Leah Remini is leaving the Church of Scientology.
A source close to the "King of Queens" actress, who was once an outspoken advocate for the organization, told
the New York Post that Remini was leaving Scientology due to years of "interrogations" and "thought modification."
Editor's Note: Don’t Miss These Free Government Giveaways
The alleged harassment reportedly began after Remini questioned the management style of Scientology leader David Miscavige, specifically his decision to excommunicate certain members and the reported abuse of members of its Sea Org religious order.
"It all began when Leah questioned the validity of excommunication of people," the source told the Post. "She is stepping back from a regime she thinks is corrupt. She thinks no religion should tear apart a family or abuse someone under the umbrella of 'religion.'"
In a blog post earlier this week, former Scientology Sea Org member Mike Rinder wrote that the rift might have begun when Remini inquired about the whereabouts of Miscavige’s wife at the 2006 wedding of famous scientologists Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.
At the Hollywood wedding, Rinder writes, Remini was reprimanded by former Scientology Celebrity Centre head Tommy Davis who told her, "You don’t have the [bleeping] rank to ask about Shelly."
Consequently, a source tells the Post, Remini "was put through interrogations and blacklisted within the church that she donated millions to and that her family has spent their lives in. She was put through 'thought modification' for five years."
The Post's source added that Remini's friends within the Church of Scientology, some of whom she had for "25 to 30 years," subsequently filed "internal reports" on her that "caused an investigation on her family."
Another source, which the Post described as being close to Remini, said the actress is currently weighing her options about going public with what led to her decision to leave Scientology.
"She’s from Brooklyn. The church can’t hurt her," the source added. "They don’t have her family, that’s all that matters to her. [And] it’s not about wanting or not wanting to do Scientology . . . The issue is that [Miscavige] is taking down this church and hurting people and families."
Having admitted to being a member of the Church of Scientology in a 2001 interview,
Remini has, according to the Huffington Post, defended the organization on multiple occasions.
Editor's Note: Do You Support Obamacare? Vote in Urgent National Poll
Critics of Scientology often describe it as a cult and not as the religion it claims to be.
Related stories:
Church of Scientology Media Push Tries to Counter Negative Publicity
Scientology May Hurt Will Smith Film