R.I.P.

Scientology Whistleblower Dead After Cancer Battle

“My only real regret is not having achieved what I said I wanted to—ending the abuses of Scientology," wrote Rinder, in a farewell statement shared by his family.

Mike Rinder, the former senior Church of Scientology executive who quit the controversial organization and became one of its most scathing critics, died after suffering from cancer, his family announced Sunday. “If you are reading this, I have shuffled off this mortal coil in accordance with the immutable law that there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes,” reads a farewell message from Rinder, 69, shared in an Instagram post. As the executive director of Scientology’s Office of Special Affairs, the Australia native oversaw the organization’s legal affairs and public relations for a quarter of a century, often launching aggressive and brazen public relations attacks on journalists and ex-members. After leaving Scientology in the late 2000s, Rinder became increasingly critical of the organization and its leader, David Miscavage, alleging widespread corruption and harassment within its ranks—Scientology has always denied his claims and accused him of being a disgruntled former member. From 2016 to 2019, Rinder cohosted the A&E documentary series Scientology and the Aftermath with actress and former Scientologist Leah Remini. He was also a prominent podcaster and penned a 2022 memoir, A Billion Years, about his time in the organization. “My only real regret is not having achieved what I said I wanted to—ending the abuses of Scientology, especially disconnection and seeing [his son] Jack into adulthood,“ Rinder said, in the statement shared by his family “If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses please keep the flag flying — never give up.”

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Sean Craig

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