Alex Gibney’s searing exposé over the Church of Scientology debuted on HBO Mar. 29 to rave reviews for its comprehensive look at science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard’s notorious tax-exempt organization.
While Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief does not present a lot of new evidence against the cult/religion, one new claim Gibney’s film does make is there are now fewer than 50,000 practicing members. As the film draws to its conclusion, many former Scientology heavyweights reveal how they were able to walk away.
As members exit the church en masse, its most-dedicated and high profile followers continue to legitimize David Miscavige’s notorious religion, which was originally founded by Hubbard in 1954.
Going Clear takes an in-depth look at the group’s alleged behind-the-scenes practices, and the lives of high profile members John Travolta and Tom Cruise. However, the two megastars are not the only major entertainment figures with ties to the church.
Business Insider recently compiled a list of both current and former church members, and it contains some familiar names and faces.
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