Former Scientology Adherent Sues Claiming False Imprisonment, Human Trafficking and More

A lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in a California state trial court against the Church of Scientology and its leader David Miscavige by a woman who was born to Scientologist parents and escaped the organization only as an adult.  The complaint (full text) in Doe v. Church of Scientology International, (Los Angeles Super. Ct., filed 6/18/2019), alleges causes of action for false imprisonment, kidnapping, stalking, defamation, invasion of privacy, infliction of emotional distress, human trafficking, violations of California's labor laws, and fraud. The complaint alleges in part:

The Church of Scientology presents a façade to the outside world to disguise what in reality is nothing more than a cult built on mind control and destruction of the independence and self-control of those drawn into its sphere. Scientology and its leaders use religious rhetoric to lure trusting and unsuspecting individuals seeking to better themselves into its corporations. Once in CSI, members are isolated from the outside world, their access to information is heavily monitored and controlled, and they are subject to physical, verbal, psychological, emotional and/or sexual abuse and/or assault. Their assets are also targeted by CSI, which calibrates its member services according to the wealth of each member.

NBC News reports on the lawsuit.