Mike Rinder has Left the Building - Straight Up and Vertical

This week, journalist Tony Ortega and I catch up with the current events in Scientology, including the tragic news yesterday of Mike Rinder's passing, a roundup of all the current litigation Scientology is involved in, Mark Bunker's AI parody of the church and a lot more. It was quite a week this week.

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[aimeegallant-bruns]

I am so happy I clicked on this. Hearing the news of Mike yesterday has just really broken my heart. He's such a great man. It's been lovely to hear your memories of him. Anyone that comes out of something like Scientology, admitting your wrongs and trying to right them, that takes someone of enormous character and that was Mike. The world lost a truly great man but we know Mike will be continuing his work from above. I can almost hear him telling us all to stop and get back to work. 💙

[howardtayloresq.]

I never knew Mike, but his passing made me shed a few tears. He, as I have said online before atoned for his sins. Cancer is brutal, and he didn't deserve the online punishment he got. I survived cancer, so I know how nasty it is. Rest easy, Mike, you will not be forgotten 😢

[jenrasmuson]

I’m so sorry to learn this. Rest in Peace, Mike. You were a miraculous human being and the world had lost a true friend. All my love to Christie and their kids and Leah.

[fmcevoy]

This is horrible news. I had emailed Mike for some years. Somehow, I found him before he started his "Aftermath" work through some super-secret email account. He was simply a wonderful, courageous man. He left his loved ones to do the right thing when he blew. I will miss him.

[infinitejest.]

Mike was a force for good. I’m a never in but I appreciate all he did. Thank you for this.

[DerptyDerptyDUM]

Best wishes to everybody who is hurting right now. ❤ Mike was an amazing, brave, wicked smart, complicated dude. He was and is a personal hero of mine for many, many years. RIP Mike.

[dondevice]

Such sad news. Never really knew Mike, but he was always kind and straight with me.

Hang in there, guys (it’s Richelieujr)

[ilanarhian]

The saddest thing is that Mike’s older kids never reconciled with him 😢 My thoughts definitely go out to his loved ones.

[brendasoulliere]

Thank you guys for facts and appreciation for Mike and memories. Without the drama of course. I was wondering if Leah was with him and you answered me. Grateful for you both!

[francesalexander]

This week has definitely been a roller coaster ride...I met Mike on TV, I loved how Leah and Mike had such a close real relationship! As a viewer I could see the friendship, love and respect that they had for each other. When Mike mentioned the "keyboard warriors" people lost their minds! My thought was well yeah, most of us are, what is the percentage of viewers who actually go protest or make monthly donations? My guess is maybe 15%? Mike spent 50yrs in that evil cult!! Imagine the mental and emotional issues that he dealt with!! Mike still came out publicly and said "yes, I did awful things, I'm sorry I was wrong and now I want to fight to bring it down". How many of us would/could do that? He's a HERO.
That being said it was also a good week...why? Because people are finally opening their eye's to who asl really is! I used to watch him on everything he did...then I noticed this man can cry on cue and always has an excuse for his terrible behavior. I could go on but I'm going to end with this...isn't it ironic that it took a Miscavige to show everyone who he really is? Thanks Tony and Chris, I'm so sorry that you lost such a great friend. RIP MIKE RINDER 🕊💔

[MissPerriwinkle]

MIKE WAS A BELOVED ONE, we will miss him so.

[Catherine_AM]

Mike has left an indelible mark on the world and in the hearts of many.

[randallsmith]

I watched several of Mike Rinder's update videos a month ago. It was clear that he was fading fast and that he knew it. It is the closest thing to a goodbye you can get.

[andellensweeney]

He contributed so much
Thank you Sir❤

[vinnie]

I agree Mike was a hero and he deserves to spoken of as an amazing hero activist that helped a great many people

[debbiem.]

If I can stop one heart from breaking
by
Emily Dickinson

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

[jononolan]

That's a shock. I never knew just how unwell he was.

[DaniBelleEau]

So sad for Mike’s surviving family and friends, it sounds like he had the best possible leaving process under the circumstances. And fuck cancer.

[richardwilliams]

It was really nice to see Mike stick up for you two vis a vis ASL.

[flufwix]

I’ve shed tears several times as I’m so sad about Mike’s passing. You’re right Chris, he is a hero. I’m a never in and he inspired me to have courage in other aspects of my life. He will be greatly missed by so many people
To those who harassed and abused him since November 2013, each and every one of you should be utterly ashamed of yourself