Ever since leaving Scientology, actress and activist Leah Remini has been vocal about the terrifying experiences she endured during her years in the church. With her groundbreaking series Scientology and the Aftermath, Leah has shined a spotlight on the dark realities of the organization.
To further expose the truth, she recently participated in a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA), revealing disturbing secrets about the church. From endless financial exploitation to psychological manipulation, her revelations align with the testimonies of many ex-Scientologists who have suffered under the church’s control.
Here’s what we learned—not just from Leah, but from other former members who have escaped Scientology’s grip.
1. There Is No End to Scientology.
One of the most shocking revelations from Leah’s AMA was that Scientology’s so-called “higher levels” are nothing more than an endless financial scheme designed to keep members paying indefinitely.”When you reach the top of The Bridge (OTP 8), you will be told that God is a lie for LRH (L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology’s founder), and there are more levels ahead that will cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. There is no end to Scientology,” Leah explained.The “Bridge” is a ranking system that Scientologists use to measure their spiritual progress. However, former members confirm that the promised enlightenment never arrives—only more courses, more fees, and more manipulation.
Former Member Testimony:
Marc Headley, a former high-ranking Scientologist, worked at the church’s secretive headquarters for 15 years before escaping in 2005. In his book Blown for Good, he describes being pressured into spending over $100,000 on courses to move up “The Bridge”—only to be told there was always another level.“When I asked, ‘What happens when I reach the top?’ I was told there was always ‘more research being done’ and that I’d need to keep contributing,” he said. “It’s a never-ending treadmill of debt and obedience.”
2. Scientology Denies Mental Health Treatment, Even When Lives Are at Risk.
Leah also spoke about how Scientology actively prevents members from seeking medical or psychiatric help. The church rejects modern psychology, branding it as a corrupt industry designed to harm people. Instead, members are told that Scientology’s “auditing” (a form of spiritual counseling) can cure everything from depression to cancer.This policy has had deadly consequences.
Former Member Testimony:
The Tragic Story of Lisa McPherson.
Lisa McPherson was a devoted Scientologist who suffered a mental breakdown in 1995. Instead of taking her to a hospital, church officials placed her in an isolated Scientology-owned hotel room for “handling.” She was denied food, water, and proper medical care. After 17 days of neglect, Lisa died of extreme dehydration. When authorities investigated, Scientology fought to cover up the circumstances of her death, claiming it was an “accident.” The case resulted in multiple lawsuits against the church, but Scientology still denies responsibility.
3. The Church Uses Fear to Control and Isolate Members.
Leaving Scientology isn’t as simple as walking away. Leah and many former members have detailed the church’s brutal retaliation tactics, including harassment, stalking, and intimidation.
Former Member Testimony: Claire Headley.
Claire Headley, who worked closely with Scientology’s upper leadership, described how defectors are labeled “Suppressive Persons” (SPs) and are cut off from their families.
“My husband and I had to escape in the dead of night,” she said. “We knew if we were caught, we’d be locked away, interrogated, and forced to confess to fake crimes. The moment we left, every friend and family member we had in Scientology stopped speaking to us.”The church calls this policy “Disconnection”—a way to punish and silence critics by destroying their personal lives.
4. Leaving Scientology Made Leah More Accepting of Religion.
Ironically, despite being raised to believe other religions were inferior, Leah says leaving Scientology made her more tolerant of faith. She admitted that while she used to look down on other religious groups, she now understands the comfort they provide—so long as they don’t promote harm.”Yes, my view of religion changed in that I am no longer a bigot against people’s religious beliefs when it doesn’t harm other people or promote killing for their beliefs,” Leah wrote. “But if religion brings you comfort, hope, and a sense of community, I say, ‘Whatever works for you.'”Her experience in Scientology was built on judgment, financial extortion, and control. Now, she embraces the idea that faith should be a personal choice, not something dictated by an organization demanding absolute obedience.
Final Thoughts:
The Truth About Scientology’s Cult-Like GripLeah Remini’s AMA, combined with the testimonies of former Scientologists, paints a horrifying picture of a church that operates more like a cult than a religion.
There is no spiritual “end goal”—just endless financial demands.Members are denied mental health care, even when their lives are at stake.
Those who leave face harassment, threats, and family separation. Despite all this, Leah continues to fight for those trapped inside Scientology.
Through Scientology and the Aftermath, she is amplifying the voices of survivors and exposing the church’s darkest secrets.
What do you think about Scientology’s practices? Do you believe it should be classified as a religion or something else entirely? Let’s discuss in the comments.