Scientology and Me: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:43, 18 July 2007

Latest revision as of 00:08, 20 November 2024

(182 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)

Line 1:

{{pp-semi-indef}}

{{Infobox British television|

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}

| show_name = Panorama

{{Infobox British television|

| image = [[Image:BBC Panorama.png|250px]]<br />[[Image:Scientology And Me BBC Panorama.png|250px]]

| captionimage = The opening title to "''Panorama: = Scientology andAnd Me''" BBC Panorama.png

| image_size = 250

| format = [[current affairs (news format)|Current affairs]], [[documentary film|documentary]]

| caption = Opening title

| runtime = 30 minutes

| runtime = 30 minutes
| creator = [[Panorama (TV series)|Panorama]]; {{·}}[[John Sweeney (journalist)|John Sweeney]]

| editor = Damian Leask

| country = [[United Kingdom]]

| presenter = [[Jeremy Vine]]

| presenter = {{nowrap|[[Jeremy Vine]]{{·}}[[John Sweeney (journalist)|John Sweeney]]}}

| channel = [[BBC One]]

| first_airedchannel = [[14 May]], = [[2007BBC One]]

| released = {{Start date|2007|05|14|df=y}}

| last_aired = N/A (Special)

| website = [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/default.stm Panorama BBC website]

}}

'''''Scientology and Me''''' is thea nametelevision ofdocumentary afirst controversialbroadcast on 14 May 2007 as part of the [[televisionBritish Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]'s ''[[DocumentaryPanorama film(TV series)|documentaryPanorama]]'' conductedseries. byIn it, reporter [[John Sweeney (journalist)|John Sweeney]], whichvisited airedthe onUnited theStates [[Britishto Broadcastinginvestigate Corporation|BBC]]whether programme,the [[PanoramaChurch (TVof series)|PanoramaScientology]] onwas [[14becoming May]],more [[2007]]mainstream. The programprogramme gained particular controversy before and during filming due to unresolved differences on content and approach between Sweeney's production team and [[Scientology]] members. [[Tommy Davis (Scientology)|Tommy Davis]], whothe international spokesperson for Scientology, did not want the BBC to interview any detractors or perceived enemies of the church, whoor wereinclude includedthem in the aireddocumentary, versionand attempted to becensor interviewedany inreferences theto documentaryScientology as a "[[cult]]."<ref>{{cite news |title=Scientology and Me: transcript |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/6647285.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |date=2007-05-11 |access-date=2012-05-05}} – Timestamp 7:15–730. John Sweeney: "We were shown videos and tried to reach an agreement on access. He didn't want us to interview attackers, or anonymous critics, or use the word 'cult' we couldn't reach agreement."</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Scientology and Me: transcript |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/6647285.stm |publisherwork=[[BBC News]] |date=[[2007-05-11]] |accessdate access-date= 2007-05-28}} --– "TOMMY DAVIS: ''[Church of Scientology] find it considerably obnoxious what you've done. The time that I took, came over there, spent two days with you straight, offered time and coordination and you come here and what do you spend your time with? Offer for you to see the facilities.''"</ref>

The scale of the controversy intensified when the Church of Scientology released a 40-second clip of video footage showing a screaming argument between John Sweeney and Church spokesman [[Thomas W. Davis|Tommy Davis]] over the way in which Sweeney was interviewing critics of Scientology.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scientology and Me: transcript |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/6647285.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |date=2007-05-11 |access-date=2012-05-05}} – John Sweeney: "Then Tommy Davis launches into me yet again for the uncritical way he believes I interviewed Shawn Lonsdale back in Clearwater and I lose it big time."</ref><ref name=Houston>{{cite news |title=Church of Scientology cameras capture BBC reporter's rant |newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] |date=15 May 2007 }}</ref> In the clip, Sweeney yells: "You were not there at the beginning of that interview! You were not there! You did not hear or record all the interview! You are quoting the second half of the interview, not the ''first'' half! You cannot assert what you're saying!" at Davis in reference to an interview Sweeney recorded with Scientology critic [[Shawn Lonsdale]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3184003&page=1 |title=Scientology fights back against BBC |publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=2007-05-17 |access-date=2008-01-21}}</ref> Despite the Church of Scientology's lobbying British [[Members of Parliament|MP]]s to have the documentary scrapped, its first airing went ahead on 14 May. With a peak of 4.9 million viewers in the UK, the episode garnered the highest ratings for ''Panorama'' since September the previous year.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/may/15/overnights.uknews (TV ratings) The Guardian]</ref>

Scientologists also later complained of [[bigotry]] towards the church due to perceived derogatory comments of Sweeney in his interviews with Scientology members. [[John Travolta]] lobbied [[Member of Parliament|MP]]'s to stop the documentary from being aired due to Sweeney's outburst towards fellow Scientologist, [[Tom Davis (Scientologist)|Tommy Davis]].<ref name="travolta_lobbying">{{cite news|http://www.news.cinematical.com/2007/05/14/john-travolta-lobbying-bbc-to-kill-documentary-on-scientology/|title=John Travolta lobbying BBC to kill documentary on Scientology|publisher=[[Cinematical]]|date=[[2007-05-14]]|accessdate = 2007-05-28}} -- John Travolta sending 100,000 copies of Sweeney shouting at Tommy Davis to MP's.</ref> Both Sweeney and his producer, [[Sandy Smith]] have apologised for his behaviour, with Sweeney apologising after the incident<ref name="defending_sweeney">{{cite news|http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6653293.stm|title=Editor defends Scientology report|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=[[2007-05-14]]|accessdate = 2007-05-28}}</ref><ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" -- "''I apologise there and I apologise now. It was wrong and I'd let my team down. I lost my voice but not my mind.''"</ref> which he cites as a by-product of Scientology's "''[[Psychiatry: An Industry of Death]]''" "hijacking of the [[Holocaust]]" and attempts to control his mind.<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" -- "''I find Scientology's hijacking of the holocaust sickening. After 90 minutes I feel as though they're taking control of my mind and I can't bear another second of it.''"</ref><ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- "''I reacted under pressure, to your attempt, to brainwash me.''" [Filmed segment] (1:04-1:08) </ref>

==Content==

== The documentary itself ==

The documentary was intended as an investigation of the claims of both critics of the [[Church of Scientology]] and the Church itself to see if the Church "still deserved its sinister reputation."<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" – "''SWEENEY: My mission ? to find out whether the Church of Scientology still deserves its sinister reputation. It's not formally recognised as a religion in the UK by the Charity Commission, but Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and John Travolta believe that must change. Scientology's critics say followers have been duped and the moment you start investigating the church you're in trouble. My mission is not impossible but it won't be easy.''"</ref> In the introduction, Sweeney outlines his investigation into the reputation of the Church of Scientology, its affiliated celebrities and its current activities. He begins with an edited version of a statement issued during the 1994 Los Angeles [[Superior Court]] case ''Church of Scientology of California vs Gerald Armstrong'', in which Judge [[John Breckenridge (judge)|John Breckenridge]] describes the Church of Scientology as "[s]chizophrenic, bizarre, ... paranoid[;] ... an organization that harasses its enemies ... and abuses the trust of its members."<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" – "NAR: "Schizophrenic, bizarre, ... paranoid, ... an organisation that harasses its enemies ... and abuses the trust of its members"</ref><ref>Breckenridge, J. Jr. (1994), "Brechenridge Decision – (No. C 420153)" John Breckenridge Jr. Copyright</ref> Sweeney notes that the case has been derided by the Church of Scientology as it believes it was based upon discredited evidence.<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" – "SWEENEY: An American judge in '84 said Scientology mirrored Hubbard's schizophrenic and paranoid personality. The church rejects this and all negative judgements and criticism is based on discredited evidence."</ref>

=== Pre-production ===

The Church of Scientology claims that in pre-production, Sweeney and other BBC employees were invited to speak with Scientology officials as to the content of the documentary after an email was received on [[1 March]], [[2007]] from Sweeney, requesting a meeting with Scientology officials, two of whom flew back to London to meet with Sweeney on [[11 March|11]] and [[12 March]], [[2007]] .<ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- "''Willing to grant full access to all of their churches and activities, two senior Scientology executives fly from church headquarters in Los Angeles, to London to meet with Panorama reporter John Sweeney and his producer, Sarah Mole to talk about their plans''" [Filmed segment] (2:01-2:14)</ref> According to the Church's film, the officials met with Sweeney in [[Saint Hill Manor]] to "offer help in the development" of the documentary by granting them access to [[narconon]] and other Scientology fronts located in [[Clearwater]] and [[Los Angeles]],<ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- Tommy Davis: "''I can take you to narconon arrowhead, i can take you to clearwater, i can take you to churches in Los Angeles.''" [Filmed Segment] (2:31-2:39)</ref> where Sweeney was filmed on [[CCTV]], with the exception of the meeting room and building, which was recorded.<ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- The video shows several CCTV recordings of Sweeney moving into the Scientology compound, as well as obvious illustration of the meeting's recording proved by the recording of Tommy Davis' voice at the meeting.</ref> According to the Church of Scientology, Church Officials also offered to meet with Sweeney the next day in [[Fitzroy Street]], [[London]] in order to be able to "evaluate" the BBC and Sweeney and inform them of "humanitarian" efforts by the church in the 9/11 and it's distribution of "''[[The Way to Happiness]]''" to countries throughout the world, and gave invitations to Sweeney to tour various Scientology activities,<ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- "''Knowing the best way to evaluate any group is through it's activities; church executives insist that Sweeney and Mole join them again in London, the next day, for a more extensive briefing on it's churches, and social betterment programmes.''" [Filmed Segment] (2:39-2:54)</ref> with Sweeney promising to send an e-mail to church executives of his proposed plan, which the church of Scientology said "did not arrive".<ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- "''Armed with books, brochures and DVD's, Sweeney and Mole promise to send an email; detailing what they would like to cover. No such email arrives''" [Filmed Segment] (4:10-4:17)</ref>

In describing the affiliated celebrity members of Scientology, the documentary refers to them as an "all-star cast list." [[John Travolta]] is seen crediting the longevity of his career and demise of other people's careers as due to the influence or lack of influence of [[Dianetics]].<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" --"SWEENEY: It's the church with an all star cast list."</ref><ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" --"JOHN TRAVOLTA: There's no doubt about it that the people that didn't make it in Hollywood ? and I mean survive ? if they'd had Scientology or Dianetics they would have been here today, whether it was Elvis or Marilyn or..."</ref> The documentary moves onto an interview in which Sweeney talks with a mother, known as "Sharon,"<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''"</ref> who had been "[[Disconnection (Scientology)|disconnected]]" from her daughter after her daughter had taken a weekend away with other Scientologists and had read several books which she claimed had changed her life. Sweeney then explains the concept of a "disconnection" within the context of Scientology doctrine. "To the church, Sharon was a negative influence. Her daughter wrote to her cutting all ties. It's what Scientology call a 'disconnect.' They say they bring families together and a disconnect is a rare last resort and a human right."

In terms of the meeting which took place with Scientology executives, Sweeney detailed a disagreement between Tommy Davis and himself. When they met in [[East Grinstead]] over access, with Tommy Davis aiming to control the course of the documentary, by insisting that Sweeney did not follow critics of the Church of Scientology, and that the term "cult" not be used.<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" -- "''I was invited to East Grinstead to meet senior scientologist Tommy Davies. We were shown videos and tried to reach an agreement on access. He didn't want us to interview attackers or anonymous critics or use the word ["cult"]. We couldn't reach agreement. But.... we'd meet again. We knew we'd be in for a bumpy ride.''"</ref> Before flying to [[Clearwater]], [[Florida]], Sweeney spoke with the author and writer of "''[[Bare-faced Messiah]]''", [[Russell Miller]], who consulted Sweeney as to the activities and history of the church, detailing his opinion of L Ron Hubbard as a "congenital liar", a "brilliant confidence trickster"<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" -- "MILLER: The whole religion is based on the word of a congenital liar and a brilliant confidence trickster."</ref> and of Scientology as "all lies",<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" -- "Russell Miller Author, [of] "Bare Faced Messiah": ''It is all lies. None of it is true. None of that is true.''"</ref> and said that Sweeney would be followed and his past would be "dug up" against him.<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" -- "MILLER: ''First of all you're going to be followed. Unquestionably they'll follow you everywhere you go. They'll dig into your background, they'll try and dig up some dirt about you, they'll try and find out if there are any scandals in your background and they'll certainly make them public, and they will keep the closest possible tabs on what you're doing.''"</ref>

=== Production =Reactions==

[[Image:CoS-PanoramaExposed-SweeneyOnCCTV.png|thumb|250px|

While filming the documentary Tommy Davis showed up on numerous occasions including the hotel lobby at midnight where he had been waiting for the crew. John Sweeney described this as "spying". Other occurrences include apparently being followed by a car which he suspected to be from the church. On one occasion Sweeney gets out of his car to question a car driver and see if he belongs to the church. The car subsequently drove off. Throughout the documentary John Sweeney found it particularly hard to get away from Tommy Davis. He reverts to going to the toilet along with his crew, before Davis is there questioning there actions.

Footage from the Church of Scientology's documentary "''Panorama Exposed''", showing John Sweeney present at the reception to the event.]]

On [[16 March]], [[2007]], Sweeney was filmed on CCTV camera in the [[Performing Arts Center]], when he arrived unannounced, demanding access to speak with [[David Miscavige]] and other church executives, whilst he was already speaking to Scientologists present at the celebration of L Ron Hubbard's birthday, despite statements by the Church of Scientology who say that Sweeney was implicitly told that no other "random camera crews" would be allowed to film at.<ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- "''Sweeney had been advised that this was an internationally broadcast event, that could not be filmed by a random camera crew. With the celebration already under way, Sweeney appears unannounced, with a request he knows cannot be accommodated; he demands entry to speak with the leader of the religion, who is at that moment inside ... speaking to an audience''" [Filmed Segment] (4:30-5:02)</ref> An un-named Church member<ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- Detailed only as "Events Manager" (5:13)</ref> interviewed at the event said that Sweeney started asking "ridiculously offensive questions" of him, with other un-named member<ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- Detailed only as "Community Relations Manager" (5:07)</ref> saying he was "very insistent to speak to church leaders" despite footage only showing one person present at the reception he inquires at.<ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- Overhead view only shows one person and one computer terminal behind the desk which Sweeney inquires at, and suggests Sweeney is leaving as he turns his body towards the door after his request is denied. (5:03 - 5:06)</ref><ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- Similarly, only one person is seen later on, as they move from outside the reception desk to speak with Sweeney and return back.(5:38-5:43)</ref> This was said by the Church of Scientology as being the first of Sweeney's "tabloid stunts", and that he had used the incident as an attempt to accuse the church of lack of co-operation.<ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- "''Knowing full well he would be turned away in advance, John Sweeney had just staged the first of his tabloid stunts. Recognizing that Sweeney would use this created incident to claim a lack of co-operation.''"</ref>

<!-- Note: If there is other footage suggesting two members, I apologize and you can remove it so long as there's a referenced replacement. Just going off the video they released, and being impartial. -->

===Outburst controversy===

The next day, on [[17 March]], [[2007]], Sweeney met with ex-Scientologists Mike Henderson and Donna Shannon, who said that they had invested millions of dollars into the church over a period of 40 years, but leaving after they felt that "Scientology's road to enlightenment" had led them nowhere. They also said that that they would have never taken part in the interviews previously as they were devoted members of their religion, but said they were aware of the "unmerciful" harassment of critics of Scientology<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''"'' -- "MIKE: ... you're insane. I would never do that. At the time I was a loyal scientologist but also I was aware that critics and enemies of Scientology are harassed unmercifully.''"</ref> and feared for their future, with Sweeney suggesting the "[[Fair Game (Scientology)|Fair Game]]" policy suggested by L. Ron Hubbard previously.<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" -- "Mike Henderson and Donna Shannon say they spent a million dollars in church fees and donations over 40 years. They joined the staff but left because they felt Scientology's road to enlightenment was going nowhere. Now regarded as heretics they fear for their future. Enemies of the church, wrote L.Ron, could be injured, tricked, sued, lied to or destroyed. He called this "fair game."</ref> The Church of Scientology said that both those interviewed had attempted to extort money from the church, and referenced a [[1987]] documentary by Panorama and saying Sweeney had his own agenda as to interview those who would malign the church through unsubstantiated claims.<ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology -- "''Later that day, he and his crew appear across the street from a church facility to film an interview with two former Scientologists, who had attempted to extort money from the church. This is not the first time a Panorama reporter had sought out ex-members for interviews maligning the church ... the unsubstantiated allegations of a handful of detractors who had filed a lawsuit for a Billion dollars against the church ... which was later dropped ... and the lawsuit thrown out of court.''" [Filmed Segment] (05:59-06:38)</ref>

On 10 May 2007, four days before the documentary's first networked airing, video footage filmed by the Church of Scientology was released on [[YouTube]]<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okKYSSRQodQ John Sweeney – BBC Panorama Reporter at work (Scientologist Video of events)] – YouTube clip</ref> and [[DVD]] showing Sweeney's outburst towards Scientology representative Tommy Davis. The Church of Scientology also presented the BBC with a set of 154 breaches of BBC guidelines which they claimed Sweeney and his team broke, though Sandy Smith, the programme's producer, responded that "[t]he head of current affairs, [[George Entwistle]], has viewed all footage complained of and, with the exception of the point when Sweeney shouts, he found nothing that stood outside BBC guidelines."<ref>[http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2078503,00.html (The BBC man, The Scientologist) ''The Guardian'' 13 May 2007]</ref> The BBC responded to the clip by releasing on its website the video Sweeney shot to give some context to the argument before the documentary was aired. Since a description of Sweeney losing his temper was included in TV guide listings for the documentary, the BBC already knew about Sweeney's outburst before the YouTube clip was uploaded.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/Story?id=3173536&page=3 |title=Travolta accuses BBC reporter of bigotry and animosity |publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=2007-05-14}}</ref>

Scientologists also later complained of [[bigotry]] towards the churchChurch duein tocomments perceivedmade derogatory comments ofby Sweeney in hisduring interviews with Scientology members. [[Sweeney's outburst toward Tommy Davis prompted John Travolta]] lobbiedto [[Memberlobby ofBritish Parliament|MP]]'sMPs in an attempt to stop the documentary from being aired due to Sweeney's outburst towards fellow Scientologist, [[Tom Davis (Scientologist)|Tommy Davis]].<ref name="travolta_lobbying">{{cite news |url=http://www.news.cinematical.com/2007/05/14/john-travolta-lobbying-bbc-to-kill-documentary-on-scientology/ |title=John Travolta lobbying BBC to kill documentary on Scientology |publisher=[[Cinematical]] |date=[[2007-05-14]] |accessdateaccess-date = 2007-05-28}} --– John Travolta sending 100,000 copies of Sweeney shouting at Tommy Davis to MP'sMPs.</ref> Both Sweeney and his producer, [[Sandy Smith]] have apologised for his behaviour, with (Sweeney's) apologising after the incidentbehaviour.<ref name="defending_sweeney">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6653293.stm |title=Editor defends Scientology report |publisherwork=[[BBC News]]|date=[[2007-05-14]]|accessdateaccess-date = 2007-05-28}}</ref><ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" --– "''I apologise there and I apologise now. It was wrong and I'd let my team down. I lost my voice but not my mind.''"</ref> whichSweeney hestated citesthat asit was a by-product of Scientology'sthe "hijacking of the [[Holocaust]]" by the Scientology exhibition ''[[Psychiatry: An Industry of Death]]''"{{spaced "hijackingndash}}which ofwas where the [[Holocaust]]"outburst andoccurred{{spaced ndash}}as well as attempts to control his mind.<ref>BBC, et al. (2007). "''Scientology and Me: transcript''" --– "''I find Scientology's hijacking of the holocaust sickening. After 90 minutes I feel as though they're taking control of my mind and I can't bear another second of it.''"</ref><ref>Church of Scientology (Producer) (2007) "''BBC Panorama: Exposed''" [Video] United Kingdom: Church of Scientology --– "''I reacted under pressure, to your attempt, to brainwash me.''" [Filmed segment] (1:04-104–1:08)</ref> Sweeney said of the incident: "I apologised almost immediately, Tommy carried on as if nothing had happened but meanwhile Scientology had rushed off copies of me losing it to my boss, my boss's boss and my boss's boss's boss, the Director-General of the BBC."<ref name=videorow>{{cite web |first=John |last=Sweeney |title=Row over Scientology video |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6650545.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |date=2007-05-14 |access-date=2008-01-21}}</ref> Later, he added: "I look like an exploding tomato and shout like a jet engine and every time I see it, it makes me cringe." At the time the Church of Scientology posted its own material regarding the matter on the Internet, one of its spokesmen denied Sweeney's statement regarding a quick apology.<ref name=Houston/>

== References ==

{{reflist|2}}

===Anti-documentary activity by Scientology===

== External links ==

Sweeney said of [[Fair game (Scientology)|fair gaming]]: "While making our BBC Panorama film ''Scientology and Me'' I have been shouted at, spied on, had my hotel invaded at midnight, denounced as a 'bigot' by star Scientologists and been chased round the streets of Los Angeles by sinister strangers." Sweeney also claimed that his family and neighbours had been harassed by unidentified strangers back in the UK, including an intruder at his wedding who fled when confronted.<ref name=videorow />

* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/6651231.stm BBC News - Panorama page describing the documentary]

* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-126281853779690652 Scientology and Me] on [[Google Video]]

Former high-ranking Scientologist and spokesperson [[Mike Rinder]] claimed [[David Miscavige]] was unhappy with the church's handling of the documentary, and punished Rinder by exiling him to the United Kingdom to dig ditches.<ref name="Leaving">{{cite web |first=Thomas C. Tobin|last=Joe Childs |title=Leaving the Church of Scientology: a huge step|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/article1012520.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625114003/http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/article1012520.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 June 2009 |work=[[St. Petersburg Times]] |date=23 June 2009 |access-date=2009-07-13}}</ref> As a result, he left the church in 2007.<ref name="Leaving" /> In 2009, he has subsequently spoken out against the church, and now said he lied to Sweeney during the interviewing to defend the church.{{r|truthrundown}}<ref>{{cite web |first=Thomas C. Tobin|last=Joe Childs |title =Scientology: Ecclesiastical justice |url =http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/article1012575.ece |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090625113841/http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/article1012575.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 June 2009 |work=[[St. Petersburg Times]] |date=23 June 2009 |access-date=2009-07-13}}</ref>

* [http://www.bbcpanorama-exposed.org/ Church of Scientology's "BBC Panorama Exposed" website]

[[Category:2007 in television]]

The Church also created a documentary regarding the BBC's activities called 'Panorama Exposed', showcasing many of the Panorama team's alleged violations of BBC and government broadcast codes.

[[Category:Scientology controversy]]

On 28 September 2010, Rinder and Amy Scobee were featured on ''[[The Secrets of Scientology]]'', a follow-up to the 2007 broadcast.<ref name="BBCSecrets">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/front_page/newsid_9032000/9032278.stm |title=John Sweeney revisits the Church of Scientology |publisher=[[BBC]]'s [[Panorama (TV series)|Panorama]] series |date=September 2010 |access-date=2010-09-25}}</ref> Rinder revealed that Sweeney was correct: Scientology was following Sweeney's activities for the 2007 report.<ref name="BBCSecrets" />

==See also==

*''[[The Secrets of Scientology]]''

*[[Shawn Lonsdale]]

*[[Scientology in the United Kingdom]]

== References ==

{{Reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="truthrundown">{{multiref

|1=The Truth Rundown, a three-part series by Thomas C. Tobin and Joe Childs, [[St Petersburg Times]]

|2=

{{cite web |url=https://www.tampabay.com/special-reports/2019/10/17/scientology-the-truth-rundown/ |title=Part 1 — Scientology: The Truth Rundown |date=June 21, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209040134/http://www.tampabay.com/news/article1012148.ece |archive-date=9 February 2013}}

|3=

{{cite web |url=https://www.tampabay.com/special-reports/2019/10/17/the-truth-rundown-part-2-of-3-death-in-slow-motion/ |title=The Truth Rundown, Part 2 — Death in slow motion |date=June 22, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024004252/https://www.tampabay.com/special-reports/2019/10/17/the-truth-rundown-part-2-of-3-death-in-slow-motion/ |archive-date=October 24, 2019}}

|4=

{{cite web |url=https://www.tampabay.com/special-reports/2019/10/17/the-truth-rundown-part-3-of-3-ecclesiastical-justice/ |title=The Truth Rundown, Part 3 — Ecclesiastical justice |date=June 23, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809103436/http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/article1012575.ece |archive-date=August 9, 2009}}

}}</ref>

}}

== External links ==

| website =* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/default6651231.stm BBC News – Panorama BBCpage describing the websitedocumentary]

* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/nol/newsid_6650000/newsid_6658000?redirect=6658089.stm&news=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&bbram=1&bbwm=1 BBC News – Watch the Panorama episode online]

*{{cite news| last =Sweeney, John| author-link =John Sweeney (journalist)|author2=Presented by Kate Adie

| title =FOOC: Justin Webb on US Democrat primaries 1 March 08| work =From Our Own Correspondent| publisher =[[BBC Radio 4]], John Sweeney reports on the death in Florida of a noted opponent of Scientology: 17 minutes, 30 seconds into Podcast| date =1 March 2008| url =https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/fooc/?focuswin| access-date =2008-03-01}}

{{Portalbar|United Kingdom|Television}}

{{Scientology}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Scientology And Me}}

[[Category:2007 in television specials]]

[[Category:Scientology-related controversycontroversies]]

[[Category:BBC television documentaries]]

[[Category:Works critical of Scientology]]

[[Category:Panorama (British TV programme)]]