How I Escaped the Church of Scientology | Informer

The Church of Scientology is well known for its celebrity following and the intergalactic warrior lord Xenu – who you can only learn about after climbing a paywall of courses worth many thousands of dollars. But who you don’t often hear from are the employees of the Church, who can be forced to work incredibly long hours for a tiny wage.

In this episode of Informer, we speak to a former employee of the Church of Scientology, who was pressured into signing a work contract, had his passport taken off him, and regularly worked 80 hour weeks to earn under £5,000 a year.

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[ThatMaverickMo]

According to the news, the South Park episode taught many scientology members about Xenu without having to reach that level.

[SanjayWest]

This man is a different breed. He lived under constant stress for years and worked 80 hours a week for little pay. He's a hard working, strong man. Im happy he got out of that place

[MiBzAn]

Vice - please ensure the safety of your interviewees.

To the anonymous escapee, please take good care. We're grateful you're back with society again. May you live a long, happy, fulfilling, free life ❤️

[Fowns]

The "church" in FL is one of the most massive buildings I've ever seen that has zero windows and isn't officially a prison.

[The_SP_Chef]

As a former Scientologist myself who grew up in it as a child I too can say that it is a very dangerous organization who only want to suck out your money and use you for their own benefit. But it is important to remember that most Scientologists are good people who genuinely want to help, but have not realized yet, they re doing the opposite.
And thanks to the guy for talking about it on VICE.

[roland]

Scientology: The science of how money in your bank winds up in David Miscavige's bank!

[ideaistic]

Vice, I know your company is going down under but please don't stop producing these. I find this series, eye opening and opens a new perspective for me.

[astralfluxaf]

Moral of the story… SAY NO TO FREE PERSONALITY TESTS 🎉

[johnarmstrong]

I live right by two of the Scientology buildings in Washington DC, so terrifying that they prey on people who can’t defend themselves and trap you

[zacharyschortgen]

“You don't get rich writing science fiction. If you want to get rich, you start a religion.”~ L. Ron Hubbard

The founder of the “Church” of Scientology.

[Mooonietime]

I was born in Scientology and luckily escaped when I was 15. My 2 older brothers joined the sea org and moved country when they were 14, they are now in their 20s and I don’t even know what they’re like. I miss them so much. I want them back. We never talk, they are always working. I hope one day they will wake up

[snazzyyoto]

Holy Jesus this really has been getting a lot of traction lately. Love to see it!

[a-cq]

The most baffling fact to me is that we're not banning such cults.

[WhatsUpWithNora]

Brilliant. Thank you for putting this out there @vice. And as for your guest if he needs anything there are loads of us out here who’ve escaped. He can reach out.

[apostatealex]

👏👏 So glad to see major media outlets in the UK starting to cover Scientology again after so long. If you are watching this and you are currently an under-the-radar Scientologist, please know there is a huge community of support here for you if you choose to leave or need help escaping.

[RandyDuffel]

I am a former staff member of the Church of Scientology of Cincinnati and I attest that everything this individual has said is true. It all happened to me as well.

[divye.ruhela]

If they made him sign a NDA, he is very brave to come out like this. Even with the mask and all, these cults are ruthless and can probably trace him down with their 'connections'. Hope VICE takes into consideration all of this and provides some sort or cushion for the brave people doing this series.

[writinghappyhour]

I was born and raised into the organization and disfellowshipped just before i turned 18. That was 20 years ago. I miss my mom most of all.

There are a lot of things that were taken that i cant get back. But my husband and i were disfellowshipped together so ive always had him and that's been everything to me.

Its been helpful to the healing process seeing others come forward with their experiences.

Though no one in the real world will ever know the whole truth about what it means to grow up inside the organization.

We'll never feel normal but we do our best.

[cattameme]

It's always "HOW I ESCAPED" and never "HOW I GOT IN"

[Dannysimpact]

This is why we protest the so called "church"