Leah Remini sues Church of Scientology for 'psychological torture'
Leah Remini filed a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology claiming defamation, intimidation, psychological torture, and more.
On Wednesday, she released a press statement that said: "For 17 years, Scientology and David Miscavige have subjected me to what I believe to be psychological torture, defamation, surveillance, harassment, and intimidation, significantly impacting my life and career. I believe I am not the first person targeted by Scientology and its operations, but I intend to be the last."
David Miscavige is the leader of the church, taking over the role from founder L. Ron Hubbard when the latter died in 1986. The actress was brought into the religion as a child in 1979 but then left the church in 2013.
Leah left the church in 2013 after joining in 1979 (FilmMagic)
Leah claims the church 'harassed' her (Getty Images)According to the release, she has filed the lawsuit in the California Superior Court in a bid to "require Scientology, and any entity it controls and funds, to cease and desist its alleged practice of harassment, defamation, and other unlawful conduct against anyone who Scientology has labeled as an 'enemy'".
Many celebrities are a part of the church, including Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and Handmaid's Tale actress Elisabeth Moss. Other celebrities have left the church, such as Lisa Marie Presley, Jeffrey Tambor and Katie Holmes, who was previously married to Tom Cruise.
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Leah has been an outspoken critic of the church, co-creating and producing a television documentary series titled Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, which tells the story of people who left the church and paints the church in a negative light. The show has won two Primetime Emmy Awards and ran for three series.
Leah hosted a show called Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath (FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)
Leah first joined Scientology when she was a child (Getty Images for International Documentary Association)Leah claims in her lawsuit that she has been a victim of "mob-style operations and attacks" from Scientology that have impacted her career negatively. The lawsuit goes on to say that Leah wants to "require Scientology, and any entity it controls and funds, to cease and desist its alleged practice of harassment, defamation, and other unlawful conduct against anyone who Scientology has labeled as an ‘enemy.'” She's also seeking compensation and punitive damages for the supposed harm.
The King of Queens actress believes that her First Amendment right of freedom of speech is being attacked, stating: “With this lawsuit, I hope to protect my rights as afforded by the Constitution of the United States to speak the truth and report the facts about Scientology.”
The Church of Scientology has commented on the lawsuit, saying the "lawsuit is ludicrous and the allegations pure lunacy."
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