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Scientology warns UK TV against airing documentary

Sunday, 19 April 2015 5:17 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 19 April 2015 5:18 PM ]

File photo of the so-called 'Church of Scientology'

Scientology, the controversial organization, seen as a religion to some and a business to others, has warned the UK TV channel, Sky Atlantic against airing an exposé documentary about it.

The TV station had plans to broadcast an HBO Church of Scientology exposé called “Going Clear.”

The documentary accounts the origins of Scientology from the imagination of science fiction writer and Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and its growth into an international organization with billions of dollars in global property holdings.

Scientology is recognized as a religion in countries such as the United States, Spain and Australia, while the German and French governments, along with others, consider it a profit-making enterprise.

The documentary also talks about the “darker practises” in Scientology, by interviewing former members who talk about physical harassment among other abusive practises that the Scientology Headquarters deny.

In the US, ‘Going Clear’ had an audience of over 5.5 million and is on track to become the second most watched documentary on HBO in a decade.

The UK Sky Atlantic channel wanted a repeat of that success, but after reports that the “Church of Scientology” instructed solicitors in the UK to warn Sky it faces legal action if ‘Going Clear’ is broadcast, Sky has now shelved plans to air the exposé.

Sky has called the decision a delay rather than a cancellation, but did not deny it was taken for legal reasons.

From its Los Angeles HQ, Scientology has denounced the film as a “one-sided, bigoted propaganda built on falsehoods” and informed by former members –whom it calls “misfits”.

It said in a statement: “The Church of Scientology will be entitled to seek the protection of both UK and Irish libel laws in the event that any false or defamatory content in this film is broadcast within these jurisdictions.”

Two years ago, UK publishers shelved plans to publish the book that this documentary is based on, after similar “warnings” from the Scientology headquarters.

NM/GHN

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