Scientology: How It Actually Works, According to Former Scientologist Jenna Miscavige
A childhood in Scientology
Jenna Miscavige is the niece of David Miscavige, who leads the Church of Scientology. She was raised in the religion and left when she was 22. She later wrote “Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape.” She also uses social media to criticize the church and inform the public.
A movement with public reach
Science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard founded Scientology in 1954. It grew into a global religious movement, reportedly reaching more than 100,000 members at its peak in the 1990s.
Its membership has since contracted, while the organization remains prominent in popular culture. High-profile members include Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
Her account and the church’s response
In her Business Insider interview, Miscavige addresses Scientology’s secretive reputation, recruitment methods, finances, abuse allegations and celebrity ties. The church disputes her depiction. In an emailed statement, it called the allegations discredited and said she was seeking notoriety through her family name.
Key points
- Jenna Miscavige left Scientology at 22 after being raised in the church.
- She discusses recruitment, finances, abuse allegations, secrecy and celebrity connections.
- Scientology reportedly had more than 100,000 members at its peak in the 1990s.
- The church disputes Miscavige’s account and describes her allegations as discredited.