Leah Remini alleges harassment and threats by Church of Scientology; files lawsuit

Actor Leah Remini has filed a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology, alleging "psychological torture", 'intimidation' and 'harassment' for over a decade. The television star, known for shows such as Saved By The Bell and The King of Queens, joined the controversial church as a child. As a grown-up member, she quit in 2013 and has been speaking against Scientology ever since Leah Remini’s documentary against Scientology won at the Emmy Awards, according to reports.

The actor was so affected that she co-created and hosted an anti-Scientology documentary series, titled "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath". The docu series was telecast from 2016 to 2019 and went on to win two trophies at the Emmy Awards.

Suing Church of Scientology

Leah Remini is suing the Church of Scientology and its leader David Miscavige. In her lawsuit filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court, as reported by NBC News, the actor has stated that she has been a victim of "intentional malicious and fraudulent rumors via hundreds of Scientology-controlled and coordinated social media accounts that exist solely to intimidate and spread misinformation".

She added that for 17 years, "Scientology and David Miscavige have subjected me to what I believe to be psychological torture, defamation, surveillance, harassment, and intimidation, significantly impacting my life and career".

The star further alleged that both current and former Scientologists were being coerced into recording defamatory video statements against her. These false videos claimed that she was "abusive to her mother and daughter", and that "she is a racist".


Leah Remini claimed she had to hire bodyguards in 2015 after private investigators allegedly working for the Church of Scientology were following her. She alleged that she was being followed during the promotions of her book, Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood, in New York.

The lawsuit further alleged that in 2018, the Church of Scientology had a meeting with “celebrity Scientologists” to discuss "how to attack Ms Remini's credibility, based on lies, using talking points that Scientology wrote".

Leah Remini has further accused the Church of using a mentally unstable man with a "violent criminal record" in 2020, in order to keep a watch on her home in Los Angeles.

The lawsuit claims that the actor’s family and friends have also been harassed. Leah Remini is seeking damages for the “enormous economic and psychological harm" caused as a result of the Church's alleged attacks.

The actor hopes the Church will stop from "continuing their unlawful campaign of harassment and intimidation". The actor made it a point to stress that although standing with the victims of Scientology has “significantly impacted” her personal life and career, the “final objective” of Scientology to silence her "has not been achieved.

FAQs

Q1. Who is Leah Remini?
A1. Television actor Leah Marie Remini was seen on shows such as The King of Queens and Kevin Can Wait, as well as the series Saved By The Bell. She co-created and presented a documentary series titled Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.

Q2. Was Leah Remini in Scientology?
A2. Actor Leah Remini joined Scientology as a child. As a grown-up member, she quit the Church in 2013 and has been against it ever since.