Leah Remini To Produce Scientology Tell-All Series
In 2013, Leah Remini did something that had seemed impossible – leaving the Church of Scientology. Having been raised under the tenets of Scientology, the decision to leave was not an easy one for Remini, but she knew it was the right thing to do for herself and especially for her children. Since parting ways from Scientology, Leah has been speaking out against the church, revealing some of the concealed inner workings of the church through talk shows and a revealing book, which gives Remini’s first hand account of her own experiences with the Church of Scientology and her interactions with its other members, including actor Tom Cruise. Now, Remini hopes to expand her reach and raise even greater awareness with a television series.
The Exes Star Leah Remini Wants To Expose Scientology Once And For All
The news was first reported by Tony Ortega, one of the many documented sources in Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015), that actress and former Scientology member Leah Remini has started to put together a television series about the religion. In Leah’s own words, she hopes that her new series will shine a spotlight on Scientology and bring particular attention to the way in which Scientology “rips apart families.”
“We’ve confirmed that Leah’s series is currently shooting footage, and appears to be on a fast track,” Ortega wrote in a blog post.
Among Ms. Remini’s history of standing up against the Church of Scientology is her memoir, Troublemaker, and a recent 20/20 interview in which Leah revealed she was “punished” for telling Tom Cruise and then-wife Katie Holmes to “get a room.” Remini says it was also suggested that she bring best friend Jennifer Lopez to the Cruise-Holmes wedding, so the singer turned actress could be converted to Scientology.
The Church of Scientology has released a statement of their own, condemning Leah Remini and attempting to debunk her public criticism of the organization.
“Leah Remini knows the truth she conveniently rewrites in her revisionist history,” reads a statement issued by the Church of Scientology. “The real story is that she desperately tried to remain a Scientologist in 2013, knowing full well she was on the verge of being expelled for refusing to abide by the high level of ethics and decency Scientologists are expected to maintain.”
Leah Remini Helps Scientology Leader’s Dad Expose His Own Experiences
Two years before Leah escaped the sphere of Scientology’s influence, Ron Miscavige, the father of Scientology leader David Miscavige, defected from the organization on his own, but it wasn’t until Remini left Scientology and penned her own memoir that Ron took any position against Scientology. Leah says she reached out to Ron Miscavige and convinced him that he should pen his own memoir and expose what he knew about Scientology.
“I tracked him down,” 45-year-old Remini said in an interview, earlier this year. “I called him and I offered my support, because I know he must’ve felt alone. I just wanted him to know that we were willing to take them in. Because there is no place for them to go unless they have family, which is very rare, outside of the church.”
Leah says she felt it was important for Ron to share his own experiences, even though she had come forward to share her personal struggles against Scientology, because she hoped people would see, through multiple testimonies, that the Church of Scientology isn’t as benevolent as it might seem.
“We’re all gonna speak up,” says Ms. Remini. “You’re not gonna just bully people telling their stories.”
The resulting memoir written by Ron Miscavige is as different from Leah’s experiences as night and day, as Ron spent 27 years involved with Scientology’s even more secretive Sea Org. The book recounting Ron’s experiences in Scientology is entitled Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me.
There’s no word on when or where Leah Remini’s Scientology series will air, as it is still in the planning stages.
[Image by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images]
