Overview
This video examines the ongoing influence of Scientology in Hollywood, focusing on celebrity members—both public and private—and the intricate web of relationships, recruitment tactics, and controversies involving the church and high-profile figures.
Scientology’s Celebrity Strategy
- L. Ron Hubbard founded Scientology in 1953, viewing celebrities as a means to grow the church.
- Project Celebrity, initiated in 1955, remains central to Scientology’s strategy.
- Celebrities are treated as elite within the church, with special privileges and roles.
- The church uses industry connections and exclusive classes to attract aspiring actors.
Major Celebrity Scientologists & Relationships
- Tom Cruise is deeply involved in recruitment efforts, holding meetings to push celebrity engagement.
- Elizabeth Moss is a committed, second-generation Scientologist with family involvement and industry benefits.
- The Masterson family (Danny, Chris, Alanna, Jordan) and the Rabisi family (Giovanni, Marissa) exemplify interlinked second-generation celebrity Scientologists.
- Connections extend through marriages, friendships, and business partnerships among Moss, the Mastersons, Rabisis, Juliet Lewis, Beck, and others.
Downplaying and Hiding Involvement
- Post-2005, celebrities began concealing or minimizing their Scientology ties due to negative publicity.
- Celebrities are coached to use vague, positive statements to deflect controversy.
- Many claim casual involvement while records and testimonies suggest strong ties.
Recruitment, Influence, and Hollywood Entanglements
- The church has attempted to recruit high-profile celebrities and influence productions, sets, and industry events.
- Non-members like Ashton Kutcher and Eva Longoria remain closely entangled via relationships and events.
- Scientology offers perks (e.g., exclusive events, connections, opportunities) as recruitment tools.
Notable Controversies and Legal Issues
- Exposing the church’s blackmail potential via recorded auditing sessions discourages members from leaving.
- Danny Masterson’s criminal trial highlighted church efforts to shield members and silence victims.
- Allegations involve other celebrities assisting or benefiting from Scientology’s protective measures.
Behind-the-Scenes in Hollywood Productions
- Detailed stories from sets (e.g., Yellowjackets, Desperate Housewives, War of the Worlds) reveal Scientology’s influence and recruitment tactics.
- Juliet Lewis’s departure from Yellowjackets reportedly stemmed from off-camera conflicts.
Attempts to Recruit and Losses of Notable Members
- Scientology invested heavily in attempts to recruit David and Victoria Beckham.
- Some high-profile members (e.g., Laura Prepon, Jason Lee, Beck) claim to have left but remain under suspicion due to ongoing connections.
Decisions
- Juliet Lewis asked to be released from her Yellowjackets contract, leading to major storyline changes.
Action Items
- September – Video creator: Cover the upcoming civil trial involving Danny Masterson and the Church of Scientology.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- How involved are purported former members (e.g., Beck) with the church currently?
- What further revelations may emerge in the upcoming civil trial?