Leah Remini quits Scientology; sister speaks out
Longtime Scientology member Leah Remini quits Scientology.
The “King of Queens” star and outspoken actress has been a proponent and supporter of Scientology for many, many years.
She was introduced to the organization by her mother and has has been a member since she was a small child.
The rumor mill has said that her “rift” with Scientology began at the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes when Leah Remini asked about Shelly Miscavige, the wife of David Miscavige who was Tom Cruise’s best man and the head of the Church of Scientology.
Shelly was not at the wedding and reportedly has not been seen in public since 2007, leading many to question what happened to her.
In addition to asking about Shelly Miscavige’s whereabouts, Remini’s general questioning of policies of the organization and the hierarchy, such as Tom Cruise’s friendship and “weird” relationship with Miscavige, according to the New York Post, subjected the 43-year-old actress to five years of ”thought modification”.
When the organization tried to repeat the process this year Leah Remini made the decision to quit
Remini’s equally outspoken sister, Nicole Remini, has taken up her sisters cause. She apparently split from the organization some years ago.
Their mother Vicki, was a high level member and, according to Nicole Remini, the whole family has left Scientology in support of Leah.
It was expected that after news broke that Leah Remini quits Scientology, Hollywood’s members of Scientology would quickly sever all ties with the Remini’s. Kirstie Alley recently made a nasty tweet that many believe was directed at Remini. Rimini’s (former) assistant Jianine Giorgio, who is friends with Alley, has allegedly severed ties with Remini as well.
Jennifer Lopez, who’s father is along time Scientologist, and who is very Scientology friendly, has apparently stuck by her.
In a statement to People, Leah Remini said,
I wish to share my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming positive response I have received from the media, my colleagues, and from fans around the world. I am truly grateful and thankful for all your support.