Entertainment

Leah Remini Claims Church of Scientology ‘Stalked’ Her in New Lawsuit on August 2, 2023 at 7:48 pm Us Weekly

Published

2 years ago

August 2, 2023

Leah Remini Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

Leah Remini is attempting to take back her power by filing a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology for allegedly trying to “destroy” her life.

“For the past 10 years, Ms. Remini has been stalked, surveilled, harassed, threatened, intimidated,” Remini alleged in court documents obtained by Us Weekly on Wednesday, August 2. “Moreover, [she] has been the victim of intentional malicious and fraudulent rumors via hundreds of Scientology-controlled and coordinated social media accounts.”

The King of Queens alum, 53, argued in her filing that the heads of Scientology created a “campaign to ruin and destroy [her] life and livelihood” after Remini was “deemed a Suppressive Person” following her 2013 exit from the church.

The choice to leave Scientology — and speak out against the church — led to Remini being “declared Fair Game,” according to the docs. Scientology’s Fair Game directives are allegedly to make sure a Suppressive Person is “silenced by whatever means necessary,” that includes damaging “the person’s professional reputation, [filing] frivolous lawsuits and [orders to] harass and surveil ‘the enemy’.”

Remini claimed in her lawsuit that the church also targeted her loved ones. “Defendants have also incessantly harassed, threatened, intimidated, and embarrassed Ms. Remini’s family members, friends, colleagues and business associates,” she alleged, adding that the church’s actions caused Remini to “lose personal relationships” and “business opportunities.”

Remini explained her reason for filing the lawsuit as an attempt to “recover compensatory and punitive damages for the enormous economic and physiological harm” that she claims the church has “inflicted upon her” through an “unlawful campaign of harassment and intimidation.”

Remini joined the controversial religion when she was just 8 years old after her mother converted. She walked away from Scientology in 2013 and has since slammed the church for its practices and alleged protection of sexual predators.

She has also shined a light on the disappearance of Scientology leader David Miscavige’s wife, Shelly, who has not been seen publicly since 2007. After Remini filed a missing person’s report in 2013, the media relations at the Church of Scientology released to Us, claiming, “The Los Angeles Police Department has already stated that the case is closed and that the report filed by Leah Remini was unfounded.”

Remini has also released a tell-all book about her time as a Scientologist and spoken out about the organization’s alleged indiscretions on A&E’s Scientology and the Aftermath docuseries.

In her Wednesday court filing, Remini claimed that her vocal statements about the church over the years have made her a target.

Remini alleged in the lawsuit that Scientology’s smear campaign against her has led to “significant and ongoing economic harm.” Remini claimed that she’s spent “nearly 10 years of her life under constant threat and assault by Defendants as a result of her public departure” from the religious group.

Broadimage/Shutterstock

Remini explained her lawsuit in more detail via her website on Wednesday, writing, “After 17 years of harassment, intimidation, surveillance, and defamation, I am filing a lawsuit against Scientology and David Miscavige.”

She concluded: “While advocating for victims of Scientology has significantly impacted my life and career, Scientology’s final objective of silencing me has not been achieved. While this lawsuit is about what Scientology has done to me, I am one of thousands of targets of Scientology over the past seven decades. People who share what they’ve experienced in Scientology, and those who tell their stories and advocate for them, should be free to do so without fearing retaliation from a cult with tax exemption and billions in assets.”

Remini argued, “the press has a right to report about Scientology without facing a sophisticated intelligence operation from Scientology to destroy their personal lives and their careers. Law enforcement authorities have a right to investigate crimes in Scientology without fear that they will lose their jobs.”

She concluded: “With this lawsuit, I hope to protect the rights afforded to them and me by the Constitution of the United States to speak the truth and report the facts about Scientology without fear of vicious and vindictive retribution, of which most have no way to fight back.”

Leah Remini is attempting to take back her power by filing a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology for allegedly trying to “destroy” her life. “For the past 10 years, Ms. Remini has been stalked, surveilled, harassed, threatened, intimidated,” Remini alleged in court documents obtained by Us Weekly on Wednesday, August 2. “Moreover, [she] has

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Career Growth

“A Simple Favor” Sequel: Cast Reunites at SXSW

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The cast of “A Simple Favor” recently reunited at SXSW to discuss the upcoming sequel. The excitement was palpable as they shared insights into revisiting their iconic characters and what audiences can expect from the new installment.

Returning to Familiar Roles

Director Paul Feig expressed his initial hesitation about sequels, stating, “I’ve always shied away from doing a sequel because I think they’re really terrifying, and I haven’t seen many sequels that I like.” However, his love for the characters and the first film’s success on streaming platforms ultimately convinced him to revisit the story.

Anna Kendrick, who plays Stephanie, shared her enthusiasm for embracing a more unkempt version of her character. “I was really excited to play Stephanie but in sneers,” she said, hinting at a humorous evolution for her character.

Blake Lively, returning as the enigmatic Emily, expressed her love for the character, calling her “probably my favorite character I’ve ever been fortunate enough to play.” She also teased a “curveball idea” from Feig that upped the ante and made things “very uncomfortable to watch.”

Glamour and Intrigue in Capri

The sequel takes the characters to the glamorous island of Capri, a setting that Feig was determined to use despite budgetary concerns. Lively raved about the location, saying, “I want to live there, I love it so much…it’s just magical.”

New cast members Alex and Mel also shared their excitement about joining the project and filming in Capri. Mel humorously stated, “Who doesn’t want to get paid to film in Capri while working with Paul [Feig]?”

Spoilers and Twists

The cast was careful to avoid spoilers, emphasizing the many twists and turns in the film. Kendrick jokingly warned, “Stephanie stand the up dude…this is your tormentor, stab her in the neck bro, grow up here.” This comment hints at the complex and potentially dangerous relationship between Stephanie and Emily in the sequel.

A Collaborative Spirit

Andrew Rannells and Bashir Salahuddin, who are also returning for the sequel, praised Feig’s collaborative directing style. Rannells noted that Feig is “very open to letting actors improvise but also knows when to tell them that’s enough.”

Overall, the cast and director conveyed a sense of excitement and camaraderie, promising a sequel that will be both thrilling and hilarious.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Career Growth

Issa Rae: Giving Flowers and Calling Out History in “Seen and Heard”

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Issa Rae, the creative force behind the groundbreaking series “Insecure,” is back with a new project that’s already generating buzz: “Seen and Heard.” This HBO docu-series is a deep dive into the history of Black television, celebrating the triumphs, acknowledging the struggles, and examining the lasting impact of representation on screen. During a conversation at SXSW, Rae discussed the making of “Seen and Heard,” her early influences, and her complicated relationship with reality TV.

Chronicling Black TV History: A Comprehensive Look

Rae emphasized the importance of creating a “comprehensive, rich history of Black television,” particularly during a time when Black creators are experiencing a renaissance in the industry. The series features interviews with television icons like Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Debbie Allen, Mara Brock Akil and Tyler Perry, who share their personal journeys and insights. Rae credits executive Montrell McKay and director Giselle Bailey for bringing her vision to life. She praised Bailey’s “cinematic” approach, which elevates “Seen and Heard” beyond the typical documentary format.

One of the most impactful aspects of the docu-series is its exploration of how Black audiences were used to build up networks, only to be abandoned later. Rae notes that having creators and showrunners recount this history firsthand makes the experience undeniable and is a critical part of understanding the full picture of Black television’s evolution.

Reality TV: A Villain Origin Story

Rae revealed that reality television played a significant role in shaping her desire to create meaningful content. As a child of the ’90s, she grew up watching shows like “Moesha,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “A Different World,” which made her feel like she wanted to be a part of the television landscape. However, the rise of reality TV, particularly the portrayal of Black women, left her feeling frustrated and underrepresented.

Rae described her relationship with shows like “Flavor of Love” as “hate-watching.” She explained a specific incident during the show’s second season premiere when a contestant was denied access to the restroom and ended up urinating on the floor on TV. This moment, she said, sparked a realization that “there has to be more than this,” and motivated her to start film blogging and eventually create her own content. Rae even jokingly gives “shout out to my haters” for inspiring her to “make something” instead of just complaining.

“Insecure” and the LA Love Letter

The conversation also touched on the lasting impact of “Insecure,” particularly its connection to Los Angeles. Rae expressed her appreciation for fans who visit landmarks featured in the show, creating their own “Insecure” LA tours. She shared a story about meeting a fan who was introduced to Worldwide Tacos through the show, highlighting how “Insecure” served as a love letter to the city. Ultimately, Rae finds it incredibly rewarding when people tell her that “Insecure” has inspired them to “do their own thing.”

Issa Rae’s “Seen and Heard” promises to be a powerful and insightful exploration of Black television history, filled with both celebration and critical analysis. By examining the past and present of representation on screen, Rae continues to inspire a new generation of storytellers and push the boundaries of what’s possible in television.

Business

The Last of Us” Season 2: Cast and Creators Share Insights at SXSW

Published

2 days ago

March 9, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The cast and creators of the highly anticipated second season of “The Last of Us” gathered at SXSW to discuss the upcoming season. The panel featured cast members Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), and Young Mazino (Jesse), along with co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin.

Navigating Expectations and Surprising Fans

With the immense success of season one, Druckmann and Mazin acknowledged the pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up. Mazin emphasized their approach to cater to both fans of the game and newcomers to the series. “We try and think about the people who have played the game and make sure that we keep them on their toes and a little bit surprised,” Mazin stated. Druckmann highlighted the emotional weight of adapting “The Last of Us Part II,” emphasizing the dedication of the entire production team to doing justice to the source material.

A Glimpse into Season 2

Attendees were treated to a trailer for season two, offering a glimpse into the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie five years after the events of the first season. Ramsey described the changed dynamic, hinting at a rift between the characters. Pascal added that their relationship is in “a different place” and that it is “fucking heartbreaking”.

Big Ideas: Tribalism, Love, and Loss

The creators delved into the central themes of season two, including tribalism, the destructive nature of love, and the consequences of loss. Druckmann explained that the season explores the complexities of community and the dehumanization that can occur when groups clash. Mazin emphasized the escalation of these themes, highlighting the potential for isolation and the lengths characters will go to protect their loved ones.

New and Expanded Characters

The panel also touched on new characters and expanded roles in season two. Gabriel Luna discussed Tommy’s evolution into a father, emphasizing how it solidifies his purpose and strengthens his commitment to protecting his family and community. The introduction of new characters like Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara, and the expansion of existing characters like Isaac, played by Jeffrey Wright, promise to add depth and nuance to the narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, a character mentioned but not seen in the game, offers a rewarding experience for longtime fans.

Music as a Binding Force

Music continues to play a significant role in “The Last of Us,” particularly in the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Ramsey shared that music serves as a bonding experience for the characters, mirroring the connection between the actors on set. The guitar, a symbol of Joel’s promise to teach Ellie, takes on a more prominent role in season two.

Diving into the Game

The actors discussed their individual approaches to engaging with the source material. Kaitlyn Dever shared her experience playing the game with her father, while Young Mazino admitted to playing the second game up to a certain point.

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Whether you’re a badge holder or not, SXSW 2025 offers something for everyone. From delicious food to live music and interactive experiences, there’s no shortage of fun to be had without spending a fortune. So, grab your friends and enjoy the best of Austin without a badge!