STORY SUMMARY

The departure of U.S. actress Leah Remini from the Church of Scientology this week raised new questions about the relationship top leaders assume with their high-profile Hollywood members and their ability to retain them.

It was not possible to independently confirm Miscavige’s role in Remini’s departure.

Remini’s departure suggests that celebrities are feeling uncomfortable in the church, especially if leadership is putting them through what Scientology calls security checks, an intense confessional, Reitman said.

Former Scientologist Nancy Many, who was involved with the church’s celebrity circle for more than two decades and left Scientology in 1996, is a fierce critic and believes Miscavige’s power with celebrities is waning.

The New York Post linked Remini’s falling out with the church to the 2006 wedding of Cruise and Katie Holmes, when Remini reportedly asked about Miscavige’s wife, who was not present.

Read more: http://dailystar.com.lb/Entertainment/Celebrities/2013/Jul-13/223548-latest-celebrity-defection-casts-light-on-scientology-leadership.ashx#ixzz2YuU1ooYD
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)