Disturbing revelations of child abuse and cover-ups in the Church of Scientology have come to light, potentially implicating celebrity members such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Juliette Lewis, Elisabeth Moss, Jenna Elfman, and TV journalist Greta Van Susteren. These figures are now reportedly distancing themselves, fearing reputational damage due to their association with the controversial church.
The accuser, referred to as Jane Doe in recently unsealed court documents, is now in her 40s. She alleges that Gavin Potter, a high-ranking church recruiter, began to abuse her when she was just 16. When she reported the horrific abuse to church officials, she was presented with the dreadful choice of enduring five years of hard labor in a Scientology gulag or marrying her abuser in Las Vegas.
A Hollywood insider has revealed that the judge’s decision to unseal the court documents coincided with the double rape conviction of Danny Masterson, a prominent figure in the Church. This coincidence is described as the Church's “worst nightmare.” The insider added, "If you’re Travolta, Cruise, or any other celebrity member, you must be gravely concerned about how the scandal will affect your reputation and box-office receipts."
The legal complaint implicates Potter, Scientology leader David Miscavige, and three other church-related entities. It suggests that the organization fostered an environment where sexual abuse was perpetuated, enabled by policies decreed by the Church's late founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
Despite Scientology’s claim that it doesn’t discourage reporting crimes, critics argue otherwise, referencing Hubbard's book, "Introduction to Scientology Ethics," which categorizes reporting fellow members to civil authorities as a "high crime". Ex-member Mike Rinder explains, "These words from Hubbard make clear it is exactly what they demand from their members.”
The suit further claims that Scientology's philosophy, which perceives minors as "adults in children's bodies," creates a milieu especially conducive to child abuse. After joining the Church's military-style workforce, Sea Org, at 14, Doe alleges she was forced to sign billion-year contracts, escaping only at 23 with a child fathered by Potter through “coerced” sexual encounters.
Doe is also one of four women who accused former 'That '70s Show' star Danny Masterson of rape. The actor, currently appealing his conviction and insisting innocence, faces a potential 30-year prison sentence.
Doe's second lawsuit against the Church alleges systematic harassment and intimidation to silence her, and other victims, following their accusations against Masterson. The Church vehemently denies these accusations, calling them "false" and without evidence.
A Church spokesperson argues that Scientology demands law-abiding conduct from its members, branding the suit as false and orchestrated by "anti-Scientologists bent on harassing the Church."
Yet, insiders suggest that an influx of negative publicity might lead to a reevaluation of the Church's tax-exempt status and a potential exodus of its celebrity members. An observer remarked, "Scientology is amidst an unprecedented crisis. There’s a strong chance they could lose their tax exemption — and then survival would be a major challenge."