Celebrity Scientologists and Stars Who Have Left the Church

This article provides an overview of celebrity members of the Church of Scientology and those who have left the organization. It explains that founder L. Ron Hubbard created 'Project Celebrity' in the 1950s, a program offering rewards to Scientologists who recruit famous individuals, and that the church operates special Celebrity Centres catering to artists and leaders. Tom Cruise is highlighted as one of the most well-known and outspoken members, having become involved through his first wife Mimi Rogers. The piece also discusses Leah Remini, who joined Scientology at age 9 and left in 2013, subsequently becoming a vocal critic of the church through her memoir and A&E series 'Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath', which won an Emmy. The article notes that the Church of Scientology has long denied allegations of wrongdoing, citing a 2019 lawsuit response where the church's lawyers stated they would vigorously defend against 'unfounded allegations.'