Church of Scientology Denies Claims by Leah Remini Docuseries That It Spied on Former Members

The Church of Scientology is denying claims of spying on former members, claims that took center stage on Leah Remini's new docuseries.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

The Church of Scientology is denying accusations made in Leah Remini's new A&E docuseries, including former member Mike Rinder's claims of being spied on via hidden camera. In the latest episode of Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, Rinder opened up about the difficulties of post-Scientology life and directly accused the Church of installing a secret camera inside a bird house near his residence. The Church of Scientology, however, feels that Rinder is just "spreading lies" to make a living.​

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

"Spreading lies and misinformation about Scientology is how Mike Rinder makes his living," a Church of Scientology spokesperson toldE! News Tuesday. "Mike Rinder has not stepped inside a Church in nearly a decade. The Church expelled him for severe malfeasance and has had nothing to do with him since." Rinder, the spokesperson argued, is just doing what "anti-Scientologists" have always done: "Intentionally misinterpret and unfairly tarnish the Church.​"

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Remini, a former member herself, has been adamant in her public condemnations of the Church. In a Reddit Ask Me Anything session last month, the King of Queens star said the Church actually believes current member Tom Cruise is out here saving the world. "To the 'Church,' yes," Remini said when asked if members actually thought Cruise was their Messiah. "Parishioners believe that he is singlehandedly changing the planet because that is what the 'Church' is telling them."

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

But don't get it twisted and start thinking there are a ton of celebrities in the Church, Remini cautioned. "If you really look at the numbers at the entertainment industry, in comparison to the small number of Scientologists that are celebrities, the number wouldn't even register," she explained.

Latest in Pop Culture