Scientology: No Weirder Than The Others

(NEWSER) - The church of Scientology goes on trial for fraud today in a landmark case in France, reports the BBC. The American organization is widely regarded in the nation as a sect, and if Scientology is found guilty of a crime, it could be banned in the country. It's the first time the organization, rather than individual officials, will be on trial in France. Charges were triggered by a female member who complained she was pressured to spend her savings on books and a Scientology electronic meter. More»

After 33 years, Larry Anderson wants out

(NEWSER) - After 33 years as a Scientologist and a star turn in a widely disseminated orientation video, actor Larry Anderson wants out—and he wants his money back. Anderson, a magician turned TV actor and game-show host, says the organization owes him $120,000. A Scientology rep tells the St. Petersburg Times Anderson's payments were donations, and "any refund of donations lies within the sole discretion of the church." More»

Church can no longer control its image

(NEWSER) - Scientology is increasingly under attack on the Internet, where critics and dropouts are undermining the church's traditionally tight control of its public image, reports the LA Times. Three ex-Scientologists, including the niece of the church's head, launched ExScientologyKids.com last week. Its motto: "We were born. We grew up. We escaped." More»

Diana scribe threatened with lawsuit over explosive allegations

(NEWSER) - The Church of Scientology is preparing a libel suit against an upcoming biography of actor Tom Cruise that calls him the organization's second-most-powerful man and says it influences nearly every facet of his life, reports the Daily Mail. The book, by Princess Diana biographer Andrew Morton, says Scientology staffers from cleaners to nannies scrutinize and influence Cruise's every move. More»

They're wiretapping followers. Will Tom Cruise swoop in to save the day?

(NEWSER) - Celeb church-of-choice Scientology is under surveillance from German intelligence officials, alarmed at the recent opening of its new chapel in Berlin, just blocks from the Reichstag. Leaders' phones have been tapped. "This is a dangerous group… that wants to break the will of each of its members. That's why we have to take massive counter-action,” says one German intelligence official. More»