Mike Rinder, former Scientology exec who became an Emmy-winning whistleblower, dies at 69
Mike Rinder, a one-time high-ranking official in the Church of Scientology who later became a vocal critic of the contentious religious group through a blog, podcast, and co-starring role in a docuseries alongside ex-member Leah Remini, has passed away. He was 69 years old.
On a Sunday post on his personal blog, the award-winning Emmy recipient expressed that he would be sharing his final thoughts, entitled “Goodbye”, marking it as the last message to appear on his site.
According to an unchangeable rule that there are only two guarantees in life – death and taxes, he stated, concluding, ‘I am now at rest.’
What truly saddens me is not having managed to accomplish what I had set out to do – putting an end to the harmful practices within Scientology, particularly disconnection, and watching my son Jack grow into adulthood. If you’re in any way advocating against these abuses, keep your spirits high – never lose hope.
World & Nation
Back in 1990, I was part of a team that embarked on an extensive six-part investigation into the Church of Scientology – a faith known for its intriguing and sometimes contentious nature, created by the esteemed author L. Ron Hubbard.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Rinder passed away on Sunday in Palm Harbor, Florida, as a result of esophageal cancer.
As a dedicated admirer, I’d like to share that Rinder, known for his roles in the groundbreaking documentaries “Going Clear” and “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” announced his website will stay operational as a comprehensive archive with over 4,000 posts. He fondly referred to it as a cherished project born out of love and passion, providing him an unfiltered platform to express his thoughts and share his unique perspective.
He’s felt fortunate, as if he’s lived two distinct lives within a single lifetime. The latter half, however, has been nothing short of magical, a time filled with joy, love, and companionship from all of you and my new family!
California
In simpler terms, three individuals were taken into custody for suspected acts of conspiring and deploying tear gas; this incident occurred during a conflict in Hollywood, which has led to accusations of aggression from all parties involved.
In a message cross-posted on Rinder’s Instagram page, his wife, Christie, confirmed his death.
In a heartfelt message, I echo the sentiments of countless others when I express the profound sadness and deep affection we hold for you. Your courage, valiance, and integrity are truly unparalleled, leaving an indelible impact on us that will forever resonate. You’ve been the rock upon which our lives have been built, enriching each day with your strength, wisdom, love, laughter, and devotion. History will recall you, my dearest friend, my hero, my love, Michael John Rinder.
In a June 2023 update on his blog “Underground Bunker,” investigative journalist Tony Ortega revealed that former high-ranking Scientology official Mike Rinder is battling esophageal cancer.
Remini recently shared on social media that she visited Rinder in Florida in December, while he was fighting cancer. She commended the community that rallied to support him and his family during his final days. As of yet, the “King of Queens” star has not publicly addressed Rinder’s passing, and her representative has yet to comment on the matter following a request from The Times on Monday.
Entertainment & Arts
In response to Leah Remini’s lawsuit against the Church of Scientology, she claimed that they had engaged in activities such as stalking, slander, and harassment for many years, similar to the tactics used by organized crime groups.
Leah Remini has been targeted by the Church of Scientology in a lawsuit where she accused them of decades-long stalking, defamation, and harassment, much like what a criminal organization might do.)
Born on April 19, 1955, in Adelaide, Australia, Rinder grew up as a follower of Scientology following his parents’ affiliation with the organization when he was around six years old. He shared that he managed to break free from the organization in 2007 at age 52 and openly criticized it in an investigative series for the St. Petersburg Times in 2009.
Rinder, born on April 19, 1955, in Adelaide, Australia, was a devout Scientologist after his parents joined the organization when he was approximately six years old. In 2007, at age 52, he successfully left the organization and publicly denounced it as part of an investigative series for the St. Petersburg Times in 2009.
Or:
Born on April 19, 1955, in Adelaide, Australia, Rinder was raised as a Scientologist following his parents’ affiliation with the organization at around age six. He announced that he had finally left the organization in 2007 when he turned 52 and spoke out against it during an investigative series for the St. Petersburg Times in 2009.
Lastly:
Rinder, born on April 19, 1955, in Adelaide, Australia, followed Scientology as a result of his parents’ involvement with the organization when he was about six years old. He revealed that he had left the organization at age 52 in 2007 and spoke out against it during an investigative series for the St. Petersburg Times in 2009.
Growing up, this individual journeyed with his family to England from Australia on two occasions during the 60s. Their destination was the residence of L. Ron Hubbard, a science fiction writer and founder of Scientology. During their stays, his parents engaged in advanced Scientology courses and received counseling, often referred to as auditing. In April 1973, upon graduating from high school, he himself became a member of the senior-level Sea Organization within the Church of Scientology.
Rinder stated on his site that the fundamental heart of Scientology is the Sea Org, where members commit for billions of years to further the goals of Scientology and reside communally with other Sea Org members, largely disconnected from the outside world.
In October of 1973, he encountered Hubbard for the first time as an adult, who was revered like a deity within the organization, onboard Hubbard’s ship known as Apollo. He stayed with Sea Org until the year 2007, during which he got married and had two children, both born into Sea Org branches located in Clearwater, Florida, and Hemet.
California
The legal proceedings involving ‘That ’70s Show’ actor Danny Masterson and ‘Crash’ director Paul Haggis, occurring on both coasts, have brought the Church of Scientology under public scrutiny.
The author got divorced from his first wife after leaving the church, and as a result, he lost contact with his mother, daughter, son, brother, sister, and other relatives.
A former member claimed that the Sea Org, under the leadership of David Miscavige, who assumed power upon L. Ron Hubbard’s death in 1986, cultivated a deeply ingrained environment of “aggression and mistreatment.
In a write-up on his site, Rinder stated that Hubbard exhibited an unpredictable nature, showing both kindness and cruelty at times, while Miscavige was solely severe and harsh. He asserted that Miscavige seized control and maintained it with extreme rigor.
In the 1980s, Rinder took on the role as Executive Director of the Office of Special Affairs, serving as the organization’s public spokesperson. His responsibilities included managing media relations and handling a significant amount of legal matters, both for and against the church. He often referred to those perceived as adversaries of Scientology as “so-called enemies” and was in charge of strategizing their discrediting or harm. During this period, he admitted that the church orchestrated defamation and intimidation tactics aimed at journalists, former members, and critics of Scientology.
California
In my perspective as a passionate cinephile, here’s how I would rephrase it: As a follower of legal dramas, I learned that the legal team working on Danny Masterson’s appeal allegedly defied a judge’s instructions by tracking down jurors at their homes and workplaces. This information comes from recent court documents.
Lately, Rinder has been a go-to informant for The Times regarding high-profile trials involving actor Danny Masterson and director Paul Haggis, both previously associated with the church. This church has publicly criticized Rinder and Remini, who testified on behalf of ex-member Haggis, labeling them as having no credibility and fabricating stories about the church for monetary gain. The organization has also made efforts to undermine Rinder’s reputation, asserting that he was dismissed from the church in disgrace by its spiritual leader, who took away his power, eventually expelling him for serious misconduct.
Representatives for the church did not immediately respond Monday to The Times request for comment.
Rinder leaves behind his second spouse, Christie, their child Jack, and Christie’s son Shane. Instead of sending flowers, he requested donations to Jack’s university fund.
“Let the flowers grow and look to the future,” Rinder wrote on his website.
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2025-01-06 22:31