French national broadcaster France Telévisions has announced a major investigation into the Church of Scientology’s European affairs is set to be released on 15th February.
The prime-time documentary, which is understood to include interviews with several high profile former members, is scheduled to air on France 5 in two weeks time titled ‘Scientology, the empire of secrecy’ or ‘Scientologie, l’empire du secrecy’ in French.
The press release includes images of the protest outside the International Association of Scientologists (IAS) event in the United Kingdom as well as former high-ranking executive Claire Headley.
Here is the press release in it’s entirety, translated into English:
Behind Hollywood stars and gleaming facades, Scientology remains one of the most opaque organizations in the world. Having just opened a new headquarters on the outskirts of Paris, this documentary explores behind the scenes: not how the movement recruits, but what happens once it crosses the threshold.
By giving voice to former followers (simple members as well as high dignitaries), the film lifts the veil on what they denounce as internal mechanisms of the organization: accusations of mental control, the omnipresent relationship with money, family disconnection practices and allegations of harassment against dissidents.
This documentary delves into an organization which, despite its financial power, today sees its secrets cracking in the face of the determination of former members determined to break the silence.
France Telévisions press release, 27th January 2026
France 5 is one of the biggest French-speaking documentary channels. ‘Scientology, The Empire of Secrecy’ is set to air on both the network and it’s streaming service at 9.05pm European time on Sunday 15th February.
