Leah Remini Files Lawsuit Against Church of Scientology and Its Leader David Miscavige, Cites “Psychological Torture” and “Harassment”

The King of Queens star Leah Remini (53) has filed a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology, which she was a part of from 1979 until her departure in 2013.

According to Variety, Remini released a press statement to the public on Wednesday (Aug. 2), that read as follows: “For 17 years, Scientology and David Miscavige have subjected me to what I believe to be psychological torture, defamation, surveillance, harassment, and intimidation, significantly impacting my life and career. I believe I am not the first person targeted by Scientology and its operations, but I intend to be the last.”

Additionally, the statement expressed that the lawsuit will aim to “require Scientology, and any entity it controls and funds, to cease and desist its alleged practice of harassment, defamation, and other unlawful conduct against anyone who Scientology has labeled as an ‘enemy.'”

The named defendants are the Church of Scientology, Miscavige and Religious Technology Center, Inc., per the lawsuit.  

The document states that“OSA Network Orders, a series of directives from Scientology’s founder, the late L. Ron Hubbard, institutionalized a series of retaliatory actions to be taken against any individual, organization, business or government entity that Scientology declares as an enemy.” Additionally, it stated that “directives originating from Hubbard cannot be changed” couldn’t be changed, and cited “coordinated campaigns” against Remini, her loved ones, and business associates.

She shared the statement via Twitter and Substack.

I wanted to share some important news.

After 17 years of harassment, intimidation, surveillance, and defamation, I am filing a lawsuit against Scientology and David Miscavige.

While advocating for victims of Scientology has significantly impacted my life and career,…

— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) August 2, 2023

Other stars who have reportedly gotten involved with Scientology include Tom Cruise, Kirstie Alley, and John Travolta.

Since her escape from the rather cult-like and mysterious “religion,” Remini has been an advocate for those negatively impacted like her. She released the first of three seasons of her docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath in 2016 on A&E, just three years after she left the Church, to expose Scientology’s secrets.

Since its debut, she has also voiced her concerns surrounding cases involving Scientology not being taken seriously. As she noted in her press statement, “the press has a right to report about Scientology without facing a sophisticated intelligence operation from Scientology to destroy their personal lives and their careers.”

When That ’70s Show star and Scientologist Danny Masterson was charged with three counts of rape in 2020, allegations of which were made years prior to the charges, Remini wrote, “Finally, victims are being heard when it comes to Scientology!” Masterson has since been found guilty on two of the three counts.

In Nov., she defended Canadian screenwriter Paul Haggis, who left the Church of Scientology in 2009, and whom she believed was the “victim” after he was accused of rape.

According to Variety, Remini testified, “Scientology was heavy on the attack of Paul since leaving. And since this case, they have gone silent.”

Haggis was ultimately found guilty.

Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath is available to stream on Prime Video