Leah Remini has damaged her silence on the passing of Mike Rinder, a former Scientology govt turned whistleblower who performed a pivotal function in exposing the interior workings of the controversial group.
Mike Rinder, who earned an Emmy for his brave work alongside Remini, not too long ago handed away after a battle with esophageal most cancers.
Following the information, Leah Remini paid tribute to her shut good friend on Instagram.
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Leah Remini Speaks Out On Mike Rinder’s Passing
Remini and Rinder have been shut collaborators, co-hosting the groundbreaking A&E docuseries “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” and the podcast “Honest Recreation.” Collectively, they dropped at mild numerous tales of alleged abuse, manipulation, and trauma throughout the Church of Scientology.
Following his dying, Remini referred to as Rinder her “trusted companion” and revealed the profound influence he had on her life.
“On Sunday, we misplaced a large, and I misplaced a person who was greater than a good friend—he was household,” she wrote in a heartfelt Instagram put up shared on Tuesday. “It’s not possible to think about the final 13 years of my life with out Mike Rinder. He was my anchor, my trusted companion, and my closest confidant. It’s not possible to think about the final 13 years of my life with out Mike Rinder.”
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Remini Says Mike Helped Her After She Left The Church Of Scientology
Leah Remini was launched to Scientology as a toddler by her mom and went on to spend over 30 years as a faithful member of the church. Throughout her time in Scientology, she grew to become a high-profile advocate, typically publicly defending the group in interviews.
Nonetheless, in 2013, Leah made the choice to depart the Church of Scientology, citing issues about its management, monetary practices, and the therapy of its members. After her resolution, she went to Rinder for recommendation.
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“He was my trusted companion and my closest confidant,” the actress wrote in her Instagram put up. “After I left Scientology, Mike was one of many first individuals I turned to. From that second, he grew to become my lifeline. Collectively, we launched into an unimaginable journey that included ‘The Aftermath’ and our podcast, ‘Honest Recreation.’ However Mike was a lot greater than my companion on this struggle—he was my brother, my father, and my greatest good friend.”
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Leah Remini Says Mike Rinder Saved Her Life
In her heartfelt tribute to Rinder, Remini mentioned “Mike saved my life and the lifetime of my daughter” as “he stood by me by battles that felt insurmountable.”
“I haven’t come to phrases with the truth that I can’t name him and listen to his voice anymore. I’m shattered in methods I by no means thought attainable. I’ve cried endlessly and might’t appear to maneuver from my mattress since coming residence,” she added.
The actress then spoke on Rinder’s post-Scientology life, calling him “a person remodeled” as he “labored tirelessly to proper the wrongs of his previous.”
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“There was not one name Mike didn’t take; there was not one particular person Mike didn’t attempt to assist, regardless of the various heartbreaks he endured from those that wanted him,” Remini added. “Mike additionally grew to become a tremendous husband and an attentive, loving dad to Jack and his stepson Shane. One of many many heartbreaks Mike suffered was the absence of his older children who disconnected from him as a consequence of Scientology’s merciless insurance policies after he courageously escaped its abuse. Mike adored Jack, who’s simply 12.”
Leah Remini Asks The Public To Contribute To Mike’s Son’s School Fund
The “King Of Queens” actress did not cease there. She then requested her followers and followers to “be part of me in contributing to Jack’s faculty fund, making certain Mike’s goals for his son can nonetheless come true.”
“Please maintain Mike’s spouse, Christie, Jack, and Mike’s stepson Shane in your ideas and prayers,” she added. “They’ve misplaced a husband and pop whose love knew no bounds, and I’ve misplaced somebody whose presence in my life was irreplaceable.”
Remini then concluded, “Mikey, I’ll miss you daily, and I simply don’t know tips on how to do it with out you.”
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Remini Bashes The Church Of Scientology
After leaving the Church of Scientology, Leah Remini grew to become one in all its most vocal critics, elevating issues about a number of of the group’s practices. She has been notably outspoken about David Miscavige, the church’s chief, accusing him of abusive conduct and authoritarian management.
Leah additionally condemns the church’s “disconnection” coverage, which allegedly forces members to chop ties with household and buddies who depart or criticize Scientology. Moreover, she has referred to as out the monetary exploitation throughout the group, claiming members are pressured to contribute extreme quantities of cash for programs, audits, and donations. Leah has additionally supported former members who’ve shared allegations of bodily, emotional, and psychological abuse.
Moreover, she criticizes the church for leveraging its standing as a spiritual group to evade authorized scrutiny and accountability.