Leah Remini & Lisa Marie Presley Speak Out: Praising ‘Going Clear’ and Exposing Scientology’s Controversies

In the wake of its release, Alex Gibney’s powerful documentary, Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, sent shockwaves through the public and reignited intense scrutiny of the Church of Scientology. While the organization still maintains a tight grip on some of its most high-profile adherents, such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta, the film found staunch support from a growing number of former celebrity members. Among the most vocal supporters were actresses Leah Remini and Lisa Marie Presley, both of whom famously made the courageous decision to publicly sever ties with the Church. Their endorsements provided crucial validation for the documentary’s controversial claims, amplifying its reach and impact.

The HBO expose, which aired on March 29, became a pivotal moment in the ongoing public debate surrounding Scientology. Leah Remini, a former prominent member who left the Church in 2013, and Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley and a former Scientologist herself, were quick to lend their voices in praise of Gibney’s work. Their public commendations on social media underscored the film’s significance and the bravery of those who participated in it.

Leah Remini and Lisa Marie Presley’s Resounding Endorsements

For Leah Remini, whose departure from Scientology became a highly publicized event, Going Clear was more than just a documentary; it was a vindication and a platform for those who felt silenced. The King Of Queens actress, who left the Church when her daughter approached the age of mandatory induction, took to Twitter to express her gratitude. Her tweet, “Thank you to the brave who did something about it. And to those who didn’t have a voice, you do now,” resonated deeply with many. It highlighted her steadfast belief in the film’s accuracy and her commitment to supporting former members who dared to speak out against an organization known for its stringent policies against dissenters. Remini’s bold statement was not merely an approval of the film but a powerful message of empowerment and solidarity for others who had suffered in silence.

Lisa Marie Presley, while equally supportive, chose a more metaphorical approach to her public praise. Her tweet, “Sometimes… The S##t hitting the fan is a damn nice sound ;),” offered a cryptic yet potent endorsement of the documentary’s revelations. Presley, who grew up within Scientology and spent many years as a member, had a unique perspective on the Church’s inner workings. Her decision to speak out, even subtly, carried significant weight given her esteemed lineage and her history with the organization. Both women’s reactions underscored the documentary’s success in shining a light on previously hidden aspects of the Church of Scientology, providing a sense of validation for those who had long questioned its practices.

Unveiling Scientology’s Controversies: Key Allegations from ‘Going Clear’

Alex Gibney’s Going Clear delves deep into the history and practices of the Church of Scientology, drawing primarily from Lawrence Wright’s book of the same name and featuring compelling interviews with former high-ranking members. Leah Remini and Lisa Marie Presley were among the prominent voices lending their personal experiences to the narrative, alongside acclaimed screenwriter/director Paul Haggis, who also publicly left the Church. The documentary meticulously details a series of shocking allegations that paint a troubling picture of life within Scientology.

The Harsh Realities of Prison-Style Camps and Forced Labor

One of the most disturbing claims explored in Going Clear pertains to the alleged existence of “prison-style camps” within the Church, specifically referencing the “Rehabilitation Project Force” (RPF). The film alleges that members who fall out of favor or seek to leave are subjected to severe forms of punishment and rehabilitation. In these camps, individuals are reportedly forced to endure grueling physical labor for upwards of 30 hours a week, often under harsh conditions and with minimal compensation. Accounts from former members describe environments resembling detention centers, where basic human rights are reportedly violated, and individuals are isolated from the outside world. This forced labor, the documentary suggests, serves not only as punishment but also as a means to maintain control and reinforce loyalty to the Church’s doctrines.

The Isolation of Family Disconnection

Another deeply concerning aspect highlighted by Going Clear is the Church’s controversial policy of “disconnection.” This policy allegedly compels members to cut off all ties with family members or friends who are deemed “suppressive persons” or who speak negatively about Scientology. The documentary presents testimonies illustrating the profound emotional toll this policy takes, tearing families apart and leaving individuals feeling utterly isolated. For many former Scientologists, the pain of being separated from loved ones who remain in the Church is one of the most enduring consequences of their time within the organization. This practice, often criticized as a form of social coercion, is depicted as a powerful tool used by the Church to maintain strict control over its members and prevent external criticism.

Blackmail Allegations Against High-Profile Members

Perhaps one of the most explosive claims in Going Clear concerns the alleged use of confidential information gathered during “auditing” sessions to potentially blackmail high-profile members. Auditing is a core practice in Scientology, where individuals divulge personal thoughts, secrets, and transgressions to an auditor, often with the aid of an E-meter, believing it leads to spiritual enlightenment. The documentary suggests that these intimate revelations, particularly from celebrities like John Travolta, are secretly recorded and stored. The film alleges that the Church leverages this sensitive information as a form of leverage, ensuring the loyalty of its famous adherents and preventing them from defecting or speaking out against the organization. While the Church vehemently denies these allegations, the notion of such powerful figures being susceptible to blackmail adds another layer of intrigue and concern to the documentary’s narrative.

Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and Alleged Church Interference

The documentary also touches upon the tumultuous relationship between Tom Cruise, one of Scientology’s most prominent figures, and his former wife, Nicole Kidman. Going Clear alleges that the Church actively interfered in their marriage, viewing Kidman as a potential threat to Cruise’s dedication to Scientology due to her perceived “negative influence.” Claims are made that the Church tapped the actress’s phone and conducted surveillance on her while she was married to Cruise, attempting to drive a wedge between the couple. These allegations suggest a concerted effort by the Church to control the personal lives of its most influential members, particularly when their relationships conflict with the organization’s goals or doctrines. The unraveling of their marriage, as depicted in the film, becomes a stark example of the alleged lengths to which the Church would go to maintain its influence over its celebrity roster.

The Church of Scientology’s Firm Rebuttal

Unsurprisingly, the Church of Scientology has vehemently denied every claim made in Going Clear. In response to the documentary’s release and its subsequent widespread attention, the Church issued a strong statement challenging the film’s veracity and the credibility of its sources. The official Church statement asserted, “The Church has documented evidence that those featured in Gibney’s film regurgitating their stale, discredited allegations are admitted perjurers, admitted liars and professional anti-Scientologists whose living depends on the filing of false claims. All have been gone so long from the Church they know nothing of it today.”

Furthermore, the Church criticized Alex Gibney and HBO for what it described as a lack of fairness and due diligence. It claimed that both Gibney and HBO “stonewalled more than a dozen requests by the Church to offer relevant information about them, with more than 25 individuals with first-hand information eager to speak. To this day, neither HBO nor Gibney can deny that they have yet to present the Church with a single allegation from the film so the Church may have an opportunity to respond. The Church never sought special treatment, only fair treatment.” This consistent stance highlights the Church’s long-standing strategy of discrediting former members and questioning the motives of those who speak out against it, positioning itself as a victim of biased media and “anti-Scientologist” agendas.

Leah Remini’s Continuing Advocacy and Post-Scientology Life

Following her dramatic exit from Scientology in 2013 and her public support for Going Clear, Leah Remini faced significant backlash and public shunning from other famous Scientology believers, most notably Kirstie Alley. However, Remini embraced the criticism as a testament to her convictions, choosing to move forward and dedicate herself to shedding more light on the organization she once championed. Her initial foray into post-Scientology public life included her TLC reality show, Leah Remini: It’s All Relative, which premiered in 2014. The series offered viewers an unfiltered, unscripted glimpse into her everyday life as a mother and wife, showcasing her humor and resilience as she navigated life outside the Church’s strictures. The show, which was renewed for a second season, served as an early step in her journey to redefine her public image and reclaim her narrative.

However, Remini’s most impactful work against Scientology came with her Emmy-winning A&E documentary series, Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. Launched in 2016, this investigative series built directly upon the themes explored in Going Clear, taking a deeper dive into the experiences of former members. In “The Aftermath,” Remini, often alongside former high-ranking Church official Mike Rinder, interviewed countless individuals who shared their harrowing stories of abuse, disconnection, and alleged coercion within the Church. The series earned critical acclaim for its journalistic approach and its dedication to giving a voice to those who had previously been silenced, solidifying Remini’s role as a leading advocate for transparency and accountability concerning Scientology. Her work has not only educated the public but has also provided a vital support system for ex-members seeking to rebuild their lives.

The Enduring Impact and Open Questions

The collective actions of Leah Remini and Lisa Marie Presley, alongside the revelations presented in Alex Gibney’s Going Clear, undeniably altered the public perception of the Church of Scientology. Their willingness to speak out, despite potential personal and professional ramifications, provided significant momentum to the ongoing conversation about the organization’s practices and controversies. The documentary and the subsequent advocacy by figures like Remini have empowered a greater number of former members to share their stories, creating a cumulative effect that continues to challenge the Church’s secrecy.

HollywoodLifers, the question remains: Do you agree with Leah and Lisa’s decision to speak out so publicly about the documentary and the Church? Or do you believe it would have been more beneficial for them to completely separate themselves from Scientology without engaging in further public commentary? The debate over the Church of Scientology continues, fueled by the courageous voices of those who choose to share their truths.

— Alyssa Norwin