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ABC NIGHTLINE: INSIDE SCIENTOLOGY -- ILLUSTRATED INTERVIEW |
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by Martin Bashir October 22, 2009 [Transcribed from the videos by Tara Carreon, ABOL Librarian] Tonight on Nightline, "Inside Scientology": A Nightline investigation into an unknown world of rituals, religion and celebrities. The leader: former high-level Scientologists accuse the head of the Church, David Miscavige of bizarre, threatening, and violent behavior, from striking subordinates, to making staff salute his dog.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. We go inside the Church of Scientology itself to hear their vehement denials. A special edition of Nightline starts now. From the global resources of ABC News, with Terry Moran, Martin Bashir, and Cynthia Mcfadden in New York City. This is Nightline.
October 22, 2009. [Martin Bashir] Good evening. It boasts some of the most famous people on the planet, claims to be capable of curing drug addiction, and says that following its teachings will lead to a life of success and fulfillment.
And yet, despite these promises, Scientology remains an organization mired in controversy. Tonight, we look at new allegations concerning Scientology's leader, David Miscavige. Our investigations began after some former high-level members spoke to the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, claiming that Miscavige struck members of his staff on numerous occasions, allegations the Church denies.
This is what those staffers say happened inside the Church of Scientology.
Some call it a manipulative cult.
Others say it is a well-established religion that helps people reach their potential.
Since its inception in the 1950s --
the Church of Scientology has rarely been far from controversy.
[Tom Cruise] You don't know the history of psychiatry. I do.
[John Sweeney] You are closing the second half of the interview! [Martin Bashir] And now it's under attack again.
Former senior insiders claim the Church's current leader --
David Miscavige, has created and encouraged a climate of violence with its senior staff --
and was frequently violent himself.
[Marty Rathbun] He viciously beat them, knocked them to the ground!
[Martin Bashir] Marty Rathbun, seen here in a Scientology magazine, was an inspector general, a top lieutenant to David Miscavige, and oversaw the Church's legal affairs.
[Amy Scobee] And then he knocked him down in his chair.
[Martin Bashir] Amy Scobee was a Church executive who helped expand its outreach to celebrities.
[Bruce Hines] He just walked up and he hit me on the side of the head.
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