As a reminder, it will be noted that the most famous face of Scientology is Tom Cruise.
“From the religion of Tom Cruise, we present “Operation Freakout.”
That famous “Tom Cruise” smile.
A video featuring actor Tom Cruise, where he describes himself and other Scientologists as experts on the human mind, surfaced online in 2008. This coincided with the release of a new biography delving into his involvement with Scientology.
The Church of Scientology confirmed the video’s authenticity, stating it was from a 2004 International Association of Scientologists meeting. However, the exact source of the leak remains unknown. The footage briefly appeared on various websites but was removed by some due to copyright claims from the church.
In the video Cruise says…
It’s a privilege to call yourself a Scientologist and it’s something that you have to earn. We’re the authorities on getting people off drugs. We’re the authorities on the mind. We’re the authorities on improving conditions. We can rehabilitate criminals … We can bring peace and unite cultures.
Video shows Tom Cruise saluting Scientology’s dead founder.
The Church of Scientology, established in 1953 by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, attracts individuals who resonate with the worldview often embodied by figures like Tom Cruise. The organization’s teachings depict a world under siege by malevolent forces, where only a courageous individual unburdened by conventional constraints can offer salvation.
Despite having a number of high-profile members, Scientology’s reputation poses challenges. Accusations of being a pyramid scheme at minimum, and at worst an exploitative cult profiting from forced labor and human trafficking, have arisen from lawsuits and accounts by former adherents. The organization’s core belief system, centered around the concept of human beings being plagued by thetans (immortal alien souls) brought to Earth by Xenu, a galactic emperor, has often been ridiculed.
Apparently, no one ever bothered to tell Tom Cruise about…
Cooper’s conflict with the Church of Scientology began in 1970 when the Church filed suit against her in British court for an article she wrote that was published in London’s Queen magazine. An expansion of this, her first book, The Scandal of Scientology, came out in 1971; it was a critical exposé of the activities and beliefs of the Church of Scientology.
In the annals of religious persecution, few cases are as chilling and outrageous as the Church of Scientology’s relentless campaign against journalist Paulette Cooper. Cooper’s 1971 book, “The Scandal of Scientology (PDF download),” exposed the organization’s questionable practices and inner workings, earning her the ire of its founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
Hubbard’s chilling directive, “If possible, of course, ruin her utterly,”set the stage for a sinister plot that would consume Cooper’s life for years. Scientology’s operatives embarked on a mission to smear her reputation and silence her criticisms, using tactics that ranged from harassment and intimidation to outright criminal activity.
Scientology remains a contentious subject, primarily due to the allegations of authoritarian and harmful practices within the organization. The development and trajectory of Scientology have sparked significant debate regarding religious freedoms and protections, and even the definition of religion itself. In the diverse landscape of religious beliefs, Scientology stands out as an anomaly. While it incorporates elements of faith (albeit rooted in what many perceive as science fiction), this belief system appears to serve as a facade for potentially exploitative commercial activities, in addition to documented criminal exploits as described in this post..
The history of alleged terror and abuse within Scientology seems to stem from its founder’s reported delusions and paranoia. L. Ron Hubbard’s alleged delusional tendencies were documented in court proceedings, where a judge concluded that the organization’s “schizophrenic and paranoid” nature reflected its founder, who was described as a “pathological liar” regarding his personal history and accomplishments (Church of Scientology v. Armstrong, No. C420153, California Supreme Court, 1984).
Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard made a number of false claims about his life and background. His estranged son Ronald DeWolf (Nibs) reported that “Ninety-nine percent of what my father ever wrote or said about himself” was false. An acquaintance who knew Hubbard in Pasadena recalled recognizing Hubbard’s epic autobiographical tales as being adapted from the writings of others.
You may not believe this, but you can write something that someone doesn’t approve of and then—with the help of the government—be bankrupted and have a quarter of your life almost ruined. And you don’t have to live in China or Russia. It can happen right here in New York. I know because it happened to me. I haven’t previously written about this from beginning to end because it’s still painful, but here goes.
The Smear Campaign Begins
Scientology’s campaign against Cooper began with a relentless smear campaign. They spread false rumors, accusing her of everything from promiscuity to mental instability. They sought to discredit her work and undermine her credibility, hoping to silence her criticisms and deter others from speaking out against the Church.
In 1968, journalist Paulette Cooper wrote an article about Scientology for Queen magazine in the U.K. In 1971, she published a book, The Scandal of Scientology.
In retaliation, Scientology executives carried out a program of orchestrated intimidation. Scientologists framed Cooper for sending bomb threats, libelled her to her neighbors, infiltrated her life by fraudulently befriending her, and filed 19 lawsuits against her. After prosecutors on the bomb threat case demanded that she see a psychologist for a year, Scientologists broke into her therapist’s office and stole her confidential records. Scientologists discussed murdering her.
When the FBI raided Scientology offices in 1977, they seized documents detailing Scientology’s step-by-step programs for harassing, intimidating, and threatening Cooper, including Operation Freakout, a conspiracy to have Cooper imprisoned or committed to a mental institution.
Present-day Scientology leaders attempt to distance the organization from its controversial past actions, attributing them to unauthorized behavior by individual members and characterizing them as outdated practices. However, the policies that Scientologists, both past and present, rely on for their actions and operations were written by L. Ron Hubbard himself. These policies, considered sacred texts within the organization, remain in effect and continue to influence and guide Scientology’s activities, which have been criticized for their harsh and intimidating nature.
Fair Game – A person who is “suppressive” is considered an “enemy” and “may be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed” (HCO Policy Letter of 18 October, 1967).
While the Church of Scientology asserts that the “fair game” policy has been discontinued, this claim has repeatedly been questioned. It appears that only the public declaration of someone as “fair game” has ceased due to the negative publicity it attracted. However, within the organization, the understanding persists that a “Suppressive Person” doesn’t require a formal declaration to be considered a target for such actions.
The Forged Bomb Threat Frame-Up
Scientology’s operatives weren’t satisfied with mere intimidation. They hatched a sinister plan to frame Cooper for a felony, using a piece of stationery she had touched, which contained her fingerprints. They forged a bomb threat against the Church, hoping to implicate Cooper in a crime she didn’t commit.
The plan, dubbed “Operation Freakout,” was a chilling example of Scientology’s willingness to use illegal tactics to achieve its goals. It was a calculated attempt to destroy Cooper’s life and silence her criticisms once and for all.
“Bomb threat” against the New York Church of Scientology, supposedly from Paulette Cooper but actually a forgery created by the Church’s Guardian’s Office.
Scientology’s founder L Ron Hubbard ordered his followers to attack critics by any means possible.
The Fair Game policy written by Hubbard decreed that enemies of Scientology “may be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed”.
As part of this policy the Church of Scientology attempted to get Cooper incarcerated by framing her for a bomb threat she had nothing to do with.
Cooper said it was the worst thing they did to her.
“They got my fingerprint on a piece of paper and then they sent bomb threats to themselves and they had me arrested for a terrorist crime,” she said.
“I was arrested and I was indicted and I was up for 15 years in jail and it was just the most horrible, horrible time of my life.”
The harassment took a terrible toll on Cooper and she started drinking too much, taking prescription drugs and at one point came close to taking her own life.
The Unraveling of the Plot
Fortunately, the plot was uncovered before Cooper could be convicted. Prosecutors, realizing the bomb threat was a forgery, dropped all charges against her. But the damage was done. Cooper’s life had been turned upside down, and she had incurred significant legal and psychiatric fees defending herself against Scientology’s false accusations.
In 1977, FBI agents raided Scientology properties (Fifield Manor and the Cedars Complex in Los Angeles, California) and seized a number of documents.
The complete Scientology litigation kit used against Paulette Cooper is linked here.
The Aftermath
Cooper’s ordeal didn’t end with the dismissal of the charges. Scientology continued to harass and intimidate her, even after the truth about Operation Freakout came to light. She was forced to move multiple times and change her name to escape their relentless pursuit.
The emotional and financial toll of Scientology’s persecution was immense. Cooper estimated that she spent over $26,000 in legal and psychiatric fees defending herself against their attacks. But she refused to be silenced, and she continued to speak out against the Church’s abuses.
I couldn’t think of a better way to give thanks this year than to pay homage to the woman who was there first, paid the highest price, and remains a mentor, an inspiration, and a total class act.
In gratitude to our many loyal Scientology watchers who have made this year so special, here at the Voice we are excited to present a Thanksgiving tribute to Scientology’s first and worst nightmare, the one, the only, Paulette Cooper.
Conclusion
The story of Paulette Cooper is a testament to the power of one person to stand up to injustice, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It is also a chilling reminder of the lengths to which organizations like Scientology will go to silence their critics and maintain their power.
Operation Freakout is a dark chapter in Scientology’s history, but it is a chapter that must not be forgotten. We must continue to expose their abuses and hold them accountable for their actions. Only then can we ensure that justice is done for Paulette Cooper and all those who have suffered at the hands of this organization.
Paulette Cooper writes of her experience on her website:
Yes, I often wish I had never ever heard the word “Scientology,” But despite all that happened, I would still have done the same today, because no one else was speaking out or working to expose them then. I would not have been capable of remaining quiet because I learned too many scary things and talked to too many people who were being hurt to turn my back on them.
In May 2015, Tony Ortega released a book about Scientology critic Paulette Cooper and her conflict with the organization, entitled The Unbreakable Miss Lovely, which was published by Silvertail Books, an imprint of London-based literary agent and independent publisher Humfrey Hunter. The book focuses on the journalist Paulette Cooper, codenamed “Miss Lovely” by the church, who became one of the first journalists to investigate the practices of harassment and intimidation of anyone who spoke publicly against the organization with her own published book, The Scandal of Scientology. Ortega’s research into Cooper’s story uncovered many previously unpublished operations by the church against Cooper, and included testimony from FBI Special Agent Christine Hansen. In an official response to the book from the church a spokesperson declined to revisit the subject and referred to Ortega as “a parasite”. The book was well received by critics of Scientology and has been described as among the best of the genre as well as shocking. Although Cooper reached a financial settlement with the church in 1985, Ortega was accompanied by Cooper on the subsequent international book tour.
So … Tom Cruise, any thoughts?
Tom Cruise isn’t just any member of Scientology. He’s regarded as a near-mythical figure, occupying a special position of reverence within the organization. He partially resides in a penthouse apartment complex, situated close to the group’s global headquarters. His family members, who are also Scientologists, live on the lower floors.
His closest friend and a two-time best man at his weddings is David Miscavige, the head of the Sea Org, Scientology’s management body. Miscavige has been described by multiple sources, including his own father, as a volatile individual prone to anger and outbursts. His former spokesperson has even claimed that Miscavige subjected him to verbal and physical abuse on numerous occasions.
According to Mike Rinder, who says he was the chief spokesman for Scientology before leaving the organization in 2007, people in Hollywood seem content to look the other way as long as Cruise is making hit movies. “But they act as if his association with Scientology is as harmless as Madonna spending time with the Kabbalah people,” he says. “They don’t realize Tom Cruise is hanging out with someone who is the emotional equivalent of Jeffrey Dahmer.”
People are remarkably skilled at compartmentalizing information and employing strategies to reduce cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance arises when a deeply held belief clashes with rational evidence contradicting that belief.
In the case of Tom Cruise, the prevailing belief is that he is a decent person and a talented actor. This perception largely holds true initially, but it’s challenged when we consider his affiliation with Scientology, an organization often described as a questionable, quasi-religious entity with questionable practices.
Former members of Scientology have offered less favorable portrayals of Cruise. They tend to depict him as a well-intentioned individual who lacks curiosity and readily accepts the perks of his position without questioning their origins. According to this perspective, Scientology appeals to Cruise because it simplifies his life while simultaneously inflating his ego by positioning him as a hero.
Tom Cruise holds a significant position within the Church of Scientology, possibly at or near the highest echelons of its hierarchical structure. The pinnacle of achievement for a Scientologist is known as “Operating Thetan Level VIII” (OT VIII), signifying complete mastery over oneself, one’s surroundings, spiritual entities, and even the physical world. Attaining the highest OT levels often involves substantial financial investment in counseling and courses, potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Given his prominent status and dedication to Scientology, it is plausible that Tom Cruise has reached OT VIII.
Perhaps Tom should take another look into his past life and give the memory of his abusive father a fresh perspective and make some comparisons to the religion he holds dear.
“He was a bully and a coward,” the 43-year-old actor says of his father, Thomas Cruise Mapother III. “He was the kind of person where, if something goes wrong, they kick you. It was a great lesson in my life–how he’d lull you in, make you feel safe and then, bang!
Only then might this quote by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard have new meaning in the life of a man whose entire life consists of playing make believe in film.
In 1968, journalist Paulette Cooper wrote an article about Scientology for Queen magazine in the U.K. In 1971, she published a book, The Scandal of Scientology.
