Scientology: the Ex Files
A jaw-dropping investigation, which may bring the controversial religion to its knees
The celebrity-studded face of Scientology is never far from the news. But reporting on Scientology's inner workings is much harder to come by. The team behind this documentary get past the scare tactics and intimidation to exclusively reveal the inner workings of what appears to be a frightening and even dangerous organisation. The amazing revelations of elite former members could bring the controversial religion to its knees.
"It may have a philosophy that's religious, but it's strictly business", says former scientologist Joe Reaiche. Joining at the age of 19, Joe advanced quickly through the mysterious levels of learning at the heart of Scientology. At each level he was asked for a fee, which would eventually amount to approximately 250 000 dollars. When Joe voiced his doubts about the church, he was expelled, and all communication with his wife and children cut off. "What we are seeing is a worldwide pattern of abuse and criminality", says Senator Nick Xenophon.
"Only a mad man says he isn't mad", grins L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the church of Scientology, in some rare archive footage. At the time, Hubbard was in trouble with authorities all over the world, and he had fled to the high seas with his band of devoted followers. According to Hana, an early member of the Church, conditions on-board were "abominable", and punishments for breaking the church's strict rules were extreme: "people were thrown overboard - hands and feet bound and blindfolded".
Hubbard's culture of unwavering obedience and extreme discipline survived his own passing in 1986. Joe describes how a religious retreat he was sent to for sloppy work, was nothing less than a "slave camp". "Members who are failing or incapable of performing well can be given the voluntary opportunity for a period of reflection, rehabilitation, redemption", defends Tommy Davis. Of Joe's separation from his family, Tommy is less glib: "any church has a right to not welcome in its ranks those who mean the church harm."
There's a growing number of ex-members who the church now views in this suspicious manner, many of whom claim to be dogged by private investigators. "My lawsuit covers human trafficking, labour law violations and forced abortions", says Claire. She joined the church's 'Sea Org' at just 16 years old, earning $23 a week and sleeping in a chair. When she fell pregnant with her husband Mark, the church told her: "they're going to ask you 'do you want an abortion; you're to say yes". Claire is one of forty women who've made this allegation, which the church vehemently denies.
A jaw-dropping investigation, powerful and crafted.
LEARN MORE.
WATCH MORE.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION.
FULL SYNOPSIS
WATCH MORE.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION.
