Scientology tells Jezebel to remove story about leader's disappeared wife

David Miscavige leads the Church of Scientology, the cultlike sci-fi religion notorious for its hostility to members, apostates and critics alike. His wife, Shelly, hasn't been seen in public in many years, and few trust the LAPD's proforma assurances that she is safe, let alone those of the church. Jezebel posted a long story about her alleged captivity, and Scientology is asking them to remove the post.

The [church's lawyers'] letter makes some specific claims about both Shelly and Remini, which are as follows:

1. Mrs. Miscavige is not "missing." Remini previously filed a "missing person" report about Mrs. Miscavige with the Los Angeles Police Department ("LAPD"). LAPD investigated. It then immediately concluded that Remini's report was "unfounded," which means the report was false and meritless. Mrs. Miscavige has no interest in appearing in public merely because Remini - who is no friend to Mrs. Miscavige, her husband or her religion (see below) - wants to use that as some cheap publicity stunt to get ratings.

The LAPD hasn't said that Remini's report was "false" or charged her with filing a false report, which would be a misdemeanor under California law, but they did, as far as we know, close the investigation in 2015.

Seems like it would be easy to clear all this up with an interview.

Photo: Scientology Newsroom