The former Commanding Officer of the Church of Scientology’s Celebrity Centre International has joined a panel of ex-Scientologists set to speak at a landmark event in East Grinstead this summer.
Karen Schless Pressley served as the Commanding Officer of Scientology’s Celebrity Centre and worked closely with reclusive leader David Miscavige in his inner sanctum. During her time in the ‘Sea Organisation’, she traveled to Scientology locations across the globe and at one point was tasked with overhauling staff hygiene standards to make Saint Hill staff “look good”.
The Celebrity Centre plays a significant role in the recruitment and handling of celebrities in Scientology. Based in Hollywood, Los Angeles it is known internally as ‘CC’. Actors, musicians and opinion leaders are targeted by the Church and are often utilised in their promotional and PR activities. Celebrity Scientologists include Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Elisabeth Moss and Jenna Elfman, with a growing list of former members such as Leah Remini, Paul Haggis, Beck and Jason Beghe.
Of the event, Pressley told us:
I am honored to be a part of Alexander Barnes-Ross’ efforts to expose abuses of Scientology by focusing on the victims of these abuses. I look forward to contributing to this event alongside other former Scientology members who have their own stories to share. There is no better way to learn the consequences of participating in Scientology as a customer or as a staff member, than to listen to the true stories of its victims. Unfortunately, too many victims’ stories have been discarded as “lies from apostates”, and have been suppressed and covered-up until there is a breakthrough and at least one official pays attention and decides to pursue justice.
The world is learning right now about the Epstein files scandal, which is only happening because the victims of Epstein’s sex-trafficking pedophilia ring were brave enough to tell their stories. Now we are finding out what really happened, and high profile perpetrators are finally being held accountable and even removed from prestigious positions after being exposed for their abuses.
Similarly, the Scientology organization has been involved in extreme cover-ups for crimes against victims including rape, sexual and psychological abuse, holding people against their will, human trafficking and child neglect. Exposing these abuses are exactly what motivated Leah Remini and Mike Rinder to produce their Aftermath show featuring victims who were brave enough to go on TV and share their true stories. Their show won Emmy awards for its bravery and authenticity. Another victory occurred when Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson was sent to prison for raping Scientology women, women brave enough and persistent enough to demand justice. But so many other abuses remain covered up, and that’s exactly what needs to be exposed.
I worked directly under the leader, David Miscavige, as a designer on special projects at Scientology bases around the world to upgrade the image of staff. Our purpose was to improve staff image so Scientology would be received better by the public and consequently would be able to make more money. Consequently, I saw how staff were neglected and abused at scientology locations including Saint Hill in East Grinstead, Copenhagen, Clearwater, Florida, Los Angeles, New York, and others. I was sent to fix the problems, but I reached a point where I could no longer remain in Scientology after knowing how the leaders treated their staff, and I left after 16 years.
I have been an activist exposing Scientology abuse ever since I escaped Scientology’s headquarters in California two decades ago. I have 16 years of experiences being subject to, and witnessing first hand, abuse there. In 2017, my book “Escaping Scientology: An Insider’s True Story was released, revealing many details of the abusive environment I lived within.
Alexander Barnes-Ross’s efforts to expose these abuses are invaluable, with the goal of Scientology being held accountable for them, so that victims can receive justice. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to contribute to these efforts.
Karen Schless Pressley, former Commanding Officer – Scientology Celebrity Centre
‘Fame, Fortune & Fear: Scientology’s Soft Power in East Grinstead’ will be hosted by Scientology Business and take place in East Grinstead on 6th June.
Confirmed speakers include Bonnie Woods, Danielle Chamberlin, Amir Essalhi, Zoe Hancock, Stephen Jones, Pete Griffiths and Family Survival Trust Chairman Dr. Alexandra Stein, PhD.
Tickets are available here.
