Actress and producer Leah Remini, who fled Scientology 10 years ago, filed an expansive lawsuit against Scientology and David Miscavige in California this week.In the complaint, Remini lays out a pattern of harassment, intimidation, surveillance, and defamation that she has faced since the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in 2006.
“For 17 years, Scientology and David Miscavige have subjected me to what I believe to be psychological torture, defamation, surveillance, harassment, and intimidation, significantly impacting my life and career. I believe I am not the first person targeted by Scientology and its operations, but I intend to be the last,” Remini stated in a press release sent out Wednesday.
Scientology has ben involved in law suits accusing them of everything from sexual abuse and assault to human trafficking.
According to the release, Remini filed the lawsuit in the California Superior Court on Aug. 2 in an attempt to “require Scientology, and any entity it controls and funds, to cease and desist its alleged practice of harassment, defamation, and other unlawful conduct against anyone who Scientology has labeled as an ‘enemy.’”
Remini also seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged harm Scientology has inflicted on her personal and professional life.
Named defendants are the Church of Scientology, Miscavige and Religious Technology Center, Inc., which, Remini alleges, manages policing operations and principally enforces Scientology’s punishment orders.
Remini alleges that a series of attacks meant to “obliterate” and “totally restrain and muzzle” her were “activated by OSA and their operatives.” The lawsuit details alleged “coordinated campaigns” by the Church levied against Remini and her family, friends and business associates.
“With this lawsuit, I hope to protect my rights as afforded by the Constitution of the United States to speak the truth and report the facts about Scientology,” Remini continued. “I feel strongly that the banner of religious freedom does not give anyone license to intimidate, harass and abuse those who exercise their First Amendment rights.”
Most recently, actor and avid Scientologist Danny Masterson was convicted on rape charges.
This is an ongoing story. Check back for developments.
