Hi everyone, Leah Remini and Mike Rinder here from Leah Remini Sceientology and The Aftermath, season two starts tonight at 9/8c on AE. Right now, we are here to take your questions. Don’t hold back, as us anything!

Proof: https://i.redd.it/mqrmoiysysfz.jpg

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Comments: 4559 • Responses: 51  • Date: 

canausernamebetoolon7141 karma

Hi, Leah and Mike. I read that tonight's episode is about child molestation in Scientology. I've seen a preview clip and it's incredibly intense. We've already seen so many tragic stories in Season 1.

For several reasons, including Scientology's status as a church, their financial contributions to local police charities, and employees within the agencies that should be overseeing them, the normal law enforcement processes are not bringing justice, and that has really bothered me for a long time.

But there's another way to get the government involved. If we call our representatives and ask them to hold congressional hearings on Scientology, would you be willing to testify under oath, Leah? Do you think former Scientology officials like Mike, and people who have appeared on the show, including victims of child abuse, would be willing to testify under oath?

TheRealLeahRemini4784 karma

Leah: Hell yes!!

Mike: Of course!

jaf274365 karma

Hi Leah, how are you now treated by Scientologists in Hollywood?

TheRealLeahRemini7742 karma

Leah: They ignore me and walk out of rooms.

Rynobonestarr13287 karma

Do you think David Miscavage is following this AMA?

TheRealLeahRemini10873 karma

Leah: Yes and his girlfriend/assistant Laurisse. Enjoy, assholes!

substanley3039 karma

You’ve suggested that some of the things you learned in Scientology (such as how to ‘get to the bottom of things’) are useful skills while other things you learned are lies, often used to control you. Now that you’ve been out for a while, how easy is it to tell whether a particular thing you learned in the church is helpful or detrimental to you as a person?

TheRealLeahRemini2844 karma

Leah: Still dealing with it.

Mike: I think I have it sorted it, but I'm not totally convinced that's true.

Frajer2419 karma

What do you think draws people towards becoming Scientologists?

TheRealLeahRemini4174 karma

In the past people were drawn, because they were looking for something new. Currently, it’s only the second or third generation that are growing up in it and have no choice.

duncdragged2380 karma

I'm just going to get straight to it. Is Tom Cruise a good person?

TheRealLeahRemini4873 karma

Leah: No! Just going to get straight to it, no! There is a public persona of the guy who looks at you directly in the eye and shakes your hand and hugs you and is an attentive person to you and there's the person behind the mask who is a completely different person. Someone could say we all have that -- what we are to the public and who we are behind the scenes, but the people who are around Tom and work for Tom, not even people who are Scientologists, they will say he is diaboloical. People who've worked with me will say I can be an asshole - all actors can be. That is different. He's very similar to David Miscavige, they could be twins.

StopMockingMe02220 karma

Out of curiosity what are your opinions of Matt Stone and Trey Parker?

TheRealLeahRemini4019 karma

Mike: Funny Leah: Ballsy Mike: I think it's about time they did another episode on Scientology

-selina-2160 karma

Hi, Leah, thank you for doing this!

I'm sure you know that if you Google your name, one of the first few results is the ridiculous Scientology site that is quite obviously spouting terrible lies about you. I've also noticed that they've created one for Mike, too. It seems bonkers that a so-called 'church' would go to such extremes and even put their name on it (but then, because of your show, we know what extremes they are capable of). Have you tried to get these sites shut down?

TheRealLeahRemini2450 karma

Leah: I'm not interested in their juvenile tactics

Mike: Such as name calling and ad hominem and them never adressing the actual abuses.

Leah: Especially with what's going on today an organization calling itself a religion would be better served taking care of the victims of its own abuse.

Kknicole812151 karma

Do u think more members will leave since the awareness you're raising is making it impossible to ignore? I even see Kirstie Alley has been specifically tweeting about the show. Also, with allegations of children being abused, WHY hasn't law enforcement stepped in? Isn't it illegal for children to work?

TheRealLeahRemini2810 karma

Leah: Great questions. Why hasn't law enforcement stepped in? RIGHT?!

-selina-1586 karma

To the wonderful Mike, whose own story has continually made me cry throughout series one, I read on Tony Ortega's website that you haven't seen Benjamin or Taryn for 4,900 days now, which breaks my heart. I read your open letter to your family on your blog. If there was one thing you wanted to say to your eldest kids, what would it be?

I think if it were me, it would be 'Please wake up'...

Keep fighting the good fight, Leah and Mike!

TheRealLeahRemini2974 karma

I will always love you. I hope one day you will be able to forgive me for putting you into a world you did not choose

lupiemelly1279 karma

Hi Leah, I got an autographed picture of you years ago(thank you) and with it was information on Scientology. Did you know they were sending these things to your fans?

TheRealLeahRemini2666 karma

Leah: I think that was something that I was doing and agreed to do for Scientology so yes and I am sorry and you're welcome

TheRealLeahRemini1170 karma

Thank you to the Reddit AMA audience we hope that we answered all your questions, if not we'll be back soon! -Leah & Mike

ChatterBrained1068 karma

I have a family member who has been in the Church for a number of years now, she has essentially distanced herself from most of us because we could be considered SPs. What are some ways to reach out to her and show her we care about her?

TheRealLeahRemini2752 karma

Leah: You have to fight for her. You have to fight. I used to say be kind, just be there for them, but that doesn't work. You have to shove the truth in their face you have to say, "Look at what's been going on and it's your responsilibiy to look." The only Scientology I would to use to the people that are still in LRH and Scientology is, "What's true for you is what you have observed" and "Look don't listen" and "Think for yourself" and I would say to them, Why are you not allowed to look on the internet? Why can't you watch the Aftermath? Why can't you watch Going Clear? If Scientology is so perfect they should be able to confront what is being said about Scientology outside of Scientology. That is the argument I would use to Scientologists.

solarpilot1024 karma

Why do you think it has been so difficult for Scientology members who abuse former members not to end up charged with crimes that land them in the courts? Are Scientology's lawyers -that- good?

TheRealLeahRemini1497 karma

Leah: Because victims have been afraid to speak out due to Scientology's policies of attacking anyone who do speak out.

Mike: They also hide behind the protection of the 1st amendment pretending to qualify as a charitable humanitarian organization.

TheRealLeahRemini337 karma

Leah: Because victims have been afraid to speak out due to Scientology's policies of attacking anyone who do speak out.

Mike: They also hide behind the protection of the 1st amendment pretending to qualify as a charitable humanitarian organization.

sadmagnet825 karma

What did you think of the movie "The master"? I read that tom cruise had an argument with the director cause of Scientology implications. Also, tell jlo I love her :(

TheRealLeahRemini1114 karma

Leah: I don't think it was any kind of implication. I think it was very clear that the movie was about L. Ron Hubbard, but Scientologists will argue about anything, that is the truth.

Mike: I didn't see it.

rollin20s796 karma

Hi Leah! Loved your appearance on the Joe Rogan pod. What has been the biggest change and challenge in your life since speaking out against your former church? Thanks and keep up the great work!

TheRealLeahRemini1162 karma

Leah: I think the challenge has been trying to effectively help people. It's not easy to sit and listen to people's pain and not be enraged when we just want to help in doing something. I think the hardest part is just listening. It's very hard for me to not have the power to actually bring justice.

Mike: For me confronting the things I have done in the past that have resulted in pain and suffering to poeple is probably the most difficult part of this journey.

calapinka757 karma

How does the church recruit? I've seen your show and I know they target celebs and family members, but how do they recruit randoms? Do they go door to door? Scientology isn't big where I live so I've never met any. What do they tell people, how do they try to convince them? Thanks for your show by the way, it's awesome!

TheRealLeahRemini1389 karma

Leah: Well, if you go on a public street where there's a Scientology building they set up these stress tests and they do a free personality tests and then they sell them a little mini course. It builds slowly.

Mike: It's the boil the frog theory

Sacklpicka713 karma

Congrats on your Emmy nomination! I really believe you're doing amazing work on uncovering Scientology and that you deserve the Emmy to put the whole issue into the spotlight.

What was your best and/or worst experience when working on your new series?

Bonus Question: Is there any fun stories that happened while filming King of Queens that you have never told before?

Bonus Question #2: What's your favorite insult I can use against my friend M?

TheRealLeahRemini794 karma

Leah: The best part is seeing our contributors get the support on social media. Seeing that is really the best part. Everyone who comes on knows the policy of Scientology they know that the second this airs they will get a hate site created about them, they know their family and friends will disconnect from them, yet they are embraced by strnagers.

The worst part is seeing and hearing the devastation that people are still going through 20 - 30 years later.

JeanMMM622 karma

Hi Leah and Mike. Do either of you remember a long time ago when John Travolta was on Oprah and they said he'd explain Scientology when they came back after the break but then it was never mentioned again? I was wondering if every single interview they do is monitored?

TheRealLeahRemini551 karma

Leah: I don't know, is it?

Mike: Well first of all, I don't remember that circumstance.

Leah: I don't mean to call people out, journalists or talk show hosts, but if people agree to that sort of thing, they're subscribing to Scientology's rules.

NightStu520 karma

My girlfriend grew up a scientologist and even though she hasn't been involved with them in over 20 years she still receives mail all the time. I was wondering if that is common, and if I should worry that they are trying to re-recruit her?

TheRealLeahRemini844 karma

Leah: No. Scientology if you are unfortunate enough to put your information on a Scientology peice of paper you will receive mail until you die

Mike: -- and beyond.

Leah:Scientology uses statistics and one of the statics of the week is how many pieces of mail they send out. Even Scientologists complain about how much mail they get.

dchicken7505 karma

Is there a special kind of counseling for those that get out? My friend's aunt has been in since the 70's. I am wondering how would they help her if they did her get out. Can you post resources for others that might need that help?

TheRealLeahRemini726 karma

Leah: The first thing is to talk to someone who has experience getting out of cults, reading books that were forbidden to read while in the church of Scientology, reconnecting with friends and family that weren't in Scientology, and connecting with people that were in Scientology and left. It is a slow healing process, but you will get there.

DecanusRex483 karma

Do you think Scientology will continue to grow once David M has died ? Because he seems like the driving force at the moment and if so is there someone lined up to replace him ?

TheRealLeahRemini864 karma

Mike: Scientology isn't continuing to grow while David is alive! it's shrinking.

Leah: Yes, one of the people that David is holding in Riverside county, they will be able to take a shower, put on a suit and take over.

trwayblahblah475 karma

How many shattered families have you met that have been able to be repaired after Scientology? Any?

Note: Exjw's thank you for this series. It's kind of a voice for all the millions of families Watchtower's shunning rules have shattered too and it's appreciated.

TheRealLeahRemini559 karma

Mike: Every family is shattered who has left Scientology. There is probably not one that has left that is hasn't ruined relationships.

Leah: Many families have been reconnected. I have a lot of friends who were in and left and disconected with their families and have gotten them and have since reconnected.

-selina-403 karma

As someone who has nothing to do with Scientology, who barely knew anything before you guys brought it to light with your fantastic TV show, I just wanted to applaud you both for being so incredibly brave and educating the people.

Can I ask both Leah and Mike, what is the ultimate endgame you could wish for? That Scientology be destroyed? That it go back to Hubbard times? It would be a Miscavige of justice if it continued the way it was, but would you want it to still exist in some way? Do you think it does any good for some?

I love you guys for what you do <3

TheRealLeahRemini558 karma

I don’t want it destroyed. We want the abuses to end, and the destructive policies that destroy families abolished.

AzaHolmes367 karma

The peeps over at Scientology HQ are certainly reading this AMA. Anything you'd like to say to them?

TheRealLeahRemini1091 karma

Leah: Go f*ck yourselves. Mike: Couldn't have said it better myself

amazingamyelliot353 karma

What do you think about young actresses are preaching feminism and equal rights when they're also part of the church? Isn't it counterproductive?

TheRealLeahRemini517 karma

Mike: Hypocritical

WickedSushi340 karma

Do you think Scientology will ever be reformed into a less corrupt church? Do you think Free Zone Scientologists will have influence in the future of the church?

TheRealLeahRemini525 karma

Leah: No!

Mike: Because Scientology policy cannot be changed. By definition if you take away Scientology policy, you take away Scientology.

IchTanze334 karma

How do gay men and women fair in the church of Scientology? Are they at a bigger risk to psychological damage by heterosexual members? Do they do forced conversion therapy? They are morally against same sex relationships, correct?

TheRealLeahRemini522 karma

Leah: So the answer to the question is yes. There is a lot of psychological damage done to men and women who are gay because Scientology has written about it in “Dianetics” as well as “Science of Survival” and “The Chart of Human Evaluation” collectively. L Ron Hubbard wrote that homosexuality lands on this very low position on this chart. Where homosexuality is charted and labeled as covert hostility. If you're in this covert hostility band, per L Ron Hubbard, Scientology teaches that you are the worst kind of person. You are sadistic you are a back stabber. Scientology considers homosexualtiy as an aberration, which means something to be fixed.

Mike: In Scientology the goal of auditing is to move you up the chart of human evaluation. By definition is it intended by Scientology that you will be cured of your ills through Scientology auditing.

sudifirjfhfjvicodke331 karma

Hi guys!

I don't typically watch reality/documentary-type shows, but my wife recently started streaming S1 of Aftermath and I'm hooked.

Two questions:

  1. The story of how Scientology got its tax exempt status by basically blackmailing IRS employees is extremely troublesome. Do you think that they have expanded, or are seeking to expand their influence in the federal government?

  2. If David Miscavige were to step down as head of Scientology, would we see any sort of change to the church, either for better or for worse?

TheRealLeahRemini387 karma

Leah: No you would not see any change.

Mike: Scientology is 100% controlled by the writings of L Ron Hubbard and he is dead so he cannot change his writings and nobody else has the authority to do so.

bklynlass315 karma

Leah, I remember an interview with you before you left Co$. In that interview, you were using Scientology jargon and speaking about your daughter as if she was an adult. Your daughter still used a bottle at 4 years old and it was filled with barley water and sugar. I trust your daughter is no longer drinking from a bottle, but what impact, if any, did raising your daughter in Scientology have on her and on your relationship with her? Did you need to relearn parenting since leaving Co$?

Great there is a season two. Big thanks to you and Mike.

TheRealLeahRemini478 karma

Leah: She tried it once as a baby and spit it out to the dismay of my scientology friends who told me to force it on her because it was L Ron Hubbards policy. I didn't use the Scientology jargon while raising my daughter. One of my Scientology friends wrote a report on my because I wasn't using Scientology terms around my baby. Sofia doesn't remeber Scientology, but she does ask me why her Scientology aunt (by marriage) can't talk to her.

B_Ahoot309 karma

What is the best thing the public can do to help?

TheRealLeahRemini683 karma

Leah: Support the show as they have been. Write to their congressmen and women. Demand that the IRS take another look at the tax exempt status they so freely handed over.

fenderbender86269 karma

What do you think will ultimately take down the Church of Scientology, what is the achilles heel?

TheRealLeahRemini538 karma

Mike: It's own activities.

fabritek258 karma

Do you think that Scientology is dying in the intetnet age, due to so much information about the nature of Scientology being available at people's fingertips? (I ask because Scientology is notorious for not offering ita participants valuable information about the core of its religion unless they reach a certain level.)

TheRealLeahRemini383 karma

Leah: Absolutely. and also because it doesn't work.

Mike: Dianetics said it could cure cancer and it didn't work so they died off and then there are people who reached the highest OT level and they died off

starlaluna256 karma

Hi Leah and Mike! My question is for Mike: After you left your position with Scientology and began to expose things, how long did it take people to truly belive that you actually left and how hard was it trying to make things right with the people you tried so hard to public destroy?

Thank you both for all of your hard work!!

TheRealLeahRemini400 karma

Mike: Wow, I don't know how to answer that... to first part of that question, that's for people to decide whether to believe me or not. As for the second part that's an ongoing process and this show is a part of that process.

Leah: Mike is taking responsibility, unlike Scientology.

tasty_bananas238 karma

Question for Mike: how were your first weeks out of scientology? What did you do and how did you feel?

TheRealLeahRemini525 karma

Mike: Wow, they were great. I felt liberated, but sad that I knew that I had said goodbye to my entire family. I felt greatly relieved that I was able to contact others who had left who took me in when I had nowhere else to go. Thank you Tom DeVocht and Ronnie and Bitty Miscavige.

Leah: Scary, and I felt like even though I was in the real world more than most I felt like I was on shaky ground. I had been taught that without Scientology in my life I would fail so I had a lot of doubts and fear. I was dealing with a lot of loss, I lost all my friends in one fell swoop.

xXswagmeisterXx237 karma

Bump into the 'ol Tom Cruise often?

TheRealLeahRemini535 karma

Leah: I have not bumped into Tom and if we were to be in the same room Tom would be forced to walk out of the room and avoid me and any Ex-Scientologist.

QCLana229 karma

Leah/Mike,

Last season ended with a trip to the lawyers office. Will we see an update on the progress you have made with legal strategy?

As someone who works for Human Rights, what would you recommend I do to help end the abuse and the destructive policies?

TheRealLeahRemini355 karma

Leah: Things have happened but for legal reasons you won't be able to see it on camera. There are things happening behind the scenes.

Absolutely_Astounded195 karma

Do you or Mike ever feel you are/could be in imminent danger due to their attack policies? Thanks and I'll be watching! 😍 Keep slugging!

TheRealLeahRemini392 karma

Leah: Imininet danger? No, never.

Mike: Speak for yourself

carbler181 karma

Where do you think Michele Miscavige is?

TheRealLeahRemini448 karma

Leah: Shelly Miscavige -- I don't know. That's why I filed the police report, but it's time for her family to do something, I can tell you that.

amazingamyelliot162 karma

I know you don't talk much about Xenu or anything regarding that, since that's not the focus of your show. But will you get more into it this season?

TheRealLeahRemini312 karma

Leah: Yes and we're going to try to. It is our intention to expose all that Scientology sells, and Xenu is a part of that. We're going to talk about the upper levels of Scientology that cost hunderds of thousands of dollars.

dignified_fish154 karma

What would happen if you were cast with a Scientologist on a show or movie? Would they be unwilling to work with you completely, or is it just somehow dealt with?

TheRealLeahRemini346 karma

Well, I would do it, because unlike Scientologists I'm not a bigot, but Scientologists can't work with me.

amazingamyelliot145 karma

Hey Leah and Mike! I was blocked by Scientology on twitter and got my account suspended last year. Should I be worried? Am officially a suppressive person?

TheRealLeahRemini315 karma

Leah: No. You are not a suppressive person.

Mike: No you should not be worried. Many people begged to be blocked my Scientology.

Leah: Consider it a badge of honor.

amazingamyelliot101 karma

Do you think the "church" will ever recognize all their doings?

TheRealLeahRemini174 karma

Leah:No. Mike: Not a chance. They believe that what they are doing is right and that they are justified by the greater good and the amazing things they are doing for the planet and mankind.

shawnhollenbach81 karma

Do you think that Scientology will ever change their views on psychiatry?

TheRealLeahRemini169 karma

Leah and Mike: No!

Mike: Absolutely not. That is perhaps the most fundamental doctrine of Scientology which sets up the us versus them mentality. Within the bubble of Scientology it is psychiatry that is attempting to destroy man's hope for salvation. Plus L Ron hubbard said it so it must be so.

NightStu57 karma

Leah: Loved you on King of Queens. Will your new character have a romantic relationship with Kevin on Kevin Can Wait?

TheRealLeahRemini86 karma

I don't know they haven't given me any ideas yet of future episodes.

IAmNotMyName20 karma

Do you think your efforts will result in any meaningful departures from Scientology or are you focused on informing potential converts?

TheRealLeahRemini49 karma

Leah: Meaningful departures mean to us, any person -- and yes that has already happened -- and if you're referring to a celebrity I couldn't care less how many celebrities stay in it. Our concern are just people.

Kalthia6 karma

Hi Leah & Mike! I know that it is important to confront religious abuses, but all religions suffer abuses within the ranks. Did you experience any positive effects of the religion? If so what are a few "good" things the church achieved or strives to achieve?

TheRealLeahRemini9 karma

Leah: I would not put Scientology in the same sentence as other religions.

Gaimes4me2 karma

(I hope this works. My first time asking a question and I did it incorrectly so I have to repost.)

Thank you for the show. I was skeptical at first because I wasnt sure what new insights you would be bring to the discussion about how Scientology destroys people and families. I was very wrong and happily so. I know we are here to discuss the extremely important work that you're doing. ...

...However, my question is: where do you get your nails done? They are amazing.

TheRealLeahRemini5 karma

Leah: Thank you so much and I love that you love them! However, I have made the mistake of giving up my resource up to my friends, and my friends get the credit who have stolen the combination. So, I no longer give up my sources!

Azorahizzle2 karma

Are there any efforts in place to stop the practice of scientology, or is this all just talking for ratings?

TheRealLeahRemini6 karma

Mike: No, there are efforts in place to stop the abuse of Scientology.

Leah: The thing is we're doing a documentary series exposing Scientology abuses so people who appear in our series are telling those who's job it is that something needs to be done to end those abuses.

buttz_112 karma

If you could sum up Scientology to someone that hasn't studied too much into but is intrigued, how would you do so?

TheRealLeahRemini3 karma

Leah: If they were intrigued I probably wouldn't waste my time.

Mike: If they were intrigued I would tell them to look at both sides of the story. Don't just look at what Scientology says look at what people outside Scientology say too