We know that Tom Cruise made the scene last week at Scientology’s big annual IAS gala in East Grinstead, England, and we also know that “Apostate Alex” Barnes-Ross and his fellow protesters outside the property were providing food for thought for Scientologists arriving to the party.
But there’s still a lot we don’t know about the shindig put on by church leader David Miscavige, because his minions have still not published their press release and slide show. Come on, thetans, get that work done!
In the meantime, Apostate Alex has sent us more items than we showed previously, and we thought you’d want to see them.
First, check out this young crooner, Alan Power, who belted out a great version of “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” with the Jive Aces backing him up at Sunday night’s charity concert.
The Jive Aces is a longtime Sea Org musical outfit that has worked forever to lure in new people to Scientology. We don’t know if Power is also a Scientologist or just a featured act brought in for the night to perform this old hit recorded by The Platters (among others) in a style of a certain Memphis legend. (“I'm not an Elvis tribute act," his Facebook account insists.)
Scientologist? Elvis impersonator? Well, we only know he did a fine job on this number.
And how about some additional images that were leaked online from the weekend, including what appears to be a Freedom Medal winner giving an acceptance speech? Anyone recognize him?
If you look carefully in this shot, you’ll not only see stalwart Freedom Medal winner Jeff Pomerantz on the right, but in the foreground in the green dress, isn’t that our Oversharer? And behind her, do we glimpse John Gourlay, the ‘Fearless Leader’ of the Edinburgh contingent whose newsletters used to provide us with so much mirth back in the day? “Scots Wha Hae…!”
Oh, happy day.
Bonus items from our tipsters
Another couple joins the million-dollar club in the effort to provide church leader David Miscavige with cash for his pet project, building Ideal Orgs.
Imagine forking over a million bucks because you’re convinced these empty buildings are “the keystone to Clearing this planet.”
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Thank you for reading today’s story here at Substack. For the full picture of what’s happening today in the world of Scientology, please join the conversation at tonyortega.org, where we’ve been reporting daily on David Miscavige’s cabal since 2012. There you’ll find additional stories, and our popular regular daily features:
Source Code: Actual things founder L. Ron Hubbard said on this date in history
Avast, Ye Mateys: Snapshots from Scientology’s years at sea
Overheard in the Freezone: Indie Hubbardism, one thought at a time
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Wendy Patten, the crucifix she is wearing does not look like the official crossed-out cross of Scientology. Are there squirrels and "other practices" involved?
Or maybe the photo is too low-res to show them. Truly I don't see the rounded ends of the arms either, even when blown up. In any case, it is a bit unusual to see a Scientologist wearing a crucifix unless they are also in fake clerical garb. Odd.
Wow, the Jive Aces can play up beat songs. However, their keyboardist couldn’t play the opening of the ballad without a CLAM(mistake)? Well, there are at least two reasons now to call Scientologists clams.
Also there was a gaggle of Freedom Medal winners with Jeff Pomerantz. I counted 8. That’s a lot of reverse freedom in one place.