Scientology has been pretty mad about Leah Remini ever since she left the organization. However, the Church of Scientology has been even madder now that Remini has started publicly talking out about Scientology via her TV show Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. It's spread to her other endeavors, too. During Leah Remini's appearance this week on Conan, the late night host admitted that Scientology had contacted him in an attempt to discredit his guest. Here's what Conan O'Brien had to say:
You know, we were contacted by the Church of Scientology today. They sent us a statement---they are obviously not happy that you are on the show---and they said in their statement that Leah Remini is doing this because she wants the fame, she wants the money, she wants the attention. I was thinking today that its very strange because I don't think I've ever had a document like this sent to me before, and I've been doing this 24 years.
It was clear during the interview that Conan O'Brien was a little bit startled by his brief contact with the Church of Scientology. Leah Remini went on to explain that this badmouthing of people who have left the organization is the most effective way to keep Scientologists from looking in-depth at what other information is out there. You can look deeper into the interview here.
If you've been keeping tabs on the whole Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath brouhaha, you may already know that the Church of Scientology has created a website dedicated to smearing the former Dancing with the Stars and King of Queens actress. The Church has also been sending similar messages out to the likes of A&E, which hosts Remini's docuseries. Scientology alleges that the cable network is being hypocritical because it pulled a KKK docuseries but not Scientology and the Aftermath.
The Church of Scientology has stopped short of actually suing Leah Remini or anyone participating in Scientology and the Aftermath. The actress has said she is stating the truth on Scientology and the Aftermath, as are the other people involved with the show. Because of this, she doesn't feel Scientology would have any ground to stand on should they get litigious. She reiterated that opinion during her appearance on Conan last night.
Scientology and the Aftermath attracted a sizable audience during its run on A&E. It's unclear if the show will be back for a second season, but as a contained docuseries, it has been pretty compelling and attracted a lot of notice. If you'd like to watch and form your own opinions, keep an eye out on A&E for repeat episodes. In addition, you can see what else TV has coming up with our midseason TV premiere schedule.
