS listening, that cares to do something about it. Several more episodes to view & hear….yet it is falling on deaf ears it seems. Hello, hello, is anyone in the Government listening?
Just as soon as I think this cult cannot go any further down the bottom of the hole of being evil, they surprise me with yet another layer. What they have done to Robert Almblad is just so super criminal just because he gave Mike a job, and was his friend. What a totally beautiful human being. If you ever decide Robert that you want to run for President, you could count on my vote. Robert and Mike for President and vice president, with Leah as the head of the IRS. Wow!!
I want to thank you both for having the balls to tackle this evil organization. I know its scary and as someone who wasted 7 years of thier life and is to afraid to wrap my family up in thier nasty tactics thank you for doing this.
From all the little people like me god bless you both. You two, Jason beghe (his epoc you tube vid), mark bunker, tony, and all the other brave and selfless souls i raise my hats and my glass. Thanks!!!!!!
I think the one thing that runs through my mind after EVERY episode is something that Leah says at the beginning of each one… why has the government / police do nothing? I don’t get it. Why do they still have tax exempt status when they so clearly discriminate, regardless of what their literature or what they create, says. How do you give te status to a “church” that then discriminates against the people who belong to it, who left it, whose family are associated with it, who force disconnections between family members? There seems to be a motherlode of anecdotal evidence as well as that which is on record, that should force Congress, and/or the law to closely re-examine the giving on a free pass to an organization who doesn’t give a free pass to its members. This is not freedom of speech, it’s harrassment on the part of an organization that calls themselves a “church.” And to think, way back when, a then friend tried to get me involved in dianetics and I said no way; he’s still in it after 40 some-odd years. Offline I can tell you a story or two…
What an amazing episode! I love the focus of this year. Going after the cult’s tax free status is the next logical and strategic step. Now we just need to see if the IRS has the organizational courage to take on the CoS. You’ve certainly laid out more than enough probable cause for an investigation!
Mary Arr, I couldn’t agree more. Robert Amblad is a man of honor besides being an invention genius. That the church crushed his budding new business in their Fair Game is just unspeakably horrible. No other church or cult goes to the great lengths to destroy people who leave the fold. Robert made the note that he never once spoke out against Miscavige or the church. Yet they still tried to annihilate him. This was a very good and powerful show and Robert was such a likable and believable and honorable man. I also loved how you pushed the message home, “The tax exemption status needs to be taken away from the cult.”
WOW! WOW! WOW!!! This was an extremely powerful episode!!! It wouldn’t have been as powerful, however, without the previously seasons and episodes. It took all the cruelties and abuses already exposed and said, “Here’s what it does to get away with all those cruelties and abuses. This is what the church of scientology does to quiet its critics or ruin them utterly. AND IT DOES IT ON YOUR AND MY DIME.”
Thank you Mike and Leah for not stopping. Thank you, Mike, for not taking the hush money like so many others have done; I have the highest respect for you.
This season’s episodes expose the great lengths to which Scientology will go to protect their illegal actions and to maintain their tax exempt status. Surely, you and Leah have presented enough very real legal evidence to cause the IRS to reconsider the CULT’S tax free status. (I refuse to call them a church) I pray that you’re successful. That’s my own personal goal…to see their status REVOKED! My prayer is that God will be with you and Leah, and ALL who are speaking out and keep you safe. I don’t trust Scientology not to “stage” an ACCIDENT! Praying for your well being!! Bless you!
I pray the DOJ convenes a grand jury and gives immunity to people like Dwayne, Marti, and all those others that have been paid off to keep quiet about what they have seen and done for the church of scientology. Please God.
Right on Mary
Grand Jury and immunity for their lawyers and PI’s…. reputable lawfirms should lose their repute if they are helping to pull the wool over the IRS eyes… immunity by all means. No organization on earth has so much white collar crime being covered up…. They stand alone on that point. They are a business. And a fraudulent business at that….
Mike and Leah – this was the most explosive show yet because you are hitting the nerve of the entire sham operation of Scientology – their precious tax exempt religious status.
Exposing how they spend their tax exempt dollars is key.
Scientology is a criminal, fraudulent and deceptive organization parading around as a church.
Thank you – to all of you courageous and brave people that have been on Scientology; the Aftermath. It is the right thing to do.
What about an organized protest to speed up the IRS’s duty to yank their tax exempt status?
I completely agree. Because of the tremendous damage done to this CULT’s image in the public’s mind…they’ve been forced to start their own television network!! It runs Scientology nonsense 24/7!!! So Mike and Leah are having a great effect.
Powerful show. Did love that the cult actually thought that Mike Rinder didn’t know they would go through his garbage and have some surprises in it for them. It’s not like he doesn’t know what they are capable of. Too bad he didn’t have a dye bomb in it. Or maybe Eau de skunk.
I was curious as to how you felt meeting Cierra face to face. Were you apprehensive? Were you angry? Did you think she was despicable or just someone who was trying to make a living? A young girl who got caught up? The sad part is, is that even if Scientologists saw this and saw where their money is going, they’d go damn right! We have to attack our enemies. It’s policy! And not really do the math and say hey, that money could have gone to real relief efforts or that money could have gone towards pay for Sea Org or that money could have gone to improve birthing so staff and Sea Org don’t have to live in such horrible conditions.
Mr. Rinder, you may quote and use my comment (the long one) ANY way you see fit without further permission from me. I will sign my full legal name to it, too.
I am *furious* that Mr. Almblad’s lifesaving inventionhas been stopped by Scientology. As a person with a compromised immune system due to a kidney transplant, this is exactly the kind of thing I need hospitals to have if I need to stay in one. The same thing is even more true of dialyzors (dialysis patients); this invention is needed in every single dialysis clinic in the US,
Many dialyzors no longer make urine and are thus extremely limited in the amount of total liquid they may consume in a day, because any liquid consumed must be taken back out by dialysis, and that’s hard on one’s body. For many of them, the limit is 3 measured cups per day, 24 ounces in total. That’s for taking medication several times daily, brushing teeth, eating meals, and anything else one might want a liquid for, and *everything* counts. Salad dressings. Gravy. Jello. Ice cream. It all counts towards the total.
For many dialyzors on hemodialysis, sucking slowly on ice chips when one can’t drink liquids becomes a way of life. With their compromised immune systems, the ice machine developed by Mr. Almblad would be a treasure beyond price. Imagine if every dialysis clinic were able to provide sterile ice for their dialyzors to enjoy!
Imagine kids with cancer, many of whose immune systems have been destroyed by their lifesaving treatment, having access to safe ice for such things as shave ice.
Imagine Grandma or Grandpa being able to enjoy a cup of truly cold water without worrying about whether it will communicate bacteria.
Yes, I am furious, because life for so many would be so much better and healthier with Mr. Almblad’s machinery. And instead, my tax dollars and that of every adult in my family went towards ruining his business and preventing us from being able to benefit from his invention.
Every person who sees this episode and is angered by the truth it tells needs to communicate that upset to their Congressional Representative and US Senators. If all of us speak out at once, it has the potential to be so loud an outcry that they cannot help but listen. I know I’ll be phoning my Congressman in the morning.
Scientology’s unlimited paranoia has caused so much evil, it is staggering. Such a small group, and yet so destructive. It’s like a real-life supervillain organization.
Fabulous show Leah & Mike, it just keeps getting better and better !!!!
Thanks for your courage and tenacity !!!! Great, great show.
Cierra was superb, so brave to speak out for truth to prevail.
Follow the money…. to David Miscavige and his war chest against us all so he solely can keep the power = inurement.
Can’t wait for more, what you’re doing is so spot on….. finally this criminal church and its “Pope” will be held accountable. Amen.
When will we see Episode 3 and Jehovah Witness programs in Australia? Looking out for them- very interested in seeing them. Have followed all other previous episodes.
Mike, the previous two + years highlight the troubling, life breaking tactics used by $Scn to only protect themselves. No official reaction by the highest government entities to date. Disheartening to say the least for the brave souls exposing the abuses.
This episode really makes it apparent how the personal abuse continues to happen and how it is financed, again, only beneficial to Scientology itself and the people who benefit from the cash flow into their pockets. Since at least two administrations contributed to the re-granting of the IRS exemption to a corrupt, secular, business, perhaps a different administration will at least start the process with the evidence present tonight, hopefully sooner than later. This non-church business entity uses untaxed dollars to fund illegal processes which harms normal Scientologists, and still the government ignores the obvious.
Thank you for your many years of long work against this tyrant. With each piece a public exposure, we can only hope the exemption will be finally retracted.
If tax exempt status goes away income will dwindle terrifically. Being able to reduce taxable income is a huge draw for members. Hell, why do you think they get emails in Dec every year pleading for more money and reminding the prospect of their personal tax advantage. So after the cult’s exempt status is rescinded members won’t be able to get a tax benefit from giving money. Nothing for something. Exactly the same as their bridge.
The bigger problem will be that their finances will become TRANSPARENT. There will be government oversight. Knowing how much they spent on “disaster relief” or “lawyers and PI’s” will be a stake through their hearts.
That’s a great point. Also, with their tax exempt status being stripped where they can no longer technically claim to be a bona fide religion, hopefully the FBI and other law enforcement agencies won’t be nearly as hesitant to actually investigate this group. It seems that law enforcement agencies are very concerned about being accused of violating the first amendment and infringing on a church’s “religious liberties”.
Just the loss of tax exemption seems like it will take time to have a significant effect (it sounds like they have quite a lot of assets to maintain for a while even with funds drying up significantly), but if law enforcement gets involved, I would imagine that has the potential to greatly expedite the downfall of this organization.
Where has and is Scientology getting the large amounts of money to pay for all of the private investigators, fake body guards, fake journalists and camera crews and pay for their transportation and lodging? Are they members of Scientology which means they are paid next to nothing if at all?
Keep the pressure on Mike and Leah! This organization has GOT to be exposed to their very last penny and every law they’ve broken and gotten away with.
The church has BILLIONS of dollars from donations over a 50-year period. It has money in Sea Org reserves; it has money in its IAS account, etc. Have you seen any other episodes of Aftermath?
I just got to watch about half, and I know I sound like a broken record, but how much has to happen before the government can no longer ignore what is going on? So sad.
Outstanding episode. But I need a follow up episode with a few Law Professors sitting around a table and explaining
(1) Why this harassment isn’t illegal.
(2) Why Mr. Almblad doesn’t have grounds for a suit, since clearly the harassment cost him a substantial sum of money which can be quantified to some extent.
(3) When people’s phones and home computers are invaded, that seems like reasonable cause to investigate the PI’s sitting outside in their cars.
(4) Do the RICO laws come into play when Sci.. has clearly paid for numerous and ongoing harassments that follow people across several states?
(5) Is there any way to sue some of the Whales whose funds have paid for the ongoing privacy invasions?
While I would love to see $cientology’s tax exempt status revoked completely, I don’t see it happening any time soon. But…there may be another way to impact their tax free income. And that is to get their ability to set “Fixed Donation” amounts, read prices, for their ‘services’. Something no other 501(c)3 organization is allowed to do. Other 501(c)3 organizations are only allowed to “suggest” donation amounts, and cannot refuse admission or services if the donation amount is less than the suggestion. Even if the amount is nothing. The IRS allowing $cientology to set “Fixed Donation” amounts is blatantly favoring one religion over all others, and unconstitutional on it’s face.
Going directly after the tax exemption will in all likelyhood have other religions siding with $cientology, as they’ll see it as the ‘foot in the door’ to ending tax emption for all churches. But going after $cientology being able to have “Fixed Donations”, when they don’t, should actually get their support. Mainly because, even if they’d like to do the same thing, most congragations will never go along with letting their own church tell them how much they have to donate each week if they want to attend services.
Mr. Rinder I am stunned by the LENGTHS this cult will go to in order to SILENCE their VICTIMS. WHY aren’t these tactics LABELED AS CRIMES OF HARRASSMENT and or STALKING? It seems you have ENOUGH EVIDENCE (VIDEO) of this criminal behavior. I just HATE that this is being done to people who just don’t wwaMr to participate any longer. You people KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
I think they stopped a long time ago ” fair game” because it was too soft for their ”humanitarian” purpose ; now they must call their game : ”Saving the planet by destroying humans being utterly”. Thank you for your wonderful job of ”clearing this planet” from this evil cult.
With every revelation as to the despicable depth in which organization operates, my admiration for you and Leah continually soars. What a brilliant example of character, courage and integrity shown by you both, and tonight, that includes Robert Almblad! Wow! Truth and love will always win.
Robert: You and Mike both brought me to tears…(and I may well be older than you). The ability to FEEL openly…and let those feelings be seen by others, and so often missing in men…truly touched me. Can you imagine a low toned scum bucket like Miscavige openly showing such feelings? Or even remotely *having* them?
My blessings to both you men for the courage to be OPEN.
What an amazing and true friend you have. The actions of COS make our jaws drop but in horror. The actions of Mr. Robert Almblad make our jaws drop in awe in honor. I was so glad that Leah said exactly what we all were hoping, that someone watching would contact Mr. Almblad in order to make his ice machine technology available. This past summer, I stayed at hotel (a major chain) and found black stuff in the ice. It is still a problem today for sure. Most of all, he has a right to pursue his dreams. Where are the police in all of these harassment situations!? I hope I don’t make people angry when I say I appreciate Cierra telling the world the tactics from the inside of the P.I. operation. That could not have been easy and definitely puts a target on herself. Like many others, she was used to do bad things by the COS. It definitely helps reveal the truth. So glad for more truth exposed. Excellent show.
Great episode.. but as Mike and I have spoken before, you want something current to grab onto for immoral or illegal mistreatment? Ask me why Scientologists followed me into my Family Court Hearing and I was pulled into Court this last June to try to strip me of my Custody.. just for speaking out
Mike, I left this comment on the last entry by accident:
I was curious about the clip of Marty Rathbun you showed. What is his status today? He seems to have floated between speaking out about the church’s abuses and carrying water for them.
So glad to hear the story of your friend and really just that story of true friendship that is bigger than any challenges and any fights that come up against it. A story about a man who wants to do what’s right no matter what the cost is so powerful. I hope some people still in the bubble see this and realize like he did, what the underbelly of the ‘church’ is really like.
For me, this was an episode that, as a tax payer, pissed me off even more. How the hell the IRS still justifies this kind of horseshit as worthy of tax exemption is just mind-boggling (and infuriating).
Also, it was a very nice touch at the end between you and Robert. I couldn’t help but think about how different the mindset must be for those still in. Even though I’ve never been in, nor do I personally know anyone who’s ever been in, it seems like inside of Scientology, it’s an “every man for himself” mentality. Whereas you both showed how to remain loyal and honorable in what I can only imagine must be extremely stressful circumstances. That was a stark contrast that highlighted the difference in the mentality of those on the inside vs individuals now on the outside.
I have just finished watching this episode. I’m absolutely livid on Mr Robert Almblad’s behalf right now. I went online to see if he had managed to contract with anyone to produce and sell his safe ice machine between the time of the show’s production and now. I’m very happy to know you won your appeal to the patents review court. I was disgusted to find an online blog dedicated to spreading outrageous stories about Mr Almblad, Mr Rinder, and Ms Rimini, and clearly produced by Scientology (I refuse to refer to the organisation as a church). This blog just happened to have started publishing material online at around the same time as the patent case appeal decision in February 2022.
These practices by Scientology must be stopped. I can understand why you all might be hesitant to go up against them in court but the defamation, harassment and resultant loss of opportunity to profit from his safe ice machine look like such a strong case for a civil suit against Scientology. Please do see a specialist lawyer if you haven’t already done so.
I was appalled at what was done to Robert Almblad. He is a good man. He should sue them for the millions he has lost.
I finally got to watch this on Hulu the other night. (we don’t have tv but we got hulu just so we could watch the Aftermath) Mike, this episode made me tear up. For Robert, for you, for the people who are denied his wonderful, necessary invention because of the actions by the C of S… Robert, what a guy, for sticking to his guns and standing by you because it was the right thing to do. That’s integrity. Shame on the C of S and their goons. Despicable. How long before there is some intervention and justice?? Still waiting…. (crickets) Thank you to you and Leah for exposing the dark underbelly of the cherch.
Robert Almblad has truly touched my heart and soul. Now that’s a man of honor and integrity. And a true friend to Mike. These are the people you want to emulate. People who truly care about their fellow man and the planet. It’s so bizarre how scientology wants to clear the planet, (supposedly) and then harms and tries to utterly destroy people. No good can come from despicable actions like hurting other people because you see them as enemies. This can’t end well. I genuinely hope someone does the ice machine with Mr. Almblad because that’s got to be the coolest thing ever. I’m genuinely outraged scientology fair gaming has ruined that for everyone. Most ethical people on the planet? Well for starters that would be Leah, Mike and Robert Almblad. And everyone who’s genuinely trying to do good and help, not utterly destroy, other human beings.
Fantastic episode! Great stories, sad stories plus a laugh or two about dumpster divers dealing with your dog poop!
Nice pic up top. could see scn mocking you guys as “Bonny and Clyde”, though Leah, as always, looks GREAT! Nothing like the real Bonny was *A sickly “granny clampett, according to the History channel. They can’t fault Mike’s “confronting evil” TR-0, which would scare ME if I were on the wrong side of it.
BTW, my wife, a never-in, never-involved LOVES the tagline:”Return of the cult classic”.
Het! We ever gonna see the Danny “Donkey punch” episode?
I have never thought a group of people should file a Class Action law suit more than the victims of stalking and harrrasment by the “Church” of Scientology. It’s absolutely outrageous that this seems to be sanctioned by the governnment. Of course, it’s infuriating that they are tax-free, but perhaps a large lawsuit might help in that area, too.
Cat, if someone DID understand that, scientology would immediately fire them (after keelhauling or worst first, of course. Can’t have EMOTION (other than rage / anger) figure prominently in one of their productions. Why, that’s HE&R, AND low on the tone scale, at that. Dwarfenführer would “hole” anyone who would even suggest that idea. they have to ATTACK — HARD, at worst coming up to boredom to combat the low-toned DBs giving testimony on Aftermath.ANGER is even better They can’t be sympathetic! That’s too close to death and total failure.ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK! And of course they have to stay a mere half-tone above the apathy rampant in 50’s-era society. SO SAYS Tubby, and he can’t be wrong or EVERYTHING falls apart like an imploding building making room for a new monstrosity in Vegas.
Sadly, no matter how good it makes us feel when Aftermath scores a big hit on the insanity of Scientology’s tax exemption, I doubt the IRS could politically manage to revoke it without supporting legislation or a liberal Supreme Court decision mandating a ‘public good’ test of some sort. scientology is getting too good at playing the ‘religion card’ and the IRS can not begin to try to legislate what a religion is. Wrong branch of government, and there’s the little obstruction called the Constitution blocking the Legislative branch from . ‘Course, Trump in a fit of pique could do something, but look how well his prior executive orders have worked to right a wrong.(NOT!)
Remember the amendment’s text:”Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion….”
That’s direct and to the point, no unusual words or archaic meanings needed to decipher it.
‘Course, that’s from a guy who never did see scientology as a religion even after he was forced to take the “minister’s” course, which I found to be a load of “stuff” unsuitable even as fertilizer.
Mike, I loved the tie you wore on the one-to-one interview, so classy! ?
Leah and Mike – most powerful episode to date, going for the juggular, tax exempt status, mo
st powerful season will be 3 I suspect. a copy/paste of my comment at tony’s:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aftermath is making it very obvious to our nation that our government supports this criminal organization by not enforcing laws and regulations and by accepting money and jobs too. Look at that letter that was posted in comments the other day from a U.S. Senator who said this organization that acts criminally has first amendment right to do so. I mean, I would love to have the support of a U.S. Senator like that. What was his name? My congressman Brad Sherman mentions scientology in his wikipedia entry. Pretty damn disgusting, I don’t understand why anyone would associate with scientology…
Robert Almblad has the greatest character, as does Mike Rinder, what a great example of true friendship, true humans being bros.
Thanks to Cierra for taking the risk to go on national television to tell her story, it’s good to know these details.
We need to identify Appropriate High-Level Treasury Officials:
SPECIAL RULES LIMITING IRS AUTHORITY TO AUDIT A CHURCH
Tax Inquiries and Examinations of Churches
Congress has imposed special limitations, found in section 7611 of the Internal Revenue Code, on how and when the IRS may conduct civil tax inquiries and examinations of churches. The IRS may begin a church tax inquiry only if an appropriate high-level Treasury official reasonably believes, on the basis of facts and circumstances recorded in writing, that an organization claiming to be a church or convention or association of churches may not qualify for exemption, may be carrying on an unrelated trade or business (within the meaning of IRC § 513), may otherwise be engaged in taxable activities or may have entered into an IRC § 4958 excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person.
Additional information
Restrictions on church inquiries and examinations
Audit process
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/churches-religious-organizations/special-rules-limiting-irs-authority-to-audit-a-church
I’m very glad to see the focus on educating people about why Scientology does not deserve tax exempt status and increasing the public pressure on the IRS to do something about it. The personal story between you and Robert was very touching. Having someone who really did the spying talk about the details of it was also powerful. I’m impressed by how you, Leah, and the producers keep things real and emotionally engaging. Really glad the cult shopping network hasn’t yet hired anyone who understands that.
360 degrees of awfulness. Everything about Scientology is fake, except for the misery they bring into so many people real lives.
Robert Amblad is a hero, and the episode is the best yet at making the case against Scientology’s tax exemption. Well done to everyone involved!
The more episodes I see of Scientology and the Aftermath, the angrier I get. I admire the courage of so many who’ve shared their Scientology experiences, and I am especially grateful to Leah and Mike for making outsiders like me aware of the abuses of Scientology. As sad as the end of episode 2 was, I’m glad I was able to witness the genuine friendship between Mike and Dr. Almblad. This example of respect and caring for someone else Is what does make our world a better place to live in.
Brilliant episode and so tragic. The lengths CO$ goes to never ceases to amaze me. Mike what a terrific friend you have who would not give in to them to sacrifice you. PS I’m still crying
Do you think any of the people you wrote misdirection notes about that went into your trash ever got hauled to ethics? I just wonder how much freaking out and paranoia those caused! LOL
Mr. Almblad – my dad is an inventor, so I have seen how hard it is to bring a product to market, let alone make it a success. Wish you all the best success in the future!
Someone once said that the best way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Let’s not do nothing. Problem seems to be forming a plan. It’s difficult to impossible on a format such as this. People are overwhelmingly sympathetic and shocked, but that isn’t enough. I like the comment about a round-table discussion with a few knowledgable lawyers. Also, we should all contact our congresspeople. It’s about the impact of numbers. There’s a lot of competition for the ears of people who make things happen and, unfortunately, in the overall scheme of things, we (who have seen these programs or experienced the abuse) form a very small group. But victimization and cruel treatment have befallen many people. Even more are shocked and dismayed that such things can happen in America and are protected. Are there grounds for a class action suit?
What a great powerful show!
I only have one criticism of Leah.
Leah, Scientology condemned emotions. They condemned the healing power of emotions.
I know this is just a hold over from that philosophy but…..
Let people experience their grief without trying to stop it. Stop trying to save people from feeling grief. It’s a sign of healing, not something to be stopped or saved from.
Other than that…. you rock girl! You are one awesome women. God bless and protect you.
Ah look at all the followed people
Ah look at all the followed people
David Miscavige, picks up the cash
from the whales who his minions have seen
Money his dream
Waits at his office, wearing the face
That he keeps in a jar by the door
Acts like a whore
All the followed people
We know where they come from
All the followed people
Fair gamed by dear old Ron
El Con Man Hubbard, writer of words
With a promise of OT and Clear
No one comes near
Look at the COB work, hiring PIs
In a fight with no enemies there
What does he care
All the followed people
We know where they come from
All the followed people
Fair gamed by dear old Ron
Ah look at all the followed people
Ah look at all the followed people
David Miscavige, praising his ‘church’
But it’s really attention he craves
Surrounded by slaves
El Con Man Hubbard, hard truths revealed
From the critics exposing his game
No one was saved
All the followed people
We know where they come from
All the followed people
Fair gamed by dear old Ron!
Wow. How do you come up with this. Scribe..?
Interesting ..clever
Shirley, I have a muse. ?
Really good one, Scribe. Very sad though. That’s not a criticism. Its a tragic situation you’re parodying, after all.
Scribe that’s great!
Thanks Ann!
So. Is it safe to assume that the CoS has people working for the Govt. (IRS) I mean. If they can go in and do the heinness things they do to people to ruin their lives. They surely must be selfishly manipulating the Govt for their own gaines. That is one thing that baffles me is that the people are scared into staying in the POS CoS by having their people in jobs like local police to cover up the wreck of injustice they unfortunately take pride in. Sick bastards. Thank you for your standing up for innocent people and hearing their story. Love you guys a bunch.
This was a very powerful episode. I really feel for Cierra Westerman. She was just a young girl, who had a job, with a guy who she thought loved her. But he recruited other young girls the same way and I wonder how many of them could tell the same kind of story. She is brave as hell coming forward now to tell her story to help this crusade along. I applaud her for that. Robert Amblad is such a loyal friend and honest guy. What a loss for human beings that his machine did not get sold and used in hospitals and schools etc just as the kidney dialysis patient described in the comments above. Thank you Leah Remini and Mike Rinder for your courageous telling of the truth for all these people who have been harassed.
Excellent episode, as they all are! I look forward to each and every one of them. I would hope that more of the so called investigators come forward to tell their stories. I can’t believe how many defectors have put up with this shit. I certainly could not.
Fabulous episode.
IMHO – The CoS is committing fraud on the communities in which they have active locations/orgs. This exempt organization enjoys tax free, all of the community services such as law enforcement, fire, EMT, and maintenances, such as roads, parks, etc., yet gives NOTHING in return to their communities. No feeding the hungry, clothing the needy or housing the homeless. All of which is paid for by the tax paying public.
If a not a criminal case for fraud, perhaps a civil one?
This was a wrenching episode. I became outraged and emotional as I saw Leah and Mike interact with Mr. Almblad. His loyalty and honor are stellar and such a contrast to the evil face of Scientology. What the cult does, verses what they say they do, puts them in the same pit of insanity that the Westboro Baptists and all other fanatic groups reside.
LRon’s writings have become the Reactive Mind of the church. They have ceased to be thinking and feeling humans. They have sunk below any semblance of civilization and are living as if this were raw jungle survival. Nothing they say can be believed, and what they do is always 47X(tm) times more degraded than I believed possible.
The United States government needs to issue a permanent restraining order against the Church of Scientology, its affiliates, shell companies, front groups, and agents to protect the entire population of this nation and all its citizens. I would be happy to see them take their money, buy a cruise ship, sail out to sea, and never be seen again. Let them feed on themselves forever.
You said: “The United States government needs to…”
They can’t. It’s not just that – due to a departmental reorganizational oversight – there are no inspectors doing that (the head of the IRS would have to do it now) – BUT ALSO that churches in the US would fight tooth and nail any attempt to regulate how they spend their money. Any attempt to do so would be fought all the way to the supreme court and would likely lose there since the last 3 (4?) judges were basically appointed by the religious right.
James,
I hear you and agree. Even a POS federal judge years back put a TRO on a local sheriff who was going to prevent (per existing laws) the Westboro’s protesting at a military funeral. Uphill it would be, and there is backbone in bureaucracies or judges .. not.
They are free to practice their religion. They should NOT be free to pursue and harass their ex-members. I see nothing spiritual or religious about harassing exes, Scientology is incapable of seeing, much less fixing, the crazy in their scriptures. Scientology is putting themselves only one or two steps from practicing what ISIS does.
I wish all religions had no exemptions and were required to follow all civil laws: labor, safety, healthcare, etc.
Thanks Leah and Mike.
With all the data you now have on these
harrassments and stalkings etc over the
many years of all the critics (and non-critics)
it would be useful to add it all up and come
up with an estimated total dollar amount to
present to the IRS and FBI. Seeing you
last night and reading Tony Ortega’s blog
this morning it looks like millions is spent.
I think you are perfectly correct; something
can be done.
Wake up people still in Scientology ! I mean com on..u can’t be so stupid to see what your Church is doing..
Look online if you need more proof things are getting worse in $cntology
As is required by law, the local Health Departments do restaurant inspections AND the results are printed in our local newspaper with restaurant name, location & violations printed as well. Many of these same restaurants BIGGEST violation is “pink, green, black mold on ICE MACHINE CHUTE….a real health hazard. Often times the others violations would be flavoring syrup not cleaned from soda syrup machine, can opener blade not cleaned, food not stored 6” off floor in walk in cooler. ICE MACHINE…get it….mold on the God Damned Ice Machine chute that drops ice into your drinking glass to keep your beverage cold & YOU have no idea that this could cause you to get really sick….disgusting.
Yet Scientology was ready, willing & able to destroy Robert’s health & safety invention by harassing him & those companies who would help finance and bring to fruition his wonderful SAFE invention because he is friends with Mike Rinder because Mike holds “them” accountable for their abuses of former members.
Wow, talk about a man of HONOR & CLASS…Robert, a man who refused for his own benefit & the possibility of being paid millions of dollars to remain loyal to Mike Rinder. I lost it when I saw Mike Rinder break down…& the look of pain on Mike & Robert’s faces in regard to his horrific & successful attempt by the so called “cherch” to utterly destroy someone’s life. To see these two brave man standing next to each other & emotionally supporting each other, my heart breaks for both of them.
For “them” to pay off those who speak out against them huge amounts of $$$….just WHERE the Hell are “they” getting this $$$ from? Does our government consider it OK to use $$$ donated to the cherch to pay off private investigations to follow, track, photograph, record those who have BLOWN? Isn’t it illegal to harass someone on a daily basis, as in to show up at their home, their place of business, a Dr’s office, a restaurant, a shopping mall, a park…anywhere to “noisily & loudly embarrass them”?
Don’t bother to try to get OUT of this “organization” & other way but their required way..i.e. “route out” .because THEN you have to sign a confidential agreement to keep your mouth SHUT & never speak out against them…& it’s all recorded on tape & with a signed contract….so much for RELIGIOUS FREEDOM……you are NOT “free to leave THIS cherch apparently without signing away all your legal rights, as to leave any OTHER way only brings to yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbors & anyone associated WITH you a life of pure hell on Earth for eternity…..they’ll follow you to the end of the Earth, just go away & keep your mouth shut.
All of this testimony, again and again and again….yet nothing is done about it. What WILL it take, how many more people & how much MORE testimony has to be “out there” before any government agency looks into them? Oh wait, yeah, I remember what I said before….the government got their asses kicked over Warren Jeffs FLDS removal of the women & children from the compound…& those same women took their children & went right BACK to the ONLY life they’ve ever known, just like “them”….too afraid to leave, too afraid to lose family, friends, their place in Heaven/many lives….
Like the Gilligan’s Island theme….”Just sit right back & we’ll tell a tale…a tale of a….”….the light is on, but no one is home that matters, that IS listening, that cares to do something about it. Several more episodes to view & hear….yet it is falling on deaf ears it seems. Hello, hello, is anyone in the Government listening?
Thank you Balletlady for your very kind words…
Just as soon as I think this cult cannot go any further down the bottom of the hole of being evil, they surprise me with yet another layer. What they have done to Robert Almblad is just so super criminal just because he gave Mike a job, and was his friend. What a totally beautiful human being. If you ever decide Robert that you want to run for President, you could count on my vote. Robert and Mike for President and vice president, with Leah as the head of the IRS. Wow!!
I would never condemn them to such work. They are all far too ethical to be wasted on government!
POWERFUL!
After the ending statement from Leah .. One word… Excellent!
Thank you.
Dear mike and leah,
I want to thank you both for having the balls to tackle this evil organization. I know its scary and as someone who wasted 7 years of thier life and is to afraid to wrap my family up in thier nasty tactics thank you for doing this.
From all the little people like me god bless you both. You two, Jason beghe (his epoc you tube vid), mark bunker, tony, and all the other brave and selfless souls i raise my hats and my glass. Thanks!!!!!!
I think the one thing that runs through my mind after EVERY episode is something that Leah says at the beginning of each one… why has the government / police do nothing? I don’t get it. Why do they still have tax exempt status when they so clearly discriminate, regardless of what their literature or what they create, says. How do you give te status to a “church” that then discriminates against the people who belong to it, who left it, whose family are associated with it, who force disconnections between family members? There seems to be a motherlode of anecdotal evidence as well as that which is on record, that should force Congress, and/or the law to closely re-examine the giving on a free pass to an organization who doesn’t give a free pass to its members. This is not freedom of speech, it’s harrassment on the part of an organization that calls themselves a “church.” And to think, way back when, a then friend tried to get me involved in dianetics and I said no way; he’s still in it after 40 some-odd years. Offline I can tell you a story or two…
What an amazing episode! I love the focus of this year. Going after the cult’s tax free status is the next logical and strategic step. Now we just need to see if the IRS has the organizational courage to take on the CoS. You’ve certainly laid out more than enough probable cause for an investigation!
Robert almblad is a saint..a righteous crusader..Mike’s acknowledgment of his unwavering friendship was so touching.
Thanks Mary
The saint 🙂
Mary Arr, I couldn’t agree more. Robert Amblad is a man of honor besides being an invention genius. That the church crushed his budding new business in their Fair Game is just unspeakably horrible. No other church or cult goes to the great lengths to destroy people who leave the fold. Robert made the note that he never once spoke out against Miscavige or the church. Yet they still tried to annihilate him. This was a very good and powerful show and Robert was such a likable and believable and honorable man. I also loved how you pushed the message home, “The tax exemption status needs to be taken away from the cult.”
Wow! Wow! Wow! Mike and Leah – that episode was powerful. Exposing Scientology’s and David MIscavige’s dirty little secrets is key.
Thank you Mike Rinder and Leah Remini – and all of the brave people that spoke up on the show and in other venues.
What do we need to do to make sure our government does something about it?
What about an organized protest?
What about 5,000 lawsuits by ex members suing David Miscavige personally?
Do to Scientology what Scientology did to the IRS.
Overwhelm them with lawsuits after exposing their crimes.
Ditto
Scientology + Watchtower + FLDS = Vanilla-flavored ISIS 😀
WOW! WOW! WOW!!! This was an extremely powerful episode!!! It wouldn’t have been as powerful, however, without the previously seasons and episodes. It took all the cruelties and abuses already exposed and said, “Here’s what it does to get away with all those cruelties and abuses. This is what the church of scientology does to quiet its critics or ruin them utterly. AND IT DOES IT ON YOUR AND MY DIME.”
Thank you Mike and Leah for not stopping. Thank you, Mike, for not taking the hush money like so many others have done; I have the highest respect for you.
Yes, thank you Mike & Leah!!
And thank you Mary for sharing your story, it cant have been easy
This season’s episodes expose the great lengths to which Scientology will go to protect their illegal actions and to maintain their tax exempt status. Surely, you and Leah have presented enough very real legal evidence to cause the IRS to reconsider the CULT’S tax free status. (I refuse to call them a church) I pray that you’re successful. That’s my own personal goal…to see their status REVOKED! My prayer is that God will be with you and Leah, and ALL who are speaking out and keep you safe. I don’t trust Scientology not to “stage” an ACCIDENT! Praying for your well being!! Bless you!
I pray the DOJ convenes a grand jury and gives immunity to people like Dwayne, Marti, and all those others that have been paid off to keep quiet about what they have seen and done for the church of scientology. Please God.
Right on Mary
Grand Jury and immunity for their lawyers and PI’s…. reputable lawfirms should lose their repute if they are helping to pull the wool over the IRS eyes… immunity by all means. No organization on earth has so much white collar crime being covered up…. They stand alone on that point. They are a business. And a fraudulent business at that….
Mike and Leah – this was the most explosive show yet because you are hitting the nerve of the entire sham operation of Scientology – their precious tax exempt religious status.
Exposing how they spend their tax exempt dollars is key.
Scientology is a criminal, fraudulent and deceptive organization parading around as a church.
Thank you – to all of you courageous and brave people that have been on Scientology; the Aftermath. It is the right thing to do.
What about an organized protest to speed up the IRS’s duty to yank their tax exempt status?
I completely agree. Because of the tremendous damage done to this CULT’s image in the public’s mind…they’ve been forced to start their own television network!! It runs Scientology nonsense 24/7!!! So Mike and Leah are having a great effect.
Powerful show. Did love that the cult actually thought that Mike Rinder didn’t know they would go through his garbage and have some surprises in it for them. It’s not like he doesn’t know what they are capable of. Too bad he didn’t have a dye bomb in it. Or maybe Eau de skunk.
Love the DYE PACK AND SKUNK idea!
I was curious as to how you felt meeting Cierra face to face. Were you apprehensive? Were you angry? Did you think she was despicable or just someone who was trying to make a living? A young girl who got caught up? The sad part is, is that even if Scientologists saw this and saw where their money is going, they’d go damn right! We have to attack our enemies. It’s policy! And not really do the math and say hey, that money could have gone to real relief efforts or that money could have gone towards pay for Sea Org or that money could have gone to improve birthing so staff and Sea Org don’t have to live in such horrible conditions.
Mr. Rinder, you may quote and use my comment (the long one) ANY way you see fit without further permission from me. I will sign my full legal name to it, too.
– River Anne Curtis-Stanley
Port Orchard, WA USA
All right. Feedback, here I come.
I am *furious* that Mr. Almblad’s lifesaving inventionhas been stopped by Scientology. As a person with a compromised immune system due to a kidney transplant, this is exactly the kind of thing I need hospitals to have if I need to stay in one. The same thing is even more true of dialyzors (dialysis patients); this invention is needed in every single dialysis clinic in the US,
Many dialyzors no longer make urine and are thus extremely limited in the amount of total liquid they may consume in a day, because any liquid consumed must be taken back out by dialysis, and that’s hard on one’s body. For many of them, the limit is 3 measured cups per day, 24 ounces in total. That’s for taking medication several times daily, brushing teeth, eating meals, and anything else one might want a liquid for, and *everything* counts. Salad dressings. Gravy. Jello. Ice cream. It all counts towards the total.
For many dialyzors on hemodialysis, sucking slowly on ice chips when one can’t drink liquids becomes a way of life. With their compromised immune systems, the ice machine developed by Mr. Almblad would be a treasure beyond price. Imagine if every dialysis clinic were able to provide sterile ice for their dialyzors to enjoy!
Imagine kids with cancer, many of whose immune systems have been destroyed by their lifesaving treatment, having access to safe ice for such things as shave ice.
Imagine Grandma or Grandpa being able to enjoy a cup of truly cold water without worrying about whether it will communicate bacteria.
Yes, I am furious, because life for so many would be so much better and healthier with Mr. Almblad’s machinery. And instead, my tax dollars and that of every adult in my family went towards ruining his business and preventing us from being able to benefit from his invention.
Every person who sees this episode and is angered by the truth it tells needs to communicate that upset to their Congressional Representative and US Senators. If all of us speak out at once, it has the potential to be so loud an outcry that they cannot help but listen. I know I’ll be phoning my Congressman in the morning.
Scientology’s unlimited paranoia has caused so much evil, it is staggering. Such a small group, and yet so destructive. It’s like a real-life supervillain organization.
Fabulous show Leah & Mike, it just keeps getting better and better !!!!
Thanks for your courage and tenacity !!!! Great, great show.
Cierra was superb, so brave to speak out for truth to prevail.
Follow the money…. to David Miscavige and his war chest against us all so he solely can keep the power = inurement.
Can’t wait for more, what you’re doing is so spot on….. finally this criminal church and its “Pope” will be held accountable. Amen.
When will we see Episode 3 and Jehovah Witness programs in Australia? Looking out for them- very interested in seeing them. Have followed all other previous episodes.
Mike, the previous two + years highlight the troubling, life breaking tactics used by $Scn to only protect themselves. No official reaction by the highest government entities to date. Disheartening to say the least for the brave souls exposing the abuses.
This episode really makes it apparent how the personal abuse continues to happen and how it is financed, again, only beneficial to Scientology itself and the people who benefit from the cash flow into their pockets. Since at least two administrations contributed to the re-granting of the IRS exemption to a corrupt, secular, business, perhaps a different administration will at least start the process with the evidence present tonight, hopefully sooner than later. This non-church business entity uses untaxed dollars to fund illegal processes which harms normal Scientologists, and still the government ignores the obvious.
Thank you for your many years of long work against this tyrant. With each piece a public exposure, we can only hope the exemption will be finally retracted.
If tax exempt status goes away income will dwindle terrifically. Being able to reduce taxable income is a huge draw for members. Hell, why do you think they get emails in Dec every year pleading for more money and reminding the prospect of their personal tax advantage. So after the cult’s exempt status is rescinded members won’t be able to get a tax benefit from giving money. Nothing for something. Exactly the same as their bridge.
The bigger problem will be that their finances will become TRANSPARENT. There will be government oversight. Knowing how much they spent on “disaster relief” or “lawyers and PI’s” will be a stake through their hearts.
That’s a great point. Also, with their tax exempt status being stripped where they can no longer technically claim to be a bona fide religion, hopefully the FBI and other law enforcement agencies won’t be nearly as hesitant to actually investigate this group. It seems that law enforcement agencies are very concerned about being accused of violating the first amendment and infringing on a church’s “religious liberties”.
Just the loss of tax exemption seems like it will take time to have a significant effect (it sounds like they have quite a lot of assets to maintain for a while even with funds drying up significantly), but if law enforcement gets involved, I would imagine that has the potential to greatly expedite the downfall of this organization.
Where has and is Scientology getting the large amounts of money to pay for all of the private investigators, fake body guards, fake journalists and camera crews and pay for their transportation and lodging? Are they members of Scientology which means they are paid next to nothing if at all?
Keep the pressure on Mike and Leah! This organization has GOT to be exposed to their very last penny and every law they’ve broken and gotten away with.
The church has BILLIONS of dollars from donations over a 50-year period. It has money in Sea Org reserves; it has money in its IAS account, etc. Have you seen any other episodes of Aftermath?
I just got to watch about half, and I know I sound like a broken record, but how much has to happen before the government can no longer ignore what is going on? So sad.
Outstanding episode. But I need a follow up episode with a few Law Professors sitting around a table and explaining
(1) Why this harassment isn’t illegal.
(2) Why Mr. Almblad doesn’t have grounds for a suit, since clearly the harassment cost him a substantial sum of money which can be quantified to some extent.
(3) When people’s phones and home computers are invaded, that seems like reasonable cause to investigate the PI’s sitting outside in their cars.
(4) Do the RICO laws come into play when Sci.. has clearly paid for numerous and ongoing harassments that follow people across several states?
(5) Is there any way to sue some of the Whales whose funds have paid for the ongoing privacy invasions?
I’d love to hear what a few Law Professors have to say too. Outstanding episode.
I’ve wondered the same stalking is a crime racketeering is a crime these lawyers need to be held accountable for participating
Yes. I’d be very interested to see that as well!
While I would love to see $cientology’s tax exempt status revoked completely, I don’t see it happening any time soon. But…there may be another way to impact their tax free income. And that is to get their ability to set “Fixed Donation” amounts, read prices, for their ‘services’. Something no other 501(c)3 organization is allowed to do. Other 501(c)3 organizations are only allowed to “suggest” donation amounts, and cannot refuse admission or services if the donation amount is less than the suggestion. Even if the amount is nothing. The IRS allowing $cientology to set “Fixed Donation” amounts is blatantly favoring one religion over all others, and unconstitutional on it’s face.
Going directly after the tax exemption will in all likelyhood have other religions siding with $cientology, as they’ll see it as the ‘foot in the door’ to ending tax emption for all churches. But going after $cientology being able to have “Fixed Donations”, when they don’t, should actually get their support. Mainly because, even if they’d like to do the same thing, most congragations will never go along with letting their own church tell them how much they have to donate each week if they want to attend services.
A great program and Ms. Westerman came across as a thoughtful woman with a conscience.
Her testimony was another dagger in the heart of Dave’s church.
Mr. Rinder I am stunned by the LENGTHS this cult will go to in order to SILENCE their VICTIMS. WHY aren’t these tactics LABELED AS CRIMES OF HARRASSMENT and or STALKING? It seems you have ENOUGH EVIDENCE (VIDEO) of this criminal behavior. I just HATE that this is being done to people who just don’t wwaMr to participate any longer. You people KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
I think they stopped a long time ago ” fair game” because it was too soft for their ”humanitarian” purpose ; now they must call their game : ”Saving the planet by destroying humans being utterly”. Thank you for your wonderful job of ”clearing this planet” from this evil cult.
With every revelation as to the despicable depth in which organization operates, my admiration for you and Leah continually soars. What a brilliant example of character, courage and integrity shown by you both, and tonight, that includes Robert Almblad! Wow! Truth and love will always win.
Thanks Robyn for the kind thought…:-)
Robert: You and Mike both brought me to tears…(and I may well be older than you). The ability to FEEL openly…and let those feelings be seen by others, and so often missing in men…truly touched me. Can you imagine a low toned scum bucket like Miscavige openly showing such feelings? Or even remotely *having* them?
My blessings to both you men for the courage to be OPEN.
Extremeley powerful episode.
Letters or emails to one’s government representatives directing them to tonight’s show is something we should all do.
What an amazing and true friend you have. The actions of COS make our jaws drop but in horror. The actions of Mr. Robert Almblad make our jaws drop in awe in honor. I was so glad that Leah said exactly what we all were hoping, that someone watching would contact Mr. Almblad in order to make his ice machine technology available. This past summer, I stayed at hotel (a major chain) and found black stuff in the ice. It is still a problem today for sure. Most of all, he has a right to pursue his dreams. Where are the police in all of these harassment situations!? I hope I don’t make people angry when I say I appreciate Cierra telling the world the tactics from the inside of the P.I. operation. That could not have been easy and definitely puts a target on herself. Like many others, she was used to do bad things by the COS. It definitely helps reveal the truth. So glad for more truth exposed. Excellent show.
Thanks for your kind words Chicken
You are so welcome. Thank you for being such a wonderful example to all of us.
Great episode.. but as Mike and I have spoken before, you want something current to grab onto for immoral or illegal mistreatment? Ask me why Scientologists followed me into my Family Court Hearing and I was pulled into Court this last June to try to strip me of my Custody.. just for speaking out
Bravo! Grittier this season. Gloves are off.
Keep cutting off the ring; cutting off his space. He
won’t have anywhere to run or maneuver soon.
I love you Mike, I’m so sorry you suffered so much by these evil people. It’s just not right.
Mike, I left this comment on the last entry by accident:
I was curious about the clip of Marty Rathbun you showed. What is his status today? He seems to have floated between speaking out about the church’s abuses and carrying water for them.
So glad to hear the story of your friend and really just that story of true friendship that is bigger than any challenges and any fights that come up against it. A story about a man who wants to do what’s right no matter what the cost is so powerful. I hope some people still in the bubble see this and realize like he did, what the underbelly of the ‘church’ is really like.
For me, this was an episode that, as a tax payer, pissed me off even more. How the hell the IRS still justifies this kind of horseshit as worthy of tax exemption is just mind-boggling (and infuriating).
Also, it was a very nice touch at the end between you and Robert. I couldn’t help but think about how different the mindset must be for those still in. Even though I’ve never been in, nor do I personally know anyone who’s ever been in, it seems like inside of Scientology, it’s an “every man for himself” mentality. Whereas you both showed how to remain loyal and honorable in what I can only imagine must be extremely stressful circumstances. That was a stark contrast that highlighted the difference in the mentality of those on the inside vs individuals now on the outside.
Great show.
Thanks for those kind thoughts Mick Roberts….you gave me a big smile… 🙂