Leah Remini Memoir Expected to Include Scientology Church Experiences
A Hollywood celebrity who made headlines after leaving the Church of Scientology is writing up a memoir, which will touch base on her experiences in the controversial sect.
Leah Remini, star of television programs like "The King of Queens", told US Weekly late last month that she would tell all in the manuscript. "It will include my experiences, everything that's taboo to talk about," said Remini, who New York Daily News reported has not yet explained her reasons for leaving Scientology.
A Brooklyn native, Remini acted in several minor roles on television programs in the 1990s, such as "Who's the Boss," "Saved by the Bell," and "Cheers." In 1998, Remini got her breakout role as housewife Carrie Heffernan in the long running sitcom "The King of Queens."
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Last month, Remini announced she was leaving Scientology, which she had belonged to for almost 30 years. Remini's older sister, Nicole, had left the church years earlier.
"I wish to share my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming positive response I have received from the media, my colleagues, and from fans around the world," said Remini in a statement.
Speculation has abounded as to her reasons for leaving. Many believe that it is based on issues pertaining to David Miscavige, current "ecclesiastical leader" of the Church.
"I believe that people should be able to question things. I believe that people should value family and value friendships and hold those things sacrosanct," said Remini to People Mmgazine.
Remini has received much support for her decision from fellow celebrities. Jennifer Lopez, a longtime friend, has been standing by Remini, according to sister Nicole Remini.
Paul Haggis, Academy Award winning director who left Scientology in 2009, penned an open letter to Remini commending her "brave" decision to leave the Church of Scientology. Haggis also chastised many celebrities who belonged to Scientology who he said "attacked" her by "disparaging her character."
"Her parents, family and close friends were almost all Scientologists; the stakes for her were so much higher than for me. Her decision to leave was so much braver," wrote Haggis.
"Having witnessed Scientology's smear tactics, I can imagine how this was being orchestrated, but I was still shocked to see how quickly those friends – some of whom had known Leah for 20 or 30 years – jumped on the 'malign Leah' campaign, and with such apparent glee."
In response to Haggis' open letter, the Church of Scientology sent out a rebuttal stating that the director is "delusional" and his open letter "borders on paranoia."
"Despite his spin, the truth is that Mr. Haggis was an inactive Scientologist for more than 30 years until he orchestrated a disingenuous 'departure' in 2009 aimed solely at getting media attention," reads the Scientology letter in part.
"As a result, Paul Haggis has no first-hand knowledge about the Church of Scientology but instead relies on a small collection of unemployed bloggers living on the fringe of the Internet who are obsessed with spinning myths about the Church."
According to the New York Daily News, Remini has already received multiple offers by publishing companies to print her memoir once it is completed.
