Tag: church of scientology

Director Paul Haggis Quits Scientology Over ‘Gay Bashing’

Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis quit the Church of Scientology in protest this week over what he calls the organization’s “gay-bashing.” Haggis decided to leave Scientology partially due to statements made by the church’s San Diego branch in support of the California Proposition 8 gay marriage ban.

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“As you know, for ten months now I have been writing to ask you to make a public statement denouncing the actions of the Church of Scientology of San Diego… I told you I could not, in good conscience, be a member of an organization where gay-bashing was tolerated,” Haggis wrote in a letter  to Church of Scientology spokesman Tommy Davis. “The church’s refusal to denounce the actions of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly,” Haggis wrote. “I can think of no other word. Silence is consent, Tommy. I refuse to consent.”

The Oscar-winning director of Crash also declaimed the Scientology practice of “disconnection” – where members are required to cease contact with friends or family who leave the church or advocate against it. “We all know this policy exists,” Haggis said. “You might recall that my wife [Deborah Rennard]was ordered to disconnect from her own parents… although it caused her terrible personal pain, my wife broke off all contact with them.”

“I am only ashamed I waited this many months to act. I hereby resign my membership of the Church of Scientology,” Haggis said in closing. The church has yet to respond publicly to Haggis’ resignation.

A-list Hollywood celebrities in the Church of Scientology include John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston, Tom Cruise and wife Katie Holmes and Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley. Paul Haggis had been a practicing member of Scientology for 35 years. Other notable celebs who have ditched Scientology over the years include Demi Moore, Jerry Seinfield, Patrick Swayze and Cruise’s ex-wife Nicole Kidman.

Read the full letter from Paul Haggis here.

“Serious Crimes Unit” In Bahamas Investigating Jett Travolta’s Death



UPDATE 1/4/09: TMZ is reporting that there’s a conflict brewing between the Bahama PD and John Travolta’s camp regarding the time line of Jett Travolta’s death. People who are with Travolta are bristling at the suggestion Jett might have been left unattended for more than 10 hours, but this morning cops say they are sticking to their story.

Police in the Bahamas are investigating yesterday’s death of John Travolta’s 16 year-old son Jett Travolta through their “Serious Crimes” unit. Jett died yesterday, ostensibly due to a seizure that caused him to hit his head in the bathtub of the Travolta vacation spot on Grand Bahama Island. What is not clear is WHY Jett was alone in the bathtub.

Jett was last seen by anyone the night prior to his death when he went to the bathroom. He wasn’t found until 10:00am yesterday morning. His “nanny” Jeff Michael Kathrein found him. This pic of John and Jeff is from 2006, but maybe it’s why Jeff wasn’t caretaking too well.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, and Jett’s body is to be flown Tuesday to Florida.

Jett had a history of seizures, and, unfortunately, John and wife Kelly Preston are Scientologists. Scientologists shun virtually all forms of medication, and instead use dangerous detox “purification rundown” regimens, potentially toxic high-dose Niacin treatments, “auditing” (the tin-can sham) and other whacky “cures” like “touch assists” for what ails someone. No anti-seizure medicines for Jett, you can be sure of that. Jett was extremely developmentally challenged, and was known not to be able to communicate with words. Most people agree he was autistic, especially people in Ocala, FL. where the family spends much of their time.

John and Kelly refused to admit Jett’s true affliction, choosing instead the obscure “Kawasaki Syndrome” to define Jett’s problems. Any quick study of the syndrome reveals that it was highly unlikely that it was what Jett suffered from.

Is Scientology responsible for this tragedy? Had Jett been taking the proper medications he more than likely would not have suffered a seizure. He would probably still be alive. Instead of being cared for by a proper medical facility, Jett underwent Scientology “sec checks” and “auditing” – neither of which involves the treatment he needed for his disease. The Church and its members freely practice medicine without being licensed.

It is heartbreaking that this young man, obviously dependent on others to care for him, was a victim of the insane doctrines and of the cult of Scientology. Scientologists actively perform the exact same treatments on others who suffer from similar diseases. They are doing it right now, in this country.

For all of the Xenu and alien jokes we make about the members of this cult, Jett’s death highlights the true danger involved for anyone who has been brainwashed into the hands of these money-grabbing idiots. I feel very sad for John, Kelly and Jett’s little sister Ella. Maybe this tragedy will open their eyes, and those of others, to the truth about these horrible people- and Jett’s death won’t be in vain.

For those who wish to leave Scientology safely, call toll free from any phone (pay phone is suggested for anonymity) 1-866-XSEAORG.

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