The father of Scientology leader David Miscavige has written a book after his exit from the Church, and will sit down with ABC’s Dan Harris for a “20/20” interview on Friday.
Ron Miscavige penned the book, “Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me,” a memoir about his time in the Church. Scientology is hitting back hard, calling his claims “outright lies,” but former Scientology member Leah Remini stepped in to defend Miscavige.
“He has a right to tell his story,” the actress told ABC in a sneak peek for the special. “I tracked him down, I called him, I offered my support because I know he must have felt alone. I just wanted him to know that we were willing to take him in.”
Remini, who has not been shy about her criticism of the new-age religion since leaving the Church in 2013, added, “There is no place for them to go unless they have family, which is very rare outside the Church. I immediately said he should write a book because his story is important.”
Miscavige will sit down with Harris on Friday night at 10 p.m. to talk about his son’s journey throughout the Church of Scientology, which started when the family joined in 1970. Miscavige was part of the Church for more than 40 years, 27 of which were spent working for its Sea Organization.
“He wasn’t always that way,” Ron Miscavige said of David. “When he was kid, he was a lovable kid.”
Miscavige announced plans to write the book last July, and the younger Miscavige is threatening a defamation lawsuit against his own father should the book be published, according to Mediaite.
“My plans for the book haven’t changed at all,” said the father.
17 Hollywood Stars Who Dabbled in or Abandoned Scientology (Photos)
Leah Remini left in 2013, citing her frustration with not being able to challenge the church's beliefs and before her daughter was of age to begin "the acclimation into the church."
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While married to Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes was reportedly uncomfortable with Scientology's teachings and didn't want their daughter raised in the religion, especially in light of her own Catholic upbringing.
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Nicole Kidman severed ties from the church when she divorced Tom Cruise in 2001.
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In 2009, Paul Haggis left the church after 35 years in protest of their support of California's Prop. 8, which banned gay marriage in the state.
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Lisa Marie Presley left Scientology sometime around 2012 after being raised in the church by her mother, Priscilla Presley.
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In 1997 divorce papers, Tom Berenger cited his soon-to-be-ex-wife Lisa's deep-rooted Scientology beliefs as a reason for the dissolution of their marriage.
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Christopher Reeve said in his autobiography that he became disillusioned with the religion when auditing failed to detect blatant lies he was telling.
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Mimi Rogers is often credited with introducing Tom Cruise to Scientology, but after their marriage ended, so did her relationship with the church -- though he remains the Church's most active famous member.
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A child actor who was introduced to the church by an acting coach, Jason Beghe laughed off Scientology with friend David Duchovny after he left. While he was an active member, their friendship was strained, and Duchovny was labeled a "suppresive person" by the church.
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Jerry Seinfeld never officially joined the church, but has attributed his success partly to some Scientology courses he took in his 20s.
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Brad Pitt took a few courses -- and was a high-level target for the church -- while dating Scientologist Juliette Lewis, but lost interest after the relationship ended.
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Candice Bergen was briefly involved with the church in the 1960s before its financial rise.
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"Transparent" actor Jeffery Tambor took Scientology classes and studied the religion for a short time, but no longer participates with the organization.
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Patrick Swayze tried out Scientology while practicing many world faiths, including Buddhism and transcendental meditation.
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Russell Crowe read L. Ron Hubbard's book"Dianetics" and watched a few videos before deciding the church wasn't for him.
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Sonny Bono flirted with Scientology while married to Cher, who herself never understood its appeal.
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"Top Gun" Producer Don Simpson spent more than $25,000 dollars on Scientology before leaving without the life improvement he was hoping to achieve.
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These notable figures attended the church, but ultimately decided they couldn’t stay
Leah Remini left in 2013, citing her frustration with not being able to challenge the church's beliefs and before her daughter was of age to begin "the acclimation into the church."