UPDATE, 6:05 PM: Scientology has released a motion to strike Leah Remini’s suit against them, claiming that their attacks on her were only in response to her initial attack. They argue that, once the “nonactionable statements, protected petitioning, and allegations outside the statute of limitations” are stripped away, there is little left to support Remini’s case. The Church’s lawyers are invoking the First Amendment in an attempt to have the suit dismissed. This strategy aligns with their previous legal actions. The suit against Scientology and Danny Masterson for harassment is scheduled to begin in September 2025, and the Church has requested a hearing on Remini’s case for November 28.
PREVIOUSLY, OCT. 18 AM: Scientology is arguing that Leah Remini’s harassment suit should be dismissed due to First Amendment protection. The Church’s lawyers claim that the majority of the allegations in Remini’s complaint implicate constitutionally protected speech or activity, making them eligible for dismissal under the anti-SLAPP statute. Defendants Scientology International, Miscavige, and the Religious Technology Center are seeking permission from Judge Randolph Hammock to submit a consolidated 30-page brief in support of their anti-SLAPP motion. Remini, in response, calls the 30-page brief “excessive” but defers to the Court’s judgment. Arguments from both sides will be heard by Judge Hammock later today.
Remini has accused the Church of retaliation for her criticisms and has alleged various acts of harassment, including credit card fraud and online trolling. In response, Scientology accused Remini of being a bigot and suggested that she emigrate to Russia. The Church describes the case as a “decade-long campaign” against them and claims that Remini has made a lucrative career out of spewing hate and inspiring violence against them. The Church has responded to her allegations in various public forums.
Remini seeks unspecified damages and injunctive relief to end the Church’s policies against Suppressive Persons so that current and former Scientologists, as well as journalists and advocates, can freely expose the Church’s abuses. This case is one of multiple harassment actions faced by the Church in court. A harassment case against Masterson and Scientology filed by former Church members and their families is tentatively set for trial in September 2025.
