Leah Remini, the Emmy-winning actress and former Scientologist, has recently filed a harassment lawsuit against the Church of Scientology. While the organization has yet to respond in court, Remini claims that the Church has escalated its campaign against her since the initial filing. In her amended complaint, Remini alleges acts of credit card fraud, online harassment, and direct threats from the Church. This article explores the details of the amended complaint and the disturbing pattern of aggressive attacks against Remini.
Remini’s amended complaint echoes her original claims of retaliation by the Church for her public criticism of its policies and personnel. However, it goes further to detail specific instances of harassment that she has experienced since filing the initial complaint. These include acts of credit card fraud, online trolling, and direct accusations from the Church. The Church allegedly suggested that she “consider emigrating to Russia” and accused her of generating threats and actual violence against the organization.
Surveillance and Stalking
One particularly disturbing incident mentioned in the amended complaint involves Mike Rinder, Remini’s co-host on the Scientology and the Aftermath show. On August 15, 2023, Rinder and his wife were reportedly surveilled by an unknown vehicle. The car followed them to run errands and even into a church parking lot. Rinder, a former high-ranking member of the Church, believes that these surveillance efforts are aimed at preventing him from assisting process servers in locating David Miscavige, the leader of the Church. The fact that these incidents occurred while Rinder is undergoing cancer treatment adds an additional layer of distress for Remini.
Remini’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and injunctive relief to end Scientology’s policies against Suppressive Persons. The aim is to create an environment where current and former Scientologists, journalists, advocates, and others can hold the organization accountable without fear of retribution. By filing this lawsuit, Remini hopes to shed light on the alleged abuses within Scientology and safeguard the rights of those who wish to speak out against the organization.
When contacted for a response to the amended complaint, the Church of Scientology resorted to name-calling, referring to Remini as “a horrible person” and a “bigot.” They dismissed the lawsuit as “ludicrous” and labeled the allegations as “pure lunacy.” This response from the Church demonstrates a lack of accountability and a refusal to address the serious accusations made by Remini. It appears that the Church’s tactics in handling this lawsuit consist of deflecting and discrediting the plaintiff rather than engaging in a meaningful dialogue.
Related Legal Proceedings
Coincidentally, the same day Remini filed her amended complaint, the judge in the civil case against Scientology member Danny Masterson decided to continue the stay in that matter. This case similarly involves allegations of harassment by Masterson and Scientology after the plaintiffs reported sexual assault accusations to the LAPD. This connection highlights a pattern of behavior by the Church where intimidation and harassment are allegedly used to silence individuals who speak out against it.
Leah Remini’s harassment lawsuit against the Church of Scientology sheds light on a troubling pattern of aggressive attacks by the organization. The amended complaint reveals incidents of credit card fraud, online harassment, and direct threats, all targeting Remini and those associated with her. While the Church’s response has been dismissive and defensive, Remini’s legal action aims to hold Scientology accountable for its alleged abuses. As the lawsuit unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will address these serious allegations and whether justice will be served.