Do you remember when the Tom Cruise video about Scientology was circulating a few months ago? He seemed almost manically gleeful when talking about the overall greatness of Scientology and spoke about how only Scientologists could save the world.
Well, now a former Scientologist has released his own Youtube video, only this one expresses the exact opposite opinions of Scientology. While Tom sang the praises of Scientology, actor Jason Beghe has apparently had enough. This week, the actor called Scientology “destructive” and said it was a “rip-off” on a Youtube interview with Veronica Schmidt. Beghe is best known for his many television appearances on shows such as “Cane,” “American Dreams,” “Family Law,” and “Chicago Hope.” But now, his Youtube interview is causing a stir.
Beghe, 48, is the first celebrity to speak out against Scientology. He said in the 12 years he was with the church, he found it to be “very, very dangerous for your spiritual, psychological and mental, emotional health and evolution. I think it stunts your evolution.” Beghe estimated during the 12 years he was with the church, he gave them about a million dollars. However, Beghe said over the years, the amount of training you needed continually changed, meaning the money you had to give the church increased.
Another part of the reason Beghe separated from Scientology was that he had reached the clear level, but was almost killed in a car wreck, something that wasn’t supposed to happen. But, the Scientologists explained to Beghe that he was being suppressed by a gay friend, who sabotaged his clear state. Of his online rant, he said, “I don’t have an agenda. Right now I’m trying to help.”
Scientology claims a lot of celebrities as members, including John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Kirstie Alley, Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, Leah Remini, Jason Lee, Isaac Hayes, Jenna Elfman, Chick Corea, Giovanni Ribisi, and of course, Tom Cruise. But, Beghe says that founder L. Ron Hubbard said he wanted celebrities in his church. It is rumored that members who recruit a celebrity have their “ethics file” cleared.
Beghe’s video is only three minutes, but is will be followed by a longer interview this weekend.