Spilling Secrets: Scientology Defector Leah Remini Agrees To Testify In Harassment Lawsuit Against Church Leader
Oct. 3 2013, Published 7:19 a.m. ET
Former Church of Scientology member Leah Remini has agreed to testify in a harassment lawsuit filed against the organization and its leader David Miscaviage, RadarOnline.com is reporting.
In what could be potentially damning testimony, the King of Queens actress will give a deposition in the lawsuit filed by Monique Rathbun — wife of former church exec Marty Rathbun — in which she made shocking claims of private investigators and intimidation tactics used by the church and Miscavige's attempt to keep control over the organization.
Rathbun's attorney, Ray Jeffrey, first confirmed that Remini would be testifying to the Scientology watchdog website The Underground Bunker, who reports that the deposition will take place in Los Angeles on Oct. 15.
According to Jeffrey, Remini will spill secrets that Scientology and leader Miscavige have long worked hard to keep covered up — including the iron fist with which Miscavige rules the church. Jeffrey also claims Miscavige is "obsessed" with Marty, who defected from the church in 2004, despite him saying otherwise.
Just one day before Remini testifies, former Scientology spokesperson Tommy Davis will also be deposed in Texas.
Monique filed the multi-million dollar lawsuit on Aug. 16 and was also granted a temporary restraining order against Miscavige which prevents him from surveilling or harassing the Rathbuns.
"She has been subjected to numerous, aggressive attempts to intimidate her… She has been targeted at home, at work, and anywhere else that she happens to be," the lawsuit alleges.
"She has been harassed, insulted, surveilled, photographed, videotaped, defamed, and humiliated to such a degree as to shock the conscience of any decent, law-abiding person."
While the church has previously issued a statement saying they "could care less" about Remini and call her "self-absorbed," the actress' agreement to participate in a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology is sure to get their attention.
During a Dancing With The Stars segment in September, Remini said, "The church is looking for me to fail so they can say to their parishioners, ‘Look what happens when you leave.’ They’re waiting for me to fail."
Since leaving the church Remini has taken a strong stand, going head-to-head with famous member Kirstie Alley and calling for an investigation into the whereabouts of Miscavige's longtime NOT seen wife, Shelly — and now with her deposition, it's clear she's not intimidated by anything having to do with Scientology and the church.
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
It should be noted that the Los Angeles Police Department closed the case on Shelly the same day a missing persons report was filed by Remini stating that she was located and the investigation was "unfounded."
"Creating this unnecessary burden for law enforcement was even more irresponsible given the entire episode was nothing more than a publicity stunt for Ms. Remini, cooked up with unemployed, anti-religious zealots who blog on the fringe of the Internet,” the church told Radar.
