Actress Leah Remini Answers Questions on Reddit About Her Time Inside the Church of Scientology

Leah Remini, the King of Queens actress who is currently starring in a series on A&E about her time inside the Church of Scientology, just did a Reddit Ask Me Anything in which she answered questions about her time inside the organization. While most of the responses won’t surprise people familiar with the group, it’s a reminder of just how much control Scientology exerts over the life of its members. It’s bad enough when you join; it’s even tougher trying to leave.

Here’s a sampling of her responses:

What’s is the single most horrible thing you encountered in the “church”?

I would say the “church’s” Fair Game policy, and how they systematically go after anyone who publicly speaks out against them. Anyone who speaks out against the “church” is seen as an enemy.

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Do the higher ups know it’s a scam or do they really believe this crap?

The higher up is singular. And he definitely knows. however I believe most parishioners and Sea Org members (people who work for the “church”) are int he dark and believe that they are doing amazing things for the world. And David Miscavige is directly responsible for that fraud.

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Do you personally feel like you’re being watched/tracked/etc by the church for doing everything your doing?

I am. I’m okay with it because I knew what I was getting into and I knew the policies of the “church” and what would happen by my speaking out against it.

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Was there a single breaking point that convinced you to leave the church? Or was it a long term struggle with the decision?

Long term struggle, however, seeing the “church” attack those who were speaking out, those who gave their life, life savings, their children to this organization that were once considered exemplary Scientologists or staff members of the church to being liars, bitter apostates, and what ever vile sophomoric, vitriolic adjective they can find overnight says a lot about the organization.

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do you remember what your initial reaction was upon first seeing the course materials for OT3?

Yes my first reaction was “Are you all fucking nuts?” and then I looked at my mother and said “What kind if bullshit did you get me in?” My only option was to leave, but at the time my family was not ready to go. The “church” told me I didn’t need to believe it, just do it. And they always pose this question: “Are you ready to leave everything you’ve ever known?”

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Over the past 10 years, I’ve seen my parents get deeper and deeper into Scientology. Decent reasoning, science and logic have done nothing to convince them to question the church. From someone who left, is there anything a loved one can do to help a brainwashed member see the truth, without ruining the relationship completely?

Fight like Hell. Never give up.

You can read the full AMA right here.

(Screenshot via YouTube)