Who is Leah Remini, what is Scientology and the Aftermath about and what has John Travolta said about the documentary?
Movie legend Travolta, who has been a practitioner of Scientology since 1975, said he was not concerned with his former pals's abuse claims
JOHN Travolta has dismissed Leah Remini's new Scientology documentary.
The 62-year-old actor defended the controversial religious movement and said he is "not interested" in watching the series.
Movie legend Travolta, who has been a practitioner of Scientology since 1975, said he was not concerned with his former pals's claims of abuse.
The Church of Scientology strongly denies the allegations.
Who is Leah Remini?
Leah is a 46-year-old American actress best known for her roles in The Kings of Queens.
She became a member of the Church of Scientology when she was introduced by her mum at the age of eight.
Leah left the religion in her 40s and released a book titled Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology.
It describes her experience within the religious group.
What is Scientology?
Scientology is based on the teachings of American science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard.
According to their official literature: “Scientology is a religion that offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one’s true spiritual nature and one’s relationship to self, family, groups, Mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being.”
Scientologists basically believe in a form of reincarnation.
The fundamental principles of the religion are that: “Man is an immortal spiritual being”, “his experience extends well beyond a single lifetime” and “his capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realised”.
What is the Scientology and the Aftermath documentary about?
It is an eight-part documentary which explores allegations of abuse, lies and sexual misconduct within the church.
These claims are fiercely denied by the Church of Scientology.
A spokesman said: "Leah Remini's 'reality' show, like her last one, is nothing more than a scripted, rehearsed, acted and dramatized work of fiction. She and the other anti-Scientologists in her program have been expelled from the Church for unethical conduct.
"Many of the family members of those Leah Remini interviewed have voiced their outrage that their personal, private family matters are being used as fodder for 'reality' television and have informed the producers of the show what really affected their relationships. It was their choice to no longer associate with these toxic personalities.
"The Church respects the religious beliefs of others and their families' personal choices.
"Leah Remini has disparaged and exploited her former faith through a series of failed publicity stunts, culminating in her 'reality' television show—featuring a cast of admitted liars who have, for a profit, been telling differing versions of the same false tales of abuse for years, many reviewed and discredited in courts of law.
"That A&E would promote their agenda smacks of bigotry.
"As we have stated numerous times, Leah Remini needs to move on with her life and career and stop blaming the Church and others for all of her personal and professional setbacks. Most of all, she needs to quit promoting hatred and religious intolerance as a means to line her pockets."
What has John Travolta said about the documentary?
The Saturday Night Fever star was asked about the series by E!News while on the red carpet at the Critics' Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
Asked whether he has watched the documentary on Scientology, Travolta said: "Nah, not interested."
Mark Malkin, the interviewer, asked "Why not?".
Travolta replied: "Because it has been nothing but helpful to me for 40 years.
"Through all my losses - through my mother, my girlfriend, my son [dying]."
"And they've [Scientology] never left my side,' he added. 'So why would I want to buy into something that is other than what I feel?"
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