Leah Remini’s Unprecedented Legal Move
In a ground-breaking move, actress Leah Remini has filed a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology and its leader, David Miscavige, alleging years of harassment, defamation, and what she calls ‘mob-style operations and attacks’.
Dedication to Scientology
Growing up as a member of the Church since 1979, Remini, now 53, has always been a prominent figure within Scientology circles. However, she left the organization in 2013 and has since then claimed the Church has ‘significantly’ impacted her life and career.
Church’s Rebuttal to Claims
Scientology has not taken these allegations lying down. They called the accusations ‘pure lunacy’ and defended their right to free speech in the face of Remini’s ‘blatant harassment’.
Remini’s Damaging Allegations
For 17 years, Remini claims, Scientology and David Miscavige subjected her to ‘psychological torture, defamation, surveillance, harassment, and intimidation’. She insists this has had a significant impact on her life and career. In her statement, she said, ‘I believe I am not the first person targeted by Scientology and its operations, but I intend to be the last.’
The Legal Aspect
Remini’s lawsuit, filed in the California Superior Court, aims to end what she alleges to be Scientology’s practice of ‘harassment, defamation, and other unlawful conduct against anyone who Scientology has labelled as an ‘enemy.’ The actress is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged harm inflicted on her personal and professional life by the Church.
Church’s ‘OSA Network Orders’
Remini’s allegations point to ‘OSA Network Orders’ – directives supposedly issued by the Church’s Office of Special Affairs, meant to take retaliatory measures against any individual or organization that the Church deems an enemy.
Named Defendants
The Church of Scientology, David Miscavige, and Religious Technology Center, Inc., which Remini claims manages policing operations and enforces Scientology’s punishment orders, are the named defendants in this case.
Remini’s Continued Activism
Remini remains committed to speaking out about Scientology, believing in her right to ‘speak the truth and report the facts.’ She strongly asserts that religious freedom does not grant license to ‘intimidate, harass and abuse those who exercise their First Amendment rights.’
The Church’s Response
The Church, in return, has called the lawsuit ‘ludicrous.’ It accuses Remini of profiting from attacking the Church via books, podcasts, and television, and suggests that she has brought any career harm upon herself.
Leah Remini’s Influential Career
Despite the controversy, Remini’s career continues to thrive. She is best known for her role in The King of Queens and has won two Emmy Awards for her documentary series, Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. She also held roles in Cheers, Friends, and NYPD Blue, and was a regular panelist on The Talk.
FAQs
Who is Leah Remini?
Leah Remini is a renowned actress, best known for her role in The King of Queens. She was a member of the Church of Scientology from 1979 until 2013.
Why is Leah Remini suing the Church of Scientology?
Remini claims that the Church and its leader, David Miscavige, have subjected her to psychological torture, defamation, surveillance, harassment, and intimidation for 17 years. She seeks to end the Church’s alleged practice of harassment and defamation.
How has the Church of Scientology responded to these allegations?
The Church dismissed the allegations as ‘pure lunacy’, asserting their right to free speech in the face of what they consider Remini’s harassment.
What is the ‘OSA Network Orders’ that Remini refers to in her allegations?
The ‘OSA Network Orders’ allegedly are directives issued by the Church’s Office of Special Affairs, intended to implement retaliatory measures against any individual or organization that the Church perceives as an enemy.
What has been Remini’s activity after leaving the Church?
Remini co-created and executive produced a documentary series about the Church, called Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, which won two Emmy Awards. She also released a memoir detailing her experiences in the Church.
Key Stats
| Year Remini Joined the Church | 1979 |
| Year Remini Left the Church | 2013 |
| Years of Alleged Harassment | 17 |
| Named Defendants in the Case | 3 (The Church of Scientology, David Miscavige, and Religious Technology Center, Inc.) |
| Emmy Awards Won by Remini | 2 |
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