The Church of Scientology has yet to respond in court to Leah Remini’s harassment lawsuit, but according to Remini herself, the organization has taken some harsh actions in response. In an amended complaint filed on August 29, Remini claims that she and others have been subjected to continued and aggressive harassment since the original complaint was filed. She alleges acts of credit card fraud, online trolling, and direct accusations from the Church, including suggestions that she should consider leaving the country. These allegations are detailed in the amended complaint, which can be read here.
Seemingly connected to these incidents, Remini also states in the amended complaint that her tutor’s business was hacked and her co-host on “Scientology and the Aftermath,” Mike Rinder, was stalked by someone close to the Church. This surveillance is particularly distressing for Remini, as Rinder is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
In addition to seeking unspecified damages, Remini is also seeking injunctive relief to end Scientology’s policies against Suppressive Persons. She wants current and former Scientologists, journalists, and advocates to be able to hold Scientology accountable without fear of retaliation.
When contacted for a response to the amended complaint, the Church of Scientology reiterated its previous statement, calling Remini a “horrible person” and a “bigot.” The Church dismissed the lawsuit as ludicrous and the allegations as pure lunacy.
The hearing for Remini’s lawsuit is scheduled for December 4, after going through multiple judges due to conflicts of interest. On the same day that Remini filed her amended complaint, the judge in the civil case against Scientology and Danny Masterson decided to continue the stay in that matter. This case alleges harassment by Masterson and Scientology after the plaintiffs reported sexual assault accusations to the LAPD. The next hearing in the civil case is set for September 27.
Masterson, who was found guilty of two out of three charges in May, faces up to 30 years in prison in his upcoming sentencing on September 7. Remini, who testified on behalf of former Scientologist Paul Haggis in a sexual assault civil trial, was present at the beginning of Masterson’s retrial in April. It is unclear if she will be in the courtroom for his sentencing next week.
