Leah Remini Speaks Out On Leaving Scientology, Not Gonna 'Shut Up'

Leah Remini left the Church of Scientology earlier this month, and now the former "King of Queens" star is speaking out about her decision, saying, "I'm not about to shut up."

Remini, 43, had been a member of the church for decades, often speaking out in defense of its controversial beliefs. But earlier this month, the actress announced she was leaving Scientology after years of "interrogations" and "thought modification," sources said.

Remini was reportedly harassed after she questioned the management style of Scientology leader David Miscavige. He allegedly began targeting her after she inquired about where his wife was at the 2006 nuptials of fellow Scientologists Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

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"I believe that people should be able to question things," Remini told People magazine. "I believe that people should value family, and value friendships, and hold those things sacrosanct. That for me, that's what I'm about. It wouldn't matter what it was, simply because no one is going to tell me how I need to think, no one is going to tell me who I can, and cannot, talk to. I'm not about to shut up."

Scientology has long been criticized as a cult that promotes brainwashing. Critics argue the church's leaders keep control over members through character assassination, costly litigation, and/or psychological abuse.

Miscavige's own niece has publicly spoken out in support of Remini and her decision to leave the church.

"From what I understand, she was just fed up with the way she was being treated when she was following church policy," Jenna Miscavige Hill, who left Scientology herself in 2005, told People. "She is a tough woman and isn't the type to yield or turn a blind eye to a blatant injustice. People like that don't last too long in Scientology because they aren't easy to control."

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