In a recent legal maneuver, the Church of Scientology has launched an aggressive counterattack against Leah Remini, the former Scientologist turned outspoken critic. The Church claims that its attacks and defamation of Remini were purely in response to her own attacks against them. They argue that her lawsuit should be gutted in the name of the First Amendment. This bold move comes after Remini filed a piercing initial complaint against the Church, its leader David Miscavige, and other high-ranking members.
Scientology’s lawyers, represented by Winston & Strawn LLP and Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP, have filed a motion to strike Remini’s lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court. They assert that once the nonactionable statements, protected petitioning, and statute of limitations issues are removed, there is very little substance left in Remini’s allegations. The Church argues that these remaining allegations should be stricken under California’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute to protect their First Amendment rights. This legal strategy is not new for the controversial Church, as it has been used in previous legal battles.
The Church’s recent motion mirrors their previous statements about their strategy against Remini. They claim that her allegations, despite the length and volume of her complaint, mainly consist of constitutionally protected speech and activity. Scientology International, Miscavige, and the Religious Technology Center have requested permission to submit a brief supporting their anti-SLAPP motion. They aim to file a consolidated 30-page brief, not seeking to exceed the statutory page limit.
Remini, on the other hand, believes that 30 pages for a coordinated filing is excessive and is willing to defer to the court’s judgment. Both sides will present their arguments today before Judge Randolph Hammock, who presided over the recent criminal case against Danny Masterson, a prominent Scientologist sentenced to 30 years behind bars on rape charges.
Scientology adamantly maintains that Remini’s lawsuit is part of a more than decade-long campaign against the Church. They accuse her of making a lucrative career out of spreading hate, inspiring violence, and attacking the Church, its members, and its leader. Through various platforms such as her autobiography, a cable television show, podcasts, and media appearances, Remini has repeatedly used derogatory language to describe the Church and its followers. Scientology claims to have responded to her slander in public fora.
Remini’s lawsuit alleges retaliation by the Church for her public criticism of its policies and personnel. She also claims to have been a victim of harassment, credit card fraud, and online trolling since filing the complaint. Seeking unspecified damages, Remini aims to hold the Church accountable and obtain injunctive relief to end their policies against Suppressive Persons. She hopes that current and former Scientologists, journalists, and advocates can expose Scientology’s abuses without fear of being threatened into silence.
This is not the only harassment case the Church is facing. The long stay on the harassment case against Masterson and Scientology, filed by former members and their families, has been lifted. These plaintiffs allege harassment and more by Masterson and Scientology after reporting sexual assault accusations to the LAPD. With the trial set for September 2025, there is still much discovery to be done in this ongoing legal battle.
The Church of Scientology’s response to Leah Remini’s lawsuit is a vigorous and unrelenting defense of their First Amendment rights. They contend that their actions were a necessary response to her attacks, while Remini seeks accountability and justice for alleged harassment and retaliation. As the legal proceedings continue, both sides are preparing for a fierce battle in the courtroom. Only time will tell how this high-profile case will unfold.