Leah Remini, Former Scientologist, Thanks Fans for Overwhelming Support
Leah Remini has issued a statement following the announcement that she has left the Church of Scientology.
"I wish to share my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming response I have received from the media, my colleagues, and from fans around the world. I am truly grateful and thankful for all your support," Remini said.
The New York Post cited an unnamed source, who claimed that Remini was upset with the organization for its practice of separating families if one member believes and the others do not. She was also allegedly told never to question the Church's leadership.
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"It all began when Leah questioned the validity of excommunication of people," the unnamed source told The New York Post. "She is stepping back from a regime she thinks is corrupt. She thinks no religion should tear apart a family or abuse someone under the umbrella of 'religion.'"
According to a blog by Mike Rinder, a former chief spokesman for the Church who is now one of its leading critics, Remini allegedly got in trouble at the 2006 wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes when she asked where leader Miscavige's wife, Shelly, was.
Rinder claims that Shelly has not been seen in public for six years, although Shelly's lawyer has categorically confirmed that she is not missing and devotes her time to the work of the Church of Scientology.
Rinder further believes that Remini was scolded by the former Celebrity Center head, Tommy Davis: "You don't have the [expletive] rank to ask about Shelly."
After that incident, the New York Post's source claims that Remini "was put through interrogations" and attempted "thought modification."
The actress has allegedly written multiple reports about the mistreatment and abuse she has seen under Miscavige's leadership. Remini may go public with her findings but does not necessarily want to hurt the Church, according to the source.
"It's not about wanting or not wanting to do Scientology … The issue is that [Miscavige] is taking down this Church and hurting people and families," the source noted.
The Church of Scientology has spent years under speculation due to its secretive ways and exclusive membership enjoyed by A-list celebrities.
Remini currently stars on "Family Tools," a new sitcom on ABC.
A spokesperson for the Church of Scientology issued a statement to The Christian Post regarding Remini's departure stating, "The Church respects the privacy of parishioners and has no further comment."
However, on the claims of "interrogations" and "thought modification" by the New York Post's source, the Church of Scientology has told The Christian Post, "The allegations of 'interrogations' and 'thought modification' are absurd and pure nonsense, as are all the statements made about the Church's leader, Mr. David Miscavige.
"Under the 25-year leadership of Mr. Miscavige, following in the footsteps of our Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, the Church is enjoying tremendous expansion as shown in our new Churches opening on six continents and the many new parishioners joining their congregations."
