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...]
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...]
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...]