June 10, 2024 • 44 mins
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Paulette Cooper's relentless pursuit of the truth cost her dearly, but it also set a high bar for investigative journalism. We uncover the extraordinary lengths to which the Church of Scientology went to silence her, from fabricated bomb threats to smear campaigns and even attempts to frame her for crimes she didn't commit. Cooper's journey from a Holocaust survivor to a fearless journalist, who risked everything to expose alleged abuses within the Church, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Join us as we navigate through Cooper's tumultuous legal battles and the intense harassment she faced from Scientology. This episode sheds light on the significant FBI raids that unveiled the Church’s illegal activities and Cooper's vital role in the investigation. We'll also discuss her enduring influence on online platforms and activism, particularly through groups like Anonymous. Paulette Cooper's story isn't just about her trials; it's about her incredible resilience and her lasting impact on the fight against controversial practices within Scientology.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Sandi McKenna (00:00):
Imagine being hunted relentlessly.
Never knowing if thenext phone call litter or
stranger you encounter mightbe part of an elaborate
plot to ruin your life.
What drives a person to riskeverything, to expose the truth?
What happens when thehunter becomes the hunted?
Imagine living in constantfear, never knowing if the
(00:23):
next knock at your doormight be the prelude to
another harrowing ordeal.
This was the terrifyingreality for Paulette Cooper,
a fearless journalist whosequest for truth, plunged
her into a shadowy worldof espionage and terror.
She dared to take on one ofthe world's most secretive
and powerful organizationsthe church of Scientology.
(00:45):
Her groundbreaking book, TheScandal of Scientology unveiled
the inner workings and allegedabuses within the church.
Igniting a firestorm, ofpublic interest in scrutiny.
But with her revelationscame a sinister response.
Cooper became the targetof Scientology's infamous
Fair Game policy.
A chilling doctrinethat sanctioned any means
(01:06):
necessary to destroy theenemies of the church.
Fake bomb threats, smearcampaigns, and attempts
to frame her for crimesshe didn't commit.
How far would Scientologygo to silence her?
The goal was clear tosilence, Paulette Cooper and
obliterate her credibility.
Yet, despite the overwhelmingpressure and life-threatening
(01:27):
dangers Cooper'sresolve, never wavered.
Her story is not one ofsurvival, but of unyielding
commitment to the truthshowcasing the extraordinary
lengths one woman would go to,to stand against a powerful
and ruthless adversary.
Join us as we delve intothe harrowing story of
Paulette Cooper a journalistwho took on Scientology.
(01:48):
Prepare yourself as weexamine the infamous Fair
Game policy in action.
I'm Sandi McKenna and alongwith Abraham Aurich, welcome
to The Sins of Scientology.
Abraham (02:15):
Paula Paulette Cooper was born on July 26th, 1942
in Antwerp Belgium duringthe turmoil of world war two.
Her parents were PolishJews who had migrated to
Antwerp in the late 1920sseeking a better life.
Her father was a skilledleather worker in her
mother was a homemaker.
Despite the growing antisemiticenvironment in Europe.
(02:38):
The family had establisheda relatively stable
life in Belgium.
However, their lives wereshattered by the war.
Four days before Paulette'sbirth, her father was
arrested by Nazi officials.
Her mother was takeninto custody in October
of the same year.
Tragically, both parentswould later parish in
Auschwitz concentration camp.
(02:58):
In the immediate aftermathof her parent's arrest,
family friends took drasticmeasures to protect Paulette
and her older sister, Sarah.
They kept the two younggirls in hiding, moving them
from place to place to avoiddetection by the Nazis.
Despite their efforts,Nazi troops eventually
discovered the girls.
In the morning of 1943,just as they were about to
(03:19):
be sent Auschwitz friendsof their father and other
benefactors intervene.
Through a series of bribesto Nazi officials, they
secured the girls release.
This act of braveryand compassion, saved
Paulette and Sarah fromalmost a certain death.
Cooper herself was savedby a Catholic charity
organization that placed herand Sarah, in an orphanage.
(03:40):
The post-war years We'refilled with instability
as Paulette spend time invarious orphanages in Belgium.
Eventually Sarah, who wouldlater be known as Susie
was adopted by an aunt.
Unfortunately, this ant couldnot afford to support both
sisters so Paulette remainin the orphanage system.
At the age of six Paulette'slife took a drastic turn
(04:02):
when she was adopted byan American Jewish couple,
Ted and Sarah Cooper.
The Cooper's brought her tothe United States where they
all settled in New York city.
Here Paulette found thestability and support
she had been missing.
She was raised in a lovinghousehold and began to thrive
academically and socially.
Paulette attended public schoolsin New York, where she quickly
(04:23):
distinguished herself as anintelligent and curious student.
Her traumatic early years to nothinder her academic performance,
rather they seem to fuel herdetermination to succeed.
She went on to attendBrandeis University in Waltham
Massachusetts, earning abachelor's degree in psychology.
Her time at Brandeis wasformative solidifying her
(04:44):
interest in writing andinvestigative journalism.
During a summer study programof comparative religion at
Harvard university Cooper'sinterest in new religious
movements was piqued.
This curiosity would laterlead her to one of the most
significant and challenginginvestigations of her career.
After graduation shereturned to Harvard for
(05:04):
several months to work on aschizophrenia study, further
honing her research skills.
She later earned amaster's degree from The
City College of New York.
Professionally Cooper,distinguished herself in
the advertising industry,working for prestigious
agencies, such as BattenBarton, Durstine and Osborne.
(B B D O).
(05:24):
Despite her success incopywriting, she was
drawn to the dynamicworld of magazine writing.
By the age of 26, she hadalready sold stories to
prominent publicationslike TV guide Cosmopolitan,
and the Washington Post.
Her adventurous spirit wasevident in her work, including
a notable piece where shedocumented her experience
(05:45):
as the first female stowawayon a cruise liner, gaining
significant media attention.
Her early work demonstrated astrong commitment to uncovering
the truth in a willingness totackle controversial subjects.
The traumatic experiences of herearly childhood in her status as
a Holocaust survivor profoundlyinfluenced her outlook on life.
(06:06):
These experiences instilled inher a deep sense of justice and
a drive to expose wrongdoing.
Paulette's it's adoption bythe Cooper's provided her with
the stability and support sheneeded to pursue her ambitions.
The challenges she faced growingup, fostered resilience, and
courage that would be crucialin her later battles with
the church of Scientology.
(06:27):
Her background gave her aunique perspective on the
importance of standing upagainst powerful entities and
speaking out against injustices.
This commitment to truthand justice shaped by her
early experiences droveher to pursue an exposed
controversial subjectsultimately leading her to the
infamous clash with Scientology.
(06:47):
Paulette Cooper's early life isa testament to her extraordinary
resilience and determination.
From surviving the horrorsof the Holocaust to
excelling academically andprofessionally, she has shown
an unwavering commitmentto uncovering the truth and
fighting against injustice.
Her story is an inspiringexample of how one's early
(07:08):
experiences can shape and drivetheir lives work, making her a
notable figure in the historyof investigative journalism.
Sandi McKenna (07:16):
To understand the church of
Scientology's relentlesspursuit of Paulette Cooper.
It's essential to delve into theorigins and evolution of their
aggressive defense mechanisms.
Scientology's founder L RonHubbard created a complex
organizational structuredesigned to protect
the church from criticsand external threats.
(07:37):
In the early 1960s Hubbardestablished the Guardian's
Office, a dedicated intelligenceunit tasked with safeguarding
Scientology secrets.
The Guardian's office mandatewas to conduct espionage gather
intelligence on perceivedenemies and execute covert
operations to discreditand neutralize critics.
(07:57):
Mary Sue Hubbard L Ron Hubbard'swife was appointed to lead this
powerful arm of the church.
One of the foundationaltactics developed by the
Guardian's Office was touse lawsuits to intimidate
and bankrupt opponents.
Scientology's legal strategy wassimple, overwhelm critics with
a barrage of legal actions todrain their financial resources
(08:19):
and wear them down emotionally.
The approach known aslegal harassment became
a cornerstone of thechurch's defense strategy.
Additionally, the Guardian'sOffice pioneered the practice of
gathering and storing extensivedossiers on individuals
they perceived as threats.
These dossiers includedpersonal information, private
(08:39):
correspondence, and anypotential vulnerabilities
that could be exploited.
The aim was to buildcomprehensive profiles
that could be used toblackmail or publicly
discredit their targets.
A pivotal moment in thedevelopment of Scientology's
defensive tactics came withthe introduction of the Fair
Game policy in the mid 1960s.
(09:00):
This policy, explicitlysanctioned actions against
enemies of the church, statingthat they could be tricked,
sued, lied to or destroyedwithout any repercussions
within the organization.
This aggressive stance provideda framework for the Guardian's
office operations againstcritics like Paulette Cooper.
The Guardian's office activitieswere not confined to the United
(09:22):
States internationally theGuardian's Office operated
with similar intensity,employing private investigators,
conducting surveillance andengaging in covert operations to
protect the church's reputation.
Their global reach ensured thatcritics around the world faced
significant risks when speakingout against Scientology.
In 1967, the churchof Scientology found
(09:45):
itself embroiled in asignificant controversy
in the United Kingdom.
The British governmentalarmed by reports of abusive
practices within Scientologylaunched an investigation.
The ensuing inquiry ledto the banning of foreign
Scientologists from enteringthe UK and public outcry
against the church's practices.
(10:06):
This international scrutiny onlyheightened Scientology's resolve
to clamp down on critics.
As the Guardian's Officemethods grew more sophisticated
they began infiltratinggovernment agencies, law
firms, and even media togain insider information and
influence public perception.
Their operatives often disguisedas legitimate employees or
(10:26):
volunteers worked to gather,intelligence to disrupt the
activities of those deemedhostile to Scientology.
These tactics set the stagefor Scientology's intense
focus on Paulette Cooper.
Her investigative workand subsequent book The
Scandal of Scientologytriggered a full scale
operation by the Guardian'sOffice to silence her.
(10:47):
Understanding the roots anddevelopment of these tactics
helps to contextualize thelength Scientology would go to
protect its image and interests.
Abraham (10:56):
Paulette Cooper's journey into the world of
Scientology began afterhearing disturbing stories
from former members.
She spent years researchingand interview and ex members,
which resulted in her bookThe scandal of Scientology.
This book exposed many ofthe churches controversial
practices and made her aprime target for retaliation.
(11:17):
Paulette Cooper's journey towriting her book is a story
of curiosity, dedication,and immense personal risk.
Here are the harrowing detailsof this groundbreaking exposé.
Cooper first encounterScientology in the late 1960s.
Her interest in Scientologybegan with a disturbing visit
from a former colleague.
(11:38):
This man claimed that throughhis involvement with Scientology
he had learned, he was thereincarnation of Jesus Christ.
He then announced quote"God has decided to rape
you" end quote, but Coopermanaged to get him out of her
apartment without incident.
She called a former boyfriendwho had experimented with
Scientology and told himabout the visitor's claim.
(12:01):
Maybe he really is theex-boyfriend replied.
Cooper thinking she may havestumbled on an intriguing
story subject signed up foran introductory communication
course at the local Org.
Between sessions she exploredthe facilities, asking questions
and even taking severaldocuments from an office.
One document listed people,deemed Suppressive Persons
(12:22):
as enemies of Scientology.
She began work on aScientology article in earnest.
Driven by her journalisticinstincts, Paulette began to
interview former church members.
Cooper learn much aboutthe organization's internal
methods of control and theharassment of those who left.
She later said of her motivationto write about Scientology.
(12:43):
Quote" I had a master's degreein psychology and had studied
comparative religion atHarvard for a summer and what
I learned during my researchabout the group founded
by L Ron Hubbard was bothfascinating and frightening.
The story cried outto be told" end quote.
Through interviews withformer church members, Cooper
(13:04):
gain deep insights into theorganization's internal methods
of control and the harassmentfaced by those who left.
The 1963 raid on theWashington DC church by
the United States Food andDrug Administration, FDA.
During which agents andpolice seized thousands of
documents, provided Cooperwith additional information.
(13:25):
She also obtained a copy ofthe Anderson Report, a 1965
indictment from the Australianstate of Victoria, which
denounced the church's methodsas psychologically abusive
and recommended banning it.
The church's reputationfor litigiousness made many
publications hesitant tocover Scientology stories.
(13:46):
Nevertheless London's QueenMagazine included Cooper's
article The Tragi Farce ofScientology in its December,
1969 issue which was themagazine's final issue before
merging with Harper's Bizarre.
The article primarilyaddressed the harassments
of Scientology critics.
And the first to exploresexual misconduct by
(14:07):
the church's auditors.
Shortly after this publication,Cooper received two
anonymous death threats viatelephone warning her to stop
writing about Scientology.
Cooper embarked onan extensive journey.
She interviewed dozens of formerScientologists who had left the
church, often hearing harrowing,tales of manipulation,
(14:27):
abuse, and exploitation.
She also gathered documents,internal church materials
and testimonies, thatshed light on the inner
workings of Scientology.
Writing The Scandalof Scientology was
fraught with challenges.
Cooper faced intense pressureand threats from the church.
Scientology's aggressivetactics included legal threats
(14:48):
and harassment aimed atintimidating her to silence.
Despite these challenges,Cooper completed her manuscript.
The Scandal of Scientologywas published in 1971.
The book provided acomprehensive look at the
church's history, practicesand the experiences
of its former members.
It was one of the firstcritical books about
(15:09):
Scientology and quicklydrew significant attention.
Sandi McKenna (15:13):
The church of Scientology quickly branded
Paulette Cooper is an enemy.
They launched a campaignof harassment, including
numerous lawsuits, threateningphone calls and physical
surveillance, aiming to silenceher and discredit her work.
Cooper became the target of arelentless harassment campaign
by the church of Scientology.
This campaign included numerouslawsuits, smear campaigns, and
(15:35):
even efforts to frame her forcrimes she didn't commit as
revealed by Operation Freakout.
By early in 1971, followingthe publication of her book,
Cooper was being targetedby the Guardian's Office.
According to the church, OSAor Office of Special Affairs is
responsible for directing legalaffairs and public relations,
(15:56):
pursuing investigations,publicizing the church's social
betterment works and overseeingthe social reform programs.
When the Guardian's Officeheard about Cooper's book, they
tried to stop its publicationthrough various means.
While on assignment inScotland for a travel story,
Paulette Cooper experience,the terrifying reality of being
stalked by dozens of strangers.
(16:19):
Some followed her, tookphotographs or made
harassing phone calls.
The intimidation even beganbefore she set foot in Scotland.
David Gaiman, a member ofthe church of Scientology's
Guardian's Office, greetedher at the airport with fake
legal documents for libel.
In early 1972 and externalmemo from the Guardian's office
(16:40):
labeled Cooper as an unhandled,attacker of Scientology
signaling and escalation intheir harassment campaign.
They dug deep into a personalhistory, scrutinizing her
past her private life andeven her college records.
Cooper was subjected toa barrage of obscene and
threatening phone calls.
Damage to her telephone linesuggested her conversations
(17:02):
were being monitored.
In March of that year, desperateto end the harassment Cooper
filed a $15.4 million lawsuitagainst the new
york church of Scientology.
However that same month shefound herself named as one of
18 defendants in another lawsuitby the church, which claimed
that there was a conspiracyto produce Robert Kaufman's
(17:23):
book inside Scientology.
The lawsuit also connectedher with L Ron Hubbard Jr.
The defector son ofScientology founder.
Together they wrote anexpose titled a look inside
Scientology which they discussedon various media platforms.
Internal documents from theGuardian's office revealed
plans to sabotage Cooper'sfather's Ted's finances
(17:46):
and diamond business to cutoff her financial support.
Cooper's phone was brieflydisconnected by an imposter
and a defamatory pamphletaccused her of sexual
misconduct and writingpornography further hindering
her ability to get work.
Under her lawyers advice,Cooper began documenting
the harrassment in 1972to support her lawsuit.
Abraham (18:09):
The Guardian's office harassment reached
a new level with OperationDynamite launched in 1972.
This operation aimed to havePaulette Cooper committed
to a mental institution.
A series of suspiciousevents unfolded in December
of that year, incorporatingelements that would later
be proven as Fair Gametactics by the church of
(18:29):
Scientology's Guardian's Office.
On December six.
Cooper signed a petitionhanded to her by a
canvasser named Margie.
On December 8th, the church ofScientology New York received
the first of two poorly writtenbomb threats and reported Cooper
to the FBI as the prime suspect.
On December 13th, thesecond bomb threat was hand
(18:50):
delivered to the church.
On December 15th, Cooper movedto a new apartment, four days
later on December 19, Cooper'scousin was attacked by an armed
intruder in her old department.
These events were later provento be orchestrated by the
Guardian's Office as part oftheir harassment campaign.
By February, 1973, anonymousflyers, accusing Paulette
(19:11):
Cooper of sexual perversions,including pedophilia appeared
in her apartment building.
Cooper suspect that herex-boyfriend from BBDO had
provided false information tothe church, as the accusations
mirrored, an incident involvinga church auditor that Cooper
had investigated earlier.
Soon after, Cooper wassubpoenaed by a federal grand
(19:32):
jury learning she was the primesuspect in the bomb threats.
The prosecution presentedevidence, linking her
fingerprints to thebomb threat letters and
connections to her typewriter.
Cooper suspectedL Ron Hubbard Jr.
had provided informationand possibly planted her
fingerprints as he hadaccess to her typewriter.
(19:52):
This smear campaign persistedIn March defamatory letters
were sent out targeting Cooper'sparents family owned business.
Similar threats were sentto her boyfriend ending
their relationship.
On May 17th, 1973 Cooper wasindicted, the Guardian's Office
campaign against her now dubbedOperation Lovely continued.
(20:14):
While awaiting trialCooper leaned on her
friends, two of whom weresecret Scientology agents.
Margie, the canvasser introducedher to Paula and Jerry who
was now living with her as herroommate was keeping close tabs
on her and frequently reportingback to the Guardian's Office.
One memo suggested that ifCooper became suicidal, it would
(20:34):
be beneficial to Scientology.
Jerry repeatedly, tried to getCooper to stand on the ledge
of their 33rd floor apartment.
He disappeared aftershe confronted him
about his true identity.
Despite the immensepressure Cooper never went
to trial she made a dealwith the Us Attorney's
office admitting no guilt.
On September 16th, 1975 thecase was formerly dropped.
(20:59):
Cooper's exoneration camein 1977 when the FBI raided
Scientology offices anduncovered documents detailing
the operations against her.
Cooper had finallybeen vindicated.
However, these well-knownincidents were only part of
the largest sustained effortby the church of Scientology to
discredit and destroy Cooper.
(21:20):
Other documentedattempts included.
Numerous frivolous lawsuitsagainst Cooper aimed at draining
her financially and emotionally.
Cooper was placed underconstant surveillance private
investigators hired by thechurch followed her gathering
information to use against her.
The church spread rumors andfalse information about Cooper
(21:41):
accusing her of criminalactivities and immoral behavior.
This included calling heremployers in social circles
to spread these lies.
Cooper's family and friendswere not spared, they
received threatening phonecalls and defamatory letters.
Her relationshipswere systematically
targeted to isolate her.
Scientology operativesinfiltrated her social
(22:02):
circles and professionalnetworks, trusted friends
and associates were revealedto be secret agents report
and back to the church.
Efforts were made to ruin Cooperfinancially, including tampering
with her financial records andcreating bogus debt in her name.
The church employedpsychological tactics
to destabilize Cooper,including anonymous death
(22:24):
threats and unnervinglate night phone calls.
Beyond the bomb thread letters,there were other attempts to
frame Cooper for various crimes.
Including false reportsto the police about her
alleged illegal activities.
Cooper's home was repeatedlyvandalized and she
experienced break-ins wheresensitive documents were
stolen or tampered with.
(22:45):
The church attempted to defameCooper through various media
channels, planting negativestories and paying journalist
to write hit pieces on her.
Cooper's bravery anddetermination have
been widely recognized.
She is often cited as one ofthe key figures who brought
to light the darker aspectsof Scientology, inspiring
other journalists andformer members to speak out.
(23:07):
Paulette Cooper's decisionto write The Scandal of
Scientology was a courageousand pioneering effort.
Her meticulous researchand willingness to face
significant personal risks,helped expose the controversial
practices of Scientology.
Sandi McKenna (23:21):
Scientology's most infamous operation against
Cooper was Operation Freakout.
This covert plan aim to haveCooper imprisoned or committed
to a psychiatric hospital.
The church orchestrated aseries of actions, including
sending anonymous bombthreats in her name and
fabricating evidence to frameher crimes she didn't commit.
(23:42):
The church of Scientology'sharassment to Paulette
Cooper persisted into 1974.
Taking increasinglyinvasive and personal forms.
Her father's office receivedcopies of pages from her teenage
diary, which she still hadin her possession indicating
the church had somehow accessto her private writings.
In early 1975 Guardians Officeagents broke into the office of
(24:05):
Cooper's college psychiatristand stole her records.
Later that year Cooper beganreceiving copies of these
medical records in the mailfrom anonymous senders.
The church wascompiling an extensive
internal report on her.
L Ron Hubbard, thefounder of Scientology was
reportedly fixated on Cooper.
Bill frank's a formerScientologists tasked with
(24:27):
dismantling the Guardian'sOffice after its leaders
were imprisoned, recountedHubbard's paranoia.
Bill Frank said, and I quote.
"He thought she wasworking for every group.
He could imagine thatwas against Scientology.
He just thought shewas an anarchist."
in 1975 Hubbard was overheardangrily referring to her as
that "Bitch Paulette Cooper."In 1976, frustrated by their
(24:49):
inability to silence Cooper.
Hubbard and his GuardianOffice operatives devised
a new elaborate campaignto discredit her.
Known as operation freakout,the plan aimed to have Cooper
incarcerated in a mentalinstitution or jail, or at
least to hit her so hardthat she drops her attacks.
(25:10):
This ambitious plot involvesstaging multiple coordinated
incidents using imposters falsereports and planted items.
Central to the scheme was aseries of bomb threat letters.
One of which was to be sentto an Arab embassy and filled
with inflammatory remarksabout the treatment of Israel.
Another letter was to beaddressed to the secretary
of state Henry Kissinger.
(25:31):
A key element in the campaignwas to obtain Cooper's
fingerprints on a pieceof paper to frame her.
Cooper became suspiciousof such attempts when a
stranger approached herin a bar with a clipboard.
Around the same time shediscovered that someone
impersonating her had madephone calls to her friends.
Ultimately Operation Freakoutwas never fully implemented.
(25:52):
Cooper may have disrupted theplan by moving to Los Angeles to
assist with her defense in thechurch of Scientology lawsuit.
An affidavit by a formerScientologist alleged that
in 1977, the church wasplotting to assassinate Cooper.
However, despite extensiveGuardian's office documentation
on the attempts to ruin herlife and reputation, no other
(26:13):
sources corroborate this claim.
Abraham (26:15):
Throughout her tumultuous conflict with the
church of Scientology, PauletteCooper faced an overwhelming
barrage of legal actions.
The church sued her 19 timesin various courts around the
globe while Cooper launchedthree countersuits in response.
One of the pivotal cases, churchof Scientology of California
vs Paulette Cooper was filedin December, 1971 in the
(26:39):
Los Angeles superior court.
The church alleged thatCooper's book, The Scandal
of Scientology containeduntrue libelous and defamatory
statements about Scientology.
Although the case was setfor trial in 1976, the books
publisher had settled separatelywith the church by then.
Despite having a robustdefense Cooper, exhausted
(27:02):
and longing for an end to thelitigation's chose to settle.
On December 5th, 1976 shesigned a deal surrendering the
copyright of her book to thechurch and agreeing to refrain
from public commentary on it.
In return, the churchdropped all remaining
lawsuits against her.
In the lead up to thissettlement, scientologists
(27:23):
actively sought toinfluence proceedings.
Dozens of church membersfrequently camped outside
Cooper's lawyers office andcrowded the courtroom to
sway the lawyer and judgein the church's favor.
A significant turn of eventsoccurred on July 8th, 1977.
When the FBI raided churchof Scientology facilities in
Washington, DC and Los Angeles.
(27:46):
This was in response toOperation Snow White, a
church initiative to gatherintelligence and steal
documents from federal agencies.
Among the documents seized weredetailed records of various
illegal activities prompting theFBI to seek Cooper's assistance
with their investigation.
During her cooperation withthe FBI Cooper discovered
(28:07):
a photo of her disappearedfriend, Paula confirming
she was a church agent.
In April, 1978, theWashington Post published
a pair of articles basedon seized documents.
One article by Ron Shaffer,detailed Cooper's frame up.
Shaffer wrote quote, theattack and destroy campaign
(28:28):
carried out by the churchof Scientology Guardian's
office to silence critics, hasinvolved illegal surveillance,
burglaries, forgeries, andmany forms of harassments,
according to sources closeto an intensive federal
investigation of the churchof Scientology's activities.
End quote.
The church of Scientology ofCalifornia, falsely accused
(28:50):
Cooper of contributing tothese articles, claiming
it violated the terms oftheir 1976 settlement.
Consequently, the church filedyet another lawsuit against
her on May 5th, 1978 followedby a similar lawsuit from the
New York church the next month.
Cooper countersued in both cases.
On March 9th, 1981 Coopersued the Boston church and
(29:13):
L Ron Hubbard and Mary SueHubbard for $25 million.
In August, the church filedhis 18th lawsuit against
her, this time for allegedlydiscouraging celebrity support
of a benefit auction for a newcelebrity center in Los Angeles.
Around this period a shiftthe church leadership prompted
(29:34):
efforts to resolve alloutstanding legal disputes.
Finally, in February 1985Cooper settled with the church
for an undisclosed amount.
Even after the settlement, thechurch made bizarre attempts to
bribe Cooper to spy for them.
This decade long legal warfareexemplifies the relentless
harassment Cooper faced,each lawsuit was a part of a
(29:56):
broader strategy to exhaust herresources and discredit her.
The impact on her lifewas profound affecting her
financially, emotionally,and professionally.
Despite these pressures Cooper'sresilience and determination to
expose the truth never wavered,her ability to navigate this
legal labyrinth coupled withthe unwavering commitment to
(30:18):
justice, ultimately helped herexpose the church of Scientology
tactics to the world.
Cooper's experience shedslight on the lengths to which
powerful organizations cango to silence their critics.
Her story is a testament tothe importance of investigative
journalism and the courageit takes to stand up against
(30:39):
a formidable adversary.
Her perseverance not onlyvindicated her, but also
inspired others to speak outagainst similar injustices.
The legal battles, althoughexhausting became a pivotal
part of Cooper's legacy.
They highlighted the extensivemeasures the church of
(30:59):
Scientology was willing totake to protect its image
and silence detractors.
Cooper's victory in thesebattles served as a crucial
turning point in the public'sunderstanding of the church's
operations and reinforcedthe crucial role of a free
press and holding powerfulinstitutions accountable.
Sandi McKenna (31:19):
Following the final legal settlement with
the church of Scientologyin 1985, Paulette Cooper
went silent about theorganization for some time.
The church's aggressivelegal responses to in 1991
time magazine article ledthe mainstream media to
steer clear of Scientologystories for nearly 15 years.
During this period, however,alts, religion, Scientology
(31:42):
ARS emerged on Usenet revealingsecret church teachings.
In 1995 an ARS regularposted the full text of
Cooper's book the scandalof Scientology online.
Cooper occasionally contributedto ARS and other online
platforms as she beganreconnecting with journalists
covering Scientology.
(32:03):
In the two thousands interestin Scientology resurfaced
in the mainstream media,partly due to the actions of
celebrity member, Tom cruise.
Cooper authored an articletitled the scandal of the
scandal of Scientology, whichwas published in 2007 by
Byline Magazine, a publicationof the New York press club.
In 2011, the Village Voicedetailed Cooper's experience
(32:26):
with Scientology sparkingrenewed media attention.
That same year Cooper discoveredthat a Vanity Fair journalist
she trusted had secretly workedfor the church for more than
two decades spying on her.
In May, 2015, Tony Ortega,then a writer for the
village voice published abiography of Cooper titled
The Unbreakable Miss Lovely.
How the church ofScientology tried to
(32:47):
destroy Paulette Cooper.
Cooper remains vocal aboutthe church of Scientology
and is highly respectedby online activists, ex
Scientologists and others.
In the mid two thousands, aloosely organized collection
known as anonymous emerged fromthe depths, the internet forums
to take a bold stand againstthe church of Scientology.
(33:09):
The group initially knownfor its internet pranks and
activism began to focus more onserious issues with Scientology
becoming a prime target.
Their campaign against thechurch dubbed project Chanology
gained international attentionand marked a significant
chapter in the ongoingstruggle against Scientology's
controversial practices.
(33:31):
In addition to peacefuldemonstrations and online
campaigns, anonymous, employed,several other specific tactics
to protest against Scientology.
Anonymous targetedScientology's internal
documents and informationaiming to expose the church's
practices to the public.
They hacked into Scientology'ssystems and leaked confidential
(33:52):
documents, revealingthe church's internal
communications and strategies.
Anonymous produced anddistributed various multimedia
content, including videos,images, and articles to
raise awareness aboutScientology's practices.
They utilized platforms likeYouTube, social media, and
various forums to disseminatethis information widely.
(34:14):
Members of anonymous,organized phone and fax
campaigns to flood Scientologycenters with calls and faxes
disrupting their operations.
These campaigns were designedto be nonviolent, but highly
disruptive drawing attentionto the movements grievances.
Anonymous members createdprotest art, including posters,
flyers, and banners, oftenfeaturing Guy Fawkes masks
(34:37):
and anti Scientology messages.
They also staged performancesand street theater
during protests to engagethe public and media.
Anonymous organized flashmobs and gorilla protests,
where members would quicklygather at Scientology
centers and public places,perform a coordinated protest
action, and then disperse.
(34:58):
These surprise actions weredesigned to be highly visible
and catch Scientology off guard.
Anonymous members handed outflyers pamphlets and other
informational materials to thepublic educating them about
Scientology's alleged abuses.
They often set up booths orinformation tables in public
spaces to engage passers by, inconversation about the issues.
(35:21):
Although, not universallyendorsed by all members of
anonymous, some factionscarried out distributed denial
of service DDO S attackson Scientology websites
temporarily disruptingtheir online presence.
These cyber attackswere intended to draw
attention to the movementsgrievances and showcase
their technical prowess.
(35:42):
These diverse tacticshelped anonymous maintain
pressure on Scientology.
And keep the issuein the public eye.
They created a sustained amultifaceted campaign against
the church by leveragingonline and offline methods.
A central figure who becamean emblematic inspiration for
anonymous was Paula Cooperwhose life had been profoundly
(36:03):
impacted by Scientology'saggressive tactics.
Fast-forward to the mid twothousands when anonymous began
to mobilize against Scientology.
The group organized globalprotest, utilizing the
internet to coordinate theirefforts and spread awareness.
They wore Guy Fawkes masks tomaintain anonymity and symbolize
resistance against tyranny.
(36:24):
Anonymous targetedscientology's alleged human
rights abuses, financialexploitation and aggressive
tactics against critics.
Paulette Cooper story becamea rallying cry for anonymous.
Her experiences were frequentlyreferenced in the groups,
propaganda and during protests,serving as a powerful example
of Scientology's extrememeasures to silence dissent.
(36:47):
Cooper's or deal underscoredthe importance of the movement's
mission and provided historicalcontext for their activism.
Cooper, herself supported,Anonymous' efforts.
In interviews and publicstatements, she prays
the group's courage anddedication to exposing the
truth about Scientology.
She expressed gratitude fortheir efforts and bringing
(37:07):
renewed attention to thechurch's injustices, which
had continued relativelyunchecked for decades.
Her endorsement lentcredibility to movement and
inspired a new generationof activists to stand up
against Scientology's tactics.
Anonymous employed variousstrategies from peaceful
demonstrations, outsideScientology centers to
(37:27):
their online campaigns, thatdisseminated information
about the church's practices.
The group effectively drewpublic and media attention
leading to increased scrutinyof Scientology's activities.
The protests also highlightedthe ongoing struggles
of individuals likePaulette Cooper, who faced
persecution for speaking out.
(37:48):
Paulette Cooper'sinvolvement with anonymous,
highlighted the enduringimpact of her investigative
work and her unwaveringcommitment to justice.
Her story intertwined withthe efforts of anonymous,
it helped maintain aspotlight on Scientology's
controversial practices andsupported a broader call for
accountability and reform.
This account, of Paula Cooperin the anonymous movement
(38:10):
underscores her significantrole in galvanizing support
and awareness reinforcingthe importance of standing
up against injusticesregardless of personal cost.
Abraham (38:21):
As we reflect on the harrowing journey
of Paulette Cooper.
It's clear that her storyis not just about the battle
with a powerful organization.
But also about the resilienceof the human spirit.
Cooper's unwavering dedicationto expose the truth despite
the overwhelming odds andrelentless persecution against
her serves as a powerfulreminder of the importance
(38:43):
of fearless journalism.
Paulette's legacy continuesto inspire journalists,
activists, and formerScientologists who dare to
speak out against injustices.
Her courage and determinationhave left an indelible mark in
the history of investigativejournalism and have contributed
significantly to the ongoingscrutiny of the church of
Scientology and its practices.
(39:05):
In today's world where thefreedom of the press and
the pursuit of truth aremore critical than ever,
Paulette Cooper story standsas a testament to the impact
one individual can have.
Her fight for justice has notonly brought to light the dark
side of Scientology, but hasalso paved the way for others
to continue the quest fortransparency and accountability.
(39:28):
By understanding her journey.
You, our listeners are equippedwith a deeper understanding
of the church of Scientologyand its practices, empowering
you to make informed decisionsand support transparency.
This episode has given youa deeper understanding of
Paulette Cooper's extraordinarycourage and lengths she
went to, to expose the truth.
(39:50):
As always, we encourage ourlisteners to remain vigilant
question the status quo andsupport those who bravely
seek to uncover hidden truth.
Your role in this as informedand engaged listeners is crucial
in fostering a society thatvalues truth and transparency.
Thank you for joiningus on this journey.
Your participationand engagements are
(40:12):
invaluable to us.
If you have any questionsabout this episode or
ideas about future episode.
We'd love to hear from you.
Sandi McKenna (40:19):
Coming up in episode five of Sins of
Scientology, a story of power,loyalty, and tragic loss.
Heber Jentsch the charismaticpresident of the church of
Scientology internationalstood as a towering figure
within one of the world's mostcontroversial organizations,
but behind the public facade,lay a personal life, filled
(40:40):
with secrets and strife.
Enter Alexander JentschHebrew son born into the
enigmatic world of Scientology.
Raised under the strictdoctrines of the church
Alexander's life seemed predestined for greatness yet,
as he grew older, shadows ofdoubt and whispers of rebellion
began to cloud his path.
In this episode, we delve intothe complex relationship between
(41:02):
a father devoted to his faithand a son yearning for freedom.
We'll uncover the internalbattles, the moments of
defiance and the tragic endthat would shock the world.
What drove Alexanderto the breaking point?
How did the church ofScientology respond
to his cries for help?
And what remains of HeberJentzsch, the man who once
(41:22):
held the reigns of an empire.
Join us as we unraveledthe mystery, peeling back
the layers of deception andheartbreak in a tale that is
as haunting as it is true.
I'm Sandy McKenna and alongwith Abraham Aurich we thank
you for tuning into thisepisode of Sins Of Scientology.
Until next time, keepquestioning, keep seeking
(41:43):
and make your journey beas rich and enlightening as
the stories you encounter.
Imagine being hunted relentlessly.
Never knowing if thenext phone call litter or
stranger you encounter mightbe part of an elaborate
plot to ruin your life.
What drives a person to riskeverything, to expose the truth?
What happens when thehunter becomes the hunted?
Imagine living in constantfear, never knowing if the
(00:23):
next knock at your doormight be the prelude to
another harrowing ordeal.
This was the terrifyingreality for Paulette Cooper,
a fearless journalist whosequest for truth, plunged
her into a shadowy worldof espionage and terror.
She dared to take on one ofthe world's most secretive
and powerful organizationsthe church of Scientology.
(00:45):
Her groundbreaking book, TheScandal of Scientology unveiled
the inner workings and allegedabuses within the church.
Igniting a firestorm, ofpublic interest in scrutiny.
But with her revelationscame a sinister response.
Cooper became the targetof Scientology's infamous
Fair Game policy.
A chilling doctrinethat sanctioned any means
(01:06):
necessary to destroy theenemies of the church.
Fake bomb threats, smearcampaigns, and attempts
to frame her for crimesshe didn't commit.
How far would Scientologygo to silence her?
The goal was clear tosilence, Paulette Cooper and
obliterate her credibility.
Yet, despite the overwhelmingpressure and life-threatening
(01:27):
dangers Cooper'sresolve, never wavered.
Her story is not one ofsurvival, but of unyielding
commitment to the truthshowcasing the extraordinary
lengths one woman would go to,to stand against a powerful
and ruthless adversary.
Join us as we delve intothe harrowing story of
Paulette Cooper a journalistwho took on Scientology.
(01:48):
Prepare yourself as weexamine the infamous Fair
Game policy in action.
I'm Sandi McKenna and alongwith Abraham Aurich, welcome
to The Sins of Scientology.
Abraham (02:15):
Paula Paulette Cooper was born on July 26th, 1942
in Antwerp Belgium duringthe turmoil of world war two.
Her parents were PolishJews who had migrated to
Antwerp in the late 1920sseeking a better life.
Her father was a skilledleather worker in her
mother was a homemaker.
Despite the growing antisemiticenvironment in Europe.
(02:38):
The family had establisheda relatively stable
life in Belgium.
However, their lives wereshattered by the war.
Four days before Paulette'sbirth, her father was
arrested by Nazi officials.
Her mother was takeninto custody in October
of the same year.
Tragically, both parentswould later parish in
Auschwitz concentration camp.
(02:58):
In the immediate aftermathof her parent's arrest,
family friends took drasticmeasures to protect Paulette
and her older sister, Sarah.
They kept the two younggirls in hiding, moving them
from place to place to avoiddetection by the Nazis.
Despite their efforts,Nazi troops eventually
discovered the girls.
In the morning of 1943,just as they were about to
(03:19):
be sent Auschwitz friendsof their father and other
benefactors intervene.
Through a series of bribesto Nazi officials, they
secured the girls release.
This act of braveryand compassion, saved
Paulette and Sarah fromalmost a certain death.
Cooper herself was savedby a Catholic charity
organization that placed herand Sarah, in an orphanage.
(03:40):
The post-war years We'refilled with instability
as Paulette spend time invarious orphanages in Belgium.
Eventually Sarah, who wouldlater be known as Susie
was adopted by an aunt.
Unfortunately, this ant couldnot afford to support both
sisters so Paulette remainin the orphanage system.
At the age of six Paulette'slife took a drastic turn
(04:02):
when she was adopted byan American Jewish couple,
Ted and Sarah Cooper.
The Cooper's brought her tothe United States where they
all settled in New York city.
Here Paulette found thestability and support
she had been missing.
She was raised in a lovinghousehold and began to thrive
academically and socially.
Paulette attended public schoolsin New York, where she quickly
(04:23):
distinguished herself as anintelligent and curious student.
Her traumatic early years to nothinder her academic performance,
rather they seem to fuel herdetermination to succeed.
She went on to attendBrandeis University in Waltham
Massachusetts, earning abachelor's degree in psychology.
Her time at Brandeis wasformative solidifying her
(04:44):
interest in writing andinvestigative journalism.
During a summer study programof comparative religion at
Harvard university Cooper'sinterest in new religious
movements was piqued.
This curiosity would laterlead her to one of the most
significant and challenginginvestigations of her career.
After graduation shereturned to Harvard for
(05:04):
several months to work on aschizophrenia study, further
honing her research skills.
She later earned amaster's degree from The
City College of New York.
Professionally Cooper,distinguished herself in
the advertising industry,working for prestigious
agencies, such as BattenBarton, Durstine and Osborne.
(B B D O).
(05:24):
Despite her success incopywriting, she was
drawn to the dynamicworld of magazine writing.
By the age of 26, she hadalready sold stories to
prominent publicationslike TV guide Cosmopolitan,
and the Washington Post.
Her adventurous spirit wasevident in her work, including
a notable piece where shedocumented her experience
(05:45):
as the first female stowawayon a cruise liner, gaining
significant media attention.
Her early work demonstrated astrong commitment to uncovering
the truth in a willingness totackle controversial subjects.
The traumatic experiences of herearly childhood in her status as
a Holocaust survivor profoundlyinfluenced her outlook on life.
(06:06):
These experiences instilled inher a deep sense of justice and
a drive to expose wrongdoing.
Paulette's it's adoption bythe Cooper's provided her with
the stability and support sheneeded to pursue her ambitions.
The challenges she faced growingup, fostered resilience, and
courage that would be crucialin her later battles with
the church of Scientology.
(06:27):
Her background gave her aunique perspective on the
importance of standing upagainst powerful entities and
speaking out against injustices.
This commitment to truthand justice shaped by her
early experiences droveher to pursue an exposed
controversial subjectsultimately leading her to the
infamous clash with Scientology.
(06:47):
Paulette Cooper's early life isa testament to her extraordinary
resilience and determination.
From surviving the horrorsof the Holocaust to
excelling academically andprofessionally, she has shown
an unwavering commitmentto uncovering the truth and
fighting against injustice.
Her story is an inspiringexample of how one's early
(07:08):
experiences can shape and drivetheir lives work, making her a
notable figure in the historyof investigative journalism.
Sandi McKenna (07:16):
To understand the church of
Scientology's relentlesspursuit of Paulette Cooper.
It's essential to delve into theorigins and evolution of their
aggressive defense mechanisms.
Scientology's founder L RonHubbard created a complex
organizational structuredesigned to protect
the church from criticsand external threats.
(07:37):
In the early 1960s Hubbardestablished the Guardian's
Office, a dedicated intelligenceunit tasked with safeguarding
Scientology secrets.
The Guardian's office mandatewas to conduct espionage gather
intelligence on perceivedenemies and execute covert
operations to discreditand neutralize critics.
(07:57):
Mary Sue Hubbard L Ron Hubbard'swife was appointed to lead this
powerful arm of the church.
One of the foundationaltactics developed by the
Guardian's Office was touse lawsuits to intimidate
and bankrupt opponents.
Scientology's legal strategy wassimple, overwhelm critics with
a barrage of legal actions todrain their financial resources
(08:19):
and wear them down emotionally.
The approach known aslegal harassment became
a cornerstone of thechurch's defense strategy.
Additionally, the Guardian'sOffice pioneered the practice of
gathering and storing extensivedossiers on individuals
they perceived as threats.
These dossiers includedpersonal information, private
(08:39):
correspondence, and anypotential vulnerabilities
that could be exploited.
The aim was to buildcomprehensive profiles
that could be used toblackmail or publicly
discredit their targets.
A pivotal moment in thedevelopment of Scientology's
defensive tactics came withthe introduction of the Fair
Game policy in the mid 1960s.
(09:00):
This policy, explicitlysanctioned actions against
enemies of the church, statingthat they could be tricked,
sued, lied to or destroyedwithout any repercussions
within the organization.
This aggressive stance provideda framework for the Guardian's
office operations againstcritics like Paulette Cooper.
The Guardian's office activitieswere not confined to the United
(09:22):
States internationally theGuardian's Office operated
with similar intensity,employing private investigators,
conducting surveillance andengaging in covert operations to
protect the church's reputation.
Their global reach ensured thatcritics around the world faced
significant risks when speakingout against Scientology.
In 1967, the churchof Scientology found
(09:45):
itself embroiled in asignificant controversy
in the United Kingdom.
The British governmentalarmed by reports of abusive
practices within Scientologylaunched an investigation.
The ensuing inquiry ledto the banning of foreign
Scientologists from enteringthe UK and public outcry
against the church's practices.
(10:06):
This international scrutiny onlyheightened Scientology's resolve
to clamp down on critics.
As the Guardian's Officemethods grew more sophisticated
they began infiltratinggovernment agencies, law
firms, and even media togain insider information and
influence public perception.
Their operatives often disguisedas legitimate employees or
(10:26):
volunteers worked to gather,intelligence to disrupt the
activities of those deemedhostile to Scientology.
These tactics set the stagefor Scientology's intense
focus on Paulette Cooper.
Her investigative workand subsequent book The
Scandal of Scientologytriggered a full scale
operation by the Guardian'sOffice to silence her.
(10:47):
Understanding the roots anddevelopment of these tactics
helps to contextualize thelength Scientology would go to
protect its image and interests.
Abraham (10:56):
Paulette Cooper's journey into the world of
Scientology began afterhearing disturbing stories
from former members.
She spent years researchingand interview and ex members,
which resulted in her bookThe scandal of Scientology.
This book exposed many ofthe churches controversial
practices and made her aprime target for retaliation.
(11:17):
Paulette Cooper's journey towriting her book is a story
of curiosity, dedication,and immense personal risk.
Here are the harrowing detailsof this groundbreaking exposé.
Cooper first encounterScientology in the late 1960s.
Her interest in Scientologybegan with a disturbing visit
from a former colleague.
(11:38):
This man claimed that throughhis involvement with Scientology
he had learned, he was thereincarnation of Jesus Christ.
He then announced quote"God has decided to rape
you" end quote, but Coopermanaged to get him out of her
apartment without incident.
She called a former boyfriendwho had experimented with
Scientology and told himabout the visitor's claim.
(12:01):
Maybe he really is theex-boyfriend replied.
Cooper thinking she may havestumbled on an intriguing
story subject signed up foran introductory communication
course at the local Org.
Between sessions she exploredthe facilities, asking questions
and even taking severaldocuments from an office.
One document listed people,deemed Suppressive Persons
(12:22):
as enemies of Scientology.
She began work on aScientology article in earnest.
Driven by her journalisticinstincts, Paulette began to
interview former church members.
Cooper learn much aboutthe organization's internal
methods of control and theharassment of those who left.
She later said of her motivationto write about Scientology.
(12:43):
Quote" I had a master's degreein psychology and had studied
comparative religion atHarvard for a summer and what
I learned during my researchabout the group founded
by L Ron Hubbard was bothfascinating and frightening.
The story cried outto be told" end quote.
Through interviews withformer church members, Cooper
(13:04):
gain deep insights into theorganization's internal methods
of control and the harassmentfaced by those who left.
The 1963 raid on theWashington DC church by
the United States Food andDrug Administration, FDA.
During which agents andpolice seized thousands of
documents, provided Cooperwith additional information.
(13:25):
She also obtained a copy ofthe Anderson Report, a 1965
indictment from the Australianstate of Victoria, which
denounced the church's methodsas psychologically abusive
and recommended banning it.
The church's reputationfor litigiousness made many
publications hesitant tocover Scientology stories.
(13:46):
Nevertheless London's QueenMagazine included Cooper's
article The Tragi Farce ofScientology in its December,
1969 issue which was themagazine's final issue before
merging with Harper's Bizarre.
The article primarilyaddressed the harassments
of Scientology critics.
And the first to exploresexual misconduct by
(14:07):
the church's auditors.
Shortly after this publication,Cooper received two
anonymous death threats viatelephone warning her to stop
writing about Scientology.
Cooper embarked onan extensive journey.
She interviewed dozens of formerScientologists who had left the
church, often hearing harrowing,tales of manipulation,
(14:27):
abuse, and exploitation.
She also gathered documents,internal church materials
and testimonies, thatshed light on the inner
workings of Scientology.
Writing The Scandalof Scientology was
fraught with challenges.
Cooper faced intense pressureand threats from the church.
Scientology's aggressivetactics included legal threats
(14:48):
and harassment aimed atintimidating her to silence.
Despite these challenges,Cooper completed her manuscript.
The Scandal of Scientologywas published in 1971.
The book provided acomprehensive look at the
church's history, practicesand the experiences
of its former members.
It was one of the firstcritical books about
(15:09):
Scientology and quicklydrew significant attention.
Sandi McKenna (15:13):
The church of Scientology quickly branded
Paulette Cooper is an enemy.
They launched a campaignof harassment, including
numerous lawsuits, threateningphone calls and physical
surveillance, aiming to silenceher and discredit her work.
Cooper became the target of arelentless harassment campaign
by the church of Scientology.
This campaign included numerouslawsuits, smear campaigns, and
(15:35):
even efforts to frame her forcrimes she didn't commit as
revealed by Operation Freakout.
By early in 1971, followingthe publication of her book,
Cooper was being targetedby the Guardian's Office.
According to the church, OSAor Office of Special Affairs is
responsible for directing legalaffairs and public relations,
(15:56):
pursuing investigations,publicizing the church's social
betterment works and overseeingthe social reform programs.
When the Guardian's Officeheard about Cooper's book, they
tried to stop its publicationthrough various means.
While on assignment inScotland for a travel story,
Paulette Cooper experience,the terrifying reality of being
stalked by dozens of strangers.
(16:19):
Some followed her, tookphotographs or made
harassing phone calls.
The intimidation even beganbefore she set foot in Scotland.
David Gaiman, a member ofthe church of Scientology's
Guardian's Office, greetedher at the airport with fake
legal documents for libel.
In early 1972 and externalmemo from the Guardian's office
(16:40):
labeled Cooper as an unhandled,attacker of Scientology
signaling and escalation intheir harassment campaign.
They dug deep into a personalhistory, scrutinizing her
past her private life andeven her college records.
Cooper was subjected toa barrage of obscene and
threatening phone calls.
Damage to her telephone linesuggested her conversations
(17:02):
were being monitored.
In March of that year, desperateto end the harassment Cooper
filed a $15.4 million lawsuitagainst the new
york church of Scientology.
However that same month shefound herself named as one of
18 defendants in another lawsuitby the church, which claimed
that there was a conspiracyto produce Robert Kaufman's
(17:23):
book inside Scientology.
The lawsuit also connectedher with L Ron Hubbard Jr.
The defector son ofScientology founder.
Together they wrote anexpose titled a look inside
Scientology which they discussedon various media platforms.
Internal documents from theGuardian's office revealed
plans to sabotage Cooper'sfather's Ted's finances
(17:46):
and diamond business to cutoff her financial support.
Cooper's phone was brieflydisconnected by an imposter
and a defamatory pamphletaccused her of sexual
misconduct and writingpornography further hindering
her ability to get work.
Under her lawyers advice,Cooper began documenting
the harrassment in 1972to support her lawsuit.
Abraham (18:09):
The Guardian's office harassment reached
a new level with OperationDynamite launched in 1972.
This operation aimed to havePaulette Cooper committed
to a mental institution.
A series of suspiciousevents unfolded in December
of that year, incorporatingelements that would later
be proven as Fair Gametactics by the church of
(18:29):
Scientology's Guardian's Office.
On December six.
Cooper signed a petitionhanded to her by a
canvasser named Margie.
On December 8th, the church ofScientology New York received
the first of two poorly writtenbomb threats and reported Cooper
to the FBI as the prime suspect.
On December 13th, thesecond bomb threat was hand
(18:50):
delivered to the church.
On December 15th, Cooper movedto a new apartment, four days
later on December 19, Cooper'scousin was attacked by an armed
intruder in her old department.
These events were later provento be orchestrated by the
Guardian's Office as part oftheir harassment campaign.
By February, 1973, anonymousflyers, accusing Paulette
(19:11):
Cooper of sexual perversions,including pedophilia appeared
in her apartment building.
Cooper suspect that herex-boyfriend from BBDO had
provided false information tothe church, as the accusations
mirrored, an incident involvinga church auditor that Cooper
had investigated earlier.
Soon after, Cooper wassubpoenaed by a federal grand
(19:32):
jury learning she was the primesuspect in the bomb threats.
The prosecution presentedevidence, linking her
fingerprints to thebomb threat letters and
connections to her typewriter.
Cooper suspectedL Ron Hubbard Jr.
had provided informationand possibly planted her
fingerprints as he hadaccess to her typewriter.
(19:52):
This smear campaign persistedIn March defamatory letters
were sent out targeting Cooper'sparents family owned business.
Similar threats were sentto her boyfriend ending
their relationship.
On May 17th, 1973 Cooper wasindicted, the Guardian's Office
campaign against her now dubbedOperation Lovely continued.
(20:14):
While awaiting trialCooper leaned on her
friends, two of whom weresecret Scientology agents.
Margie, the canvasser introducedher to Paula and Jerry who
was now living with her as herroommate was keeping close tabs
on her and frequently reportingback to the Guardian's Office.
One memo suggested that ifCooper became suicidal, it would
(20:34):
be beneficial to Scientology.
Jerry repeatedly, tried to getCooper to stand on the ledge
of their 33rd floor apartment.
He disappeared aftershe confronted him
about his true identity.
Despite the immensepressure Cooper never went
to trial she made a dealwith the Us Attorney's
office admitting no guilt.
On September 16th, 1975 thecase was formerly dropped.
(20:59):
Cooper's exoneration camein 1977 when the FBI raided
Scientology offices anduncovered documents detailing
the operations against her.
Cooper had finallybeen vindicated.
However, these well-knownincidents were only part of
the largest sustained effortby the church of Scientology to
discredit and destroy Cooper.
(21:20):
Other documentedattempts included.
Numerous frivolous lawsuitsagainst Cooper aimed at draining
her financially and emotionally.
Cooper was placed underconstant surveillance private
investigators hired by thechurch followed her gathering
information to use against her.
The church spread rumors andfalse information about Cooper
(21:41):
accusing her of criminalactivities and immoral behavior.
This included calling heremployers in social circles
to spread these lies.
Cooper's family and friendswere not spared, they
received threatening phonecalls and defamatory letters.
Her relationshipswere systematically
targeted to isolate her.
Scientology operativesinfiltrated her social
(22:02):
circles and professionalnetworks, trusted friends
and associates were revealedto be secret agents report
and back to the church.
Efforts were made to ruin Cooperfinancially, including tampering
with her financial records andcreating bogus debt in her name.
The church employedpsychological tactics
to destabilize Cooper,including anonymous death
(22:24):
threats and unnervinglate night phone calls.
Beyond the bomb thread letters,there were other attempts to
frame Cooper for various crimes.
Including false reportsto the police about her
alleged illegal activities.
Cooper's home was repeatedlyvandalized and she
experienced break-ins wheresensitive documents were
stolen or tampered with.
(22:45):
The church attempted to defameCooper through various media
channels, planting negativestories and paying journalist
to write hit pieces on her.
Cooper's bravery anddetermination have
been widely recognized.
She is often cited as one ofthe key figures who brought
to light the darker aspectsof Scientology, inspiring
other journalists andformer members to speak out.
(23:07):
Paulette Cooper's decisionto write The Scandal of
Scientology was a courageousand pioneering effort.
Her meticulous researchand willingness to face
significant personal risks,helped expose the controversial
practices of Scientology.
Sandi McKenna (23:21):
Scientology's most infamous operation against
Cooper was Operation Freakout.
This covert plan aim to haveCooper imprisoned or committed
to a psychiatric hospital.
The church orchestrated aseries of actions, including
sending anonymous bombthreats in her name and
fabricating evidence to frameher crimes she didn't commit.
(23:42):
The church of Scientology'sharassment to Paulette
Cooper persisted into 1974.
Taking increasinglyinvasive and personal forms.
Her father's office receivedcopies of pages from her teenage
diary, which she still hadin her possession indicating
the church had somehow accessto her private writings.
In early 1975 Guardians Officeagents broke into the office of
(24:05):
Cooper's college psychiatristand stole her records.
Later that year Cooper beganreceiving copies of these
medical records in the mailfrom anonymous senders.
The church wascompiling an extensive
internal report on her.
L Ron Hubbard, thefounder of Scientology was
reportedly fixated on Cooper.
Bill frank's a formerScientologists tasked with
(24:27):
dismantling the Guardian'sOffice after its leaders
were imprisoned, recountedHubbard's paranoia.
Bill Frank said, and I quote.
"He thought she wasworking for every group.
He could imagine thatwas against Scientology.
He just thought shewas an anarchist."
in 1975 Hubbard was overheardangrily referring to her as
that "Bitch Paulette Cooper."In 1976, frustrated by their
(24:49):
inability to silence Cooper.
Hubbard and his GuardianOffice operatives devised
a new elaborate campaignto discredit her.
Known as operation freakout,the plan aimed to have Cooper
incarcerated in a mentalinstitution or jail, or at
least to hit her so hardthat she drops her attacks.
(25:10):
This ambitious plot involvesstaging multiple coordinated
incidents using imposters falsereports and planted items.
Central to the scheme was aseries of bomb threat letters.
One of which was to be sentto an Arab embassy and filled
with inflammatory remarksabout the treatment of Israel.
Another letter was to beaddressed to the secretary
of state Henry Kissinger.
(25:31):
A key element in the campaignwas to obtain Cooper's
fingerprints on a pieceof paper to frame her.
Cooper became suspiciousof such attempts when a
stranger approached herin a bar with a clipboard.
Around the same time shediscovered that someone
impersonating her had madephone calls to her friends.
Ultimately Operation Freakoutwas never fully implemented.
(25:52):
Cooper may have disrupted theplan by moving to Los Angeles to
assist with her defense in thechurch of Scientology lawsuit.
An affidavit by a formerScientologist alleged that
in 1977, the church wasplotting to assassinate Cooper.
However, despite extensiveGuardian's office documentation
on the attempts to ruin herlife and reputation, no other
(26:13):
sources corroborate this claim.
Abraham (26:15):
Throughout her tumultuous conflict with the
church of Scientology, PauletteCooper faced an overwhelming
barrage of legal actions.
The church sued her 19 timesin various courts around the
globe while Cooper launchedthree countersuits in response.
One of the pivotal cases, churchof Scientology of California
vs Paulette Cooper was filedin December, 1971 in the
(26:39):
Los Angeles superior court.
The church alleged thatCooper's book, The Scandal
of Scientology containeduntrue libelous and defamatory
statements about Scientology.
Although the case was setfor trial in 1976, the books
publisher had settled separatelywith the church by then.
Despite having a robustdefense Cooper, exhausted
(27:02):
and longing for an end to thelitigation's chose to settle.
On December 5th, 1976 shesigned a deal surrendering the
copyright of her book to thechurch and agreeing to refrain
from public commentary on it.
In return, the churchdropped all remaining
lawsuits against her.
In the lead up to thissettlement, scientologists
(27:23):
actively sought toinfluence proceedings.
Dozens of church membersfrequently camped outside
Cooper's lawyers office andcrowded the courtroom to
sway the lawyer and judgein the church's favor.
A significant turn of eventsoccurred on July 8th, 1977.
When the FBI raided churchof Scientology facilities in
Washington, DC and Los Angeles.
(27:46):
This was in response toOperation Snow White, a
church initiative to gatherintelligence and steal
documents from federal agencies.
Among the documents seized weredetailed records of various
illegal activities prompting theFBI to seek Cooper's assistance
with their investigation.
During her cooperation withthe FBI Cooper discovered
(28:07):
a photo of her disappearedfriend, Paula confirming
she was a church agent.
In April, 1978, theWashington Post published
a pair of articles basedon seized documents.
One article by Ron Shaffer,detailed Cooper's frame up.
Shaffer wrote quote, theattack and destroy campaign
(28:28):
carried out by the churchof Scientology Guardian's
office to silence critics, hasinvolved illegal surveillance,
burglaries, forgeries, andmany forms of harassments,
according to sources closeto an intensive federal
investigation of the churchof Scientology's activities.
End quote.
The church of Scientology ofCalifornia, falsely accused
(28:50):
Cooper of contributing tothese articles, claiming
it violated the terms oftheir 1976 settlement.
Consequently, the church filedyet another lawsuit against
her on May 5th, 1978 followedby a similar lawsuit from the
New York church the next month.
Cooper countersued in both cases.
On March 9th, 1981 Coopersued the Boston church and
(29:13):
L Ron Hubbard and Mary SueHubbard for $25 million.
In August, the church filedhis 18th lawsuit against
her, this time for allegedlydiscouraging celebrity support
of a benefit auction for a newcelebrity center in Los Angeles.
Around this period a shiftthe church leadership prompted
(29:34):
efforts to resolve alloutstanding legal disputes.
Finally, in February 1985Cooper settled with the church
for an undisclosed amount.
Even after the settlement, thechurch made bizarre attempts to
bribe Cooper to spy for them.
This decade long legal warfareexemplifies the relentless
harassment Cooper faced,each lawsuit was a part of a
(29:56):
broader strategy to exhaust herresources and discredit her.
The impact on her lifewas profound affecting her
financially, emotionally,and professionally.
Despite these pressures Cooper'sresilience and determination to
expose the truth never wavered,her ability to navigate this
legal labyrinth coupled withthe unwavering commitment to
(30:18):
justice, ultimately helped herexpose the church of Scientology
tactics to the world.
Cooper's experience shedslight on the lengths to which
powerful organizations cango to silence their critics.
Her story is a testament tothe importance of investigative
journalism and the courageit takes to stand up against
(30:39):
a formidable adversary.
Her perseverance not onlyvindicated her, but also
inspired others to speak outagainst similar injustices.
The legal battles, althoughexhausting became a pivotal
part of Cooper's legacy.
They highlighted the extensivemeasures the church of
(30:59):
Scientology was willing totake to protect its image
and silence detractors.
Cooper's victory in thesebattles served as a crucial
turning point in the public'sunderstanding of the church's
operations and reinforcedthe crucial role of a free
press and holding powerfulinstitutions accountable.
Sandi McKenna (31:19):
Following the final legal settlement with
the church of Scientologyin 1985, Paulette Cooper
went silent about theorganization for some time.
The church's aggressivelegal responses to in 1991
time magazine article ledthe mainstream media to
steer clear of Scientologystories for nearly 15 years.
During this period, however,alts, religion, Scientology
(31:42):
ARS emerged on Usenet revealingsecret church teachings.
In 1995 an ARS regularposted the full text of
Cooper's book the scandalof Scientology online.
Cooper occasionally contributedto ARS and other online
platforms as she beganreconnecting with journalists
covering Scientology.
(32:03):
In the two thousands interestin Scientology resurfaced
in the mainstream media,partly due to the actions of
celebrity member, Tom cruise.
Cooper authored an articletitled the scandal of the
scandal of Scientology, whichwas published in 2007 by
Byline Magazine, a publicationof the New York press club.
In 2011, the Village Voicedetailed Cooper's experience
(32:26):
with Scientology sparkingrenewed media attention.
That same year Cooper discoveredthat a Vanity Fair journalist
she trusted had secretly workedfor the church for more than
two decades spying on her.
In May, 2015, Tony Ortega,then a writer for the
village voice published abiography of Cooper titled
The Unbreakable Miss Lovely.
How the church ofScientology tried to
(32:47):
destroy Paulette Cooper.
Cooper remains vocal aboutthe church of Scientology
and is highly respectedby online activists, ex
Scientologists and others.
In the mid two thousands, aloosely organized collection
known as anonymous emerged fromthe depths, the internet forums
to take a bold stand againstthe church of Scientology.
(33:09):
The group initially knownfor its internet pranks and
activism began to focus more onserious issues with Scientology
becoming a prime target.
Their campaign against thechurch dubbed project Chanology
gained international attentionand marked a significant
chapter in the ongoingstruggle against Scientology's
controversial practices.
(33:31):
In addition to peacefuldemonstrations and online
campaigns, anonymous, employed,several other specific tactics
to protest against Scientology.
Anonymous targetedScientology's internal
documents and informationaiming to expose the church's
practices to the public.
They hacked into Scientology'ssystems and leaked confidential
(33:52):
documents, revealingthe church's internal
communications and strategies.
Anonymous produced anddistributed various multimedia
content, including videos,images, and articles to
raise awareness aboutScientology's practices.
They utilized platforms likeYouTube, social media, and
various forums to disseminatethis information widely.
(34:14):
Members of anonymous,organized phone and fax
campaigns to flood Scientologycenters with calls and faxes
disrupting their operations.
These campaigns were designedto be nonviolent, but highly
disruptive drawing attentionto the movements grievances.
Anonymous members createdprotest art, including posters,
flyers, and banners, oftenfeaturing Guy Fawkes masks
(34:37):
and anti Scientology messages.
They also staged performancesand street theater
during protests to engagethe public and media.
Anonymous organized flashmobs and gorilla protests,
where members would quicklygather at Scientology
centers and public places,perform a coordinated protest
action, and then disperse.
(34:58):
These surprise actions weredesigned to be highly visible
and catch Scientology off guard.
Anonymous members handed outflyers pamphlets and other
informational materials to thepublic educating them about
Scientology's alleged abuses.
They often set up booths orinformation tables in public
spaces to engage passers by, inconversation about the issues.
(35:21):
Although, not universallyendorsed by all members of
anonymous, some factionscarried out distributed denial
of service DDO S attackson Scientology websites
temporarily disruptingtheir online presence.
These cyber attackswere intended to draw
attention to the movementsgrievances and showcase
their technical prowess.
(35:42):
These diverse tacticshelped anonymous maintain
pressure on Scientology.
And keep the issuein the public eye.
They created a sustained amultifaceted campaign against
the church by leveragingonline and offline methods.
A central figure who becamean emblematic inspiration for
anonymous was Paula Cooperwhose life had been profoundly
(36:03):
impacted by Scientology'saggressive tactics.
Fast-forward to the mid twothousands when anonymous began
to mobilize against Scientology.
The group organized globalprotest, utilizing the
internet to coordinate theirefforts and spread awareness.
They wore Guy Fawkes masks tomaintain anonymity and symbolize
resistance against tyranny.
(36:24):
Anonymous targetedscientology's alleged human
rights abuses, financialexploitation and aggressive
tactics against critics.
Paulette Cooper story becamea rallying cry for anonymous.
Her experiences were frequentlyreferenced in the groups,
propaganda and during protests,serving as a powerful example
of Scientology's extrememeasures to silence dissent.
(36:47):
Cooper's or deal underscoredthe importance of the movement's
mission and provided historicalcontext for their activism.
Cooper, herself supported,Anonymous' efforts.
In interviews and publicstatements, she prays
the group's courage anddedication to exposing the
truth about Scientology.
She expressed gratitude fortheir efforts and bringing
(37:07):
renewed attention to thechurch's injustices, which
had continued relativelyunchecked for decades.
Her endorsement lentcredibility to movement and
inspired a new generationof activists to stand up
against Scientology's tactics.
Anonymous employed variousstrategies from peaceful
demonstrations, outsideScientology centers to
(37:27):
their online campaigns, thatdisseminated information
about the church's practices.
The group effectively drewpublic and media attention
leading to increased scrutinyof Scientology's activities.
The protests also highlightedthe ongoing struggles
of individuals likePaulette Cooper, who faced
persecution for speaking out.
(37:48):
Paulette Cooper'sinvolvement with anonymous,
highlighted the enduringimpact of her investigative
work and her unwaveringcommitment to justice.
Her story intertwined withthe efforts of anonymous,
it helped maintain aspotlight on Scientology's
controversial practices andsupported a broader call for
accountability and reform.
This account, of Paula Cooperin the anonymous movement
(38:10):
underscores her significantrole in galvanizing support
and awareness reinforcingthe importance of standing
up against injusticesregardless of personal cost.
Abraham (38:21):
As we reflect on the harrowing journey
of Paulette Cooper.
It's clear that her storyis not just about the battle
with a powerful organization.
But also about the resilienceof the human spirit.
Cooper's unwavering dedicationto expose the truth despite
the overwhelming odds andrelentless persecution against
her serves as a powerfulreminder of the importance
(38:43):
of fearless journalism.
Paulette's legacy continuesto inspire journalists,
activists, and formerScientologists who dare to
speak out against injustices.
Her courage and determinationhave left an indelible mark in
the history of investigativejournalism and have contributed
significantly to the ongoingscrutiny of the church of
Scientology and its practices.
(39:05):
In today's world where thefreedom of the press and
the pursuit of truth aremore critical than ever,
Paulette Cooper story standsas a testament to the impact
one individual can have.
Her fight for justice has notonly brought to light the dark
side of Scientology, but hasalso paved the way for others
to continue the quest fortransparency and accountability.
(39:28):
By understanding her journey.
You, our listeners are equippedwith a deeper understanding
of the church of Scientologyand its practices, empowering
you to make informed decisionsand support transparency.
This episode has given youa deeper understanding of
Paulette Cooper's extraordinarycourage and lengths she
went to, to expose the truth.
(39:50):
As always, we encourage ourlisteners to remain vigilant
question the status quo andsupport those who bravely
seek to uncover hidden truth.
Your role in this as informedand engaged listeners is crucial
in fostering a society thatvalues truth and transparency.
Thank you for joiningus on this journey.
Your participationand engagements are
(40:12):
invaluable to us.
If you have any questionsabout this episode or
ideas about future episode.
We'd love to hear from you.
Sandi McKenna (40:19):
Coming up in episode five of Sins of
Scientology, a story of power,loyalty, and tragic loss.
Heber Jentsch the charismaticpresident of the church of
Scientology internationalstood as a towering figure
within one of the world's mostcontroversial organizations,
but behind the public facade,lay a personal life, filled
(40:40):
with secrets and strife.
Enter Alexander JentschHebrew son born into the
enigmatic world of Scientology.
Raised under the strictdoctrines of the church
Alexander's life seemed predestined for greatness yet,
as he grew older, shadows ofdoubt and whispers of rebellion
began to cloud his path.
In this episode, we delve intothe complex relationship between
(41:02):
a father devoted to his faithand a son yearning for freedom.
We'll uncover the internalbattles, the moments of
defiance and the tragic endthat would shock the world.
What drove Alexanderto the breaking point?
How did the church ofScientology respond
to his cries for help?
And what remains of HeberJentzsch, the man who once
(41:22):
held the reigns of an empire.
Join us as we unraveledthe mystery, peeling back
the layers of deception andheartbreak in a tale that is
as haunting as it is true.
I'm Sandy McKenna and alongwith Abraham Aurich we thank
you for tuning into thisepisode of Sins Of Scientology.
Until next time, keepquestioning, keep seeking
(41:43):
and make your journey beas rich and enlightening as
the stories you encounter.
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