Scientology Loses Fraud Case, A-list Member
With a fraud conviction, an Oscar winner's angry departure and rumors of another A-list defection, the Church of Scientology is under fire. Here's a primer on the controversial religion and its recent round of negative press.
A Paris court has convicted the church's French wing of fraud, after two ex-members alleged pressure to buy treatments and vitamins. The fine?
Director departs: Citing its anti-gay-marriage stance, "Crash" filmmaker Paul Haggis recently quit Scientology after 35 years. Read his resignation letter.
Who's next? Though John Travolta has dismissed rumors that he will leave Scientology, an Irish bookmaker gives 9-4 odds the actor will split.
Quick history: Writer L. Ron Hubbard founded Scientology in the 1950s on the core belief that people are "immortal, spiritual beings" capable of rehabilitation through "auditing." Learn more.
Conduct reports: Florida's St. Petersburg Times reported a culture of abuse among Scientology executives. The church denies the claim.
Unfair interrogation? "Nightline" host Martin Bashir recently asked Scientology's Tommy Davis about church beliefs. Davis ended the interview. Find video.
Courting stars: The church counts many celebrities among its faithful, including a:
* "My Name Is Earl" star
* Fox News anchor
* "Simpsons" voice actor
* "Loser" musician
* "Cheers" alumna
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"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle
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