Leah Remini, a former member of the Church of Scientology, has filed a lawsuit against the organization and its leader, David Miscavige. The lawsuit accuses the Church of harassment, defamation, surveillance, and other unlawful behavior that resulted in “psychological torture” for Remini. She claims that Scientology’s “mob-style operations and attacks” have significantly impacted her life and career. In the lawsuit, Remini seeks to stop the alleged practice of harassment and defamation by Scientology against anyone labeled as an “enemy.” She is also seeking compensatory and punitive damages for the harm inflicted on her. Remini has been a public critic of Scientology for several years and co-created a documentary series on the subject. Last November, she testified in a civil rape trial, alleging that the church was involved in covering up sexual harassment and assault cases. Adrian Horton reported

Leah Remini Files Lawsuit Against Church of Scientology for Harassment and Defamation

Leah Remini, a former member of the Church of Scientology, has recently filed a lawsuit against the organization and its leader, David Miscavige. The lawsuit alleges harassment, defamation, surveillance, and other unlawful behavior that resulted in what Remini describes as “psychological torture.”

Background and Allegations

Remini, who joined Scientology as a child in 1979 and left in 2013, claims that the organization’s “mob-style operations and attacks” have had a significant impact on her life and career. In a press release issued on Wednesday, Remini stated, “For 17 years, Scientology and David Miscavige have subjected me to what I believe to be psychological torture, defamation, surveillance, harassment, and intimidation. I believe I am not the first person targeted by Scientology and its operations, but I intend to be the last.”

The lawsuit, which spans 60 pages, was filed in the California superior court. Remini aims 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’.”

The suit also claims that the organization orchestrated a pattern of “coordinated and malicious assaults” against Remini after her departure. These assaults included public claims that she was abusive toward her mother and daughter and that she had made racist statements.

Seeking Justice and Damages

As a result of the alleged harm inflicted on her “life and livelihood,” Remini is seeking compensatory and punitive damages from the Church of Scientology and its leadership. In her statement, she emphasized that her lawsuit aims to protect her rights to speak the truth and report the facts about Scientology, as afforded by the constitution of the United States. Remini firmly believes that the banner of religious freedom should not grant anyone the license to intimidate, harass, and abuse those who exercise their first amendment rights.

A History of Criticism

Remini has been a vocal critic of Scientology for several years following her break with the organization. In 2016, she co-created and executive produced a documentary series called “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” which received two Emmy awards and ran for three seasons.

Last November, Remini testified on behalf of the Oscar-winning writer and director Paul Haggis in his civil rape trial. During the trial, she argued that the church was behind the allegations against Haggis, who left Scientology in 2009. After the trial ended in a hung jury, Remini took to Twitter to accuse Miscavige of covering up sexual harassment and assault within the church.

According to her tweet, “Scientology was responsible for reporting these crimes to civil authorities but did no such thing. Instead, it covered them up. Scientology and its evil leader David Miscavige obstructed justice and participated in a conspiracy to cover up these crimes. They have done this many other times in cases of rape and other sexual misconduct.”

Conclusion

Leah Remini’s lawsuit against the Church of Scientology and David Miscavige reflects her determination to seek justice and put an end to what she perceives as ongoing harassment and defamation. By filing this lawsuit, Remini hopes to protect her rights and shed light on the alleged practices of the organization. Her actions demonstrate a strong belief that religious freedom should not be a shield for intimidation, harassment, and abuse.

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