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Malaysian Reserve
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Rhodesia Reborn: Zimbabwe Estate Receives a Hero's Welcome as New L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site
HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The estate once known as 31 John Plagis Place, Salisbury, Rhodesia—named for its former owner, a decorated World War II flying ace—has once again earned its chapter in history. Located in Harare's Alexandra Park suburb, she is now dedicated as an L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site, honoring the Scientology Founder, who arrived here in the mid-1960s with a vision destined to echo far beyond Southern Africa. The nation is now called Zimbabwe—a land where giraffes roam, elephants walk and lions still roar. And on this brilliant, blue-sky day, Scientologists, heritage specialists and local residents gathered to celebrate the generosity of spirit and purpose Mr. Hubbard brought to what he called 'a small jewel in the midst of a howling wilderness.' As the golden ceremonial ribbon fell, streamers flew and crowds toured a site brimming with meaning—now one of global significance for Scientologists everywhere. For here, as Mr. Hubbard himself wrote, 'The adventures were many.' That legacy lives on through a series of defining milestones achieved inside. Foremost among them: the legendary filmed Clearing Course lectures—mapping a path to spiritual freedom not just for this nation, but for all Mankind. And in that very same room, Mr. Hubbard delivered his only filmed interview, An Introduction to Scientology. As he advanced Scientology on behalf of humanity, Mr. Hubbard simultaneously took steps to uplift the country. Within days of his arrival here in 1966, he proffered a new Constitution, Bill of Rights and Penal Code—calling for one man, one vote, regardless of race, color or creed. His Alexandra Park address soon became a meeting ground for ministers, cultural figures and diplomats—gathering for what Rhodesians called 'Sundowners,' graceful evening soirees with drinks and conversation. And through it all, Mr. Hubbard was remembered by his staff for the kindness and fairness he brought to every exchange. Today, this British-Colonial site stands meticulously restored—just as it was during Mr. Hubbard's time. Wallpaper, cabinetry and light fixtures have been matched to archival photographs. Artwork has been recovered. The same typewriters Mr. Hubbard provided his team of typists are faithfully preserved. Among other artifacts on display are the suit he wore while filming his legendary Clearing Course lectures, and even the suitcase he used on his return to England. Outside, the pool is restored to its classic shape and turquoise color. But it's the stone fireplace inside that may be most breathtaking—both for its beauty and its remarkable journey. A later owner had dismantled it, repurposing the stones into a garden wall. Now they have been recovered by restoration experts, cleaned by hand and dutifully returned to their original, exquisite form—warm observers to countless stories, ready to reveal those moments to all who visit this landmark. 'What we celebrate today speaks to the power of community and the far-reaching impact of L. Ron Hubbard's legacy on people from every station in life,' said the Church of Scientology Preservationist, who officiated the opening and oversaw the site's historical restoration. 'Your presence transforms this day into something truly special … because this building now stands as a place where you can walk in the very footsteps of L. Ron Hubbard.' That was the moment leaders from across Zimbabwe took the podium to pay tribute and speak to Mr. Hubbard's lasting significance. First among them was Ms. Liza Zindoga, President-Elect of the Harare Rotary Club. She recalled that Mr. Hubbard addressed a local branch 59 years ago. 'He spoke not about politics, but about building a new civilization—of lifting barriers to travel, opportunity and prosperity… And they televised his speech across the country. Mr. Hubbard gave us a glimpse of how great this nation could be—a road map to a better Zimbabwe,' she said. 'L. Ron Hubbard is a remarkable man, and the wheels he set in motion still turn today. Our role is clear: to guarantee that what was once shared with a room full of Rotarians now reaches every Zimbabwean who dreams of a better tomorrow.' Mr. Frans de Klerk, who served as the architect for the landmark's exacting renewal, said that 'when we first stepped onto the site, we saw the chance to revive something that mattered. If ever there was a passion project, this was it. I still remember our team's three-hour drive on sunbaked dirt roads to find the one quarry with the right slate. The heat was relentless, the road nearly undriveable, but the match was perfect—just as Mr. Hubbard would have seen it,' he said. 'Together, across borders and languages, we brought this site back to life. It's a root in the ground—deep, enduring and unmistakably yours.' Mr. Attwell Mamvuto, Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Zimbabwe, acknowledged the timeless influence of L. Ron Hubbard's presence in the country. 'This heritage site is a strong voice—and if you listen closely, it continues to call to the conscience of this nation. At a time when our land was torn between what it was and what it could be, Mr. Hubbard set to work—not with protest, but with pen,' he said. 'His Constitution and Bill of Rights were a gift … and a message that still talks to us. It says: 'We the people of this nation guarantee definite rights under law.' Those were his words—and they are still ours to uphold.' Bishop Albert Chikuni, President of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development Zimbabwe, who serves 40 congregations across the region, reflected how 'L. Ron Hubbard did not come to enrich himself—but to enrich others…. We've seen what occurs when people are divided—by politics, by religion, by class. But we've also seen the strength that comes from unity—when differences are set aside in pursuit of a shared future. That is the work of peace,' he said. 'Today we honor the imprint Mr. Hubbard left here at Alexandra Park. If we carry forward his teachings, and the wisdom within these walls, I believe we can create a heaven on Earth.' Alexandra Park stands as the second L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site in Southern Africa. The first, his Linksfield Ridge estate overlooking Johannesburg, South Africa, opened in 2005. All told, there are now nine such Landmark Sites across three continents. These include Bay Head, New Jersey, where Mr. Hubbard wrote Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health—the bestselling book ever on the human mind; and Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he formed the first Dianetics Foundation. Also among the sites is the Founding Church of Scientology that Mr. Hubbard established in Washington, DC; the original Hubbard Communications Office on Fitzroy Street in London, England; and the landmark at the base of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona—known as the Birthplace of Scientology. Just two miles from that Phoenix location is yet another site, opened last month, at 4451 East Osborn Road, where he authored Dianetics 55!, and from where he commenced the unification of Dianetics and Scientology. And finally, his Worldwide headquarters at Saint Hill in East Grinstead, England. Each Landmark Site offers a literal and visual history of the work and advances Mr. Hubbard achieved during the time he was at that particular location. Every site also features a room devoted to the broader story of his global exploration and research—including the pivotal achievements made here at Alexandra Park. Together, these sites trace Mr. Hubbard's progressive steps to the founding of Dianetics and Scientology. With future Landmark Sites on the horizon, Scientologists the world over will have even more opportunities to walk in Mr. Hubbard's footsteps—his legacy preserved in space, alive in time and destined to inspire for generations to come.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Freedom Flourishes in Dutch Capital On Destination: Scientology, Amsterdam
LOS ANGELES, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientology Network's DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, the weekly travelogue series that takes viewers inside Scientology Churches all around the world and discovers what makes each one unique, presents an episode featuring Amsterdam, the Netherlands, premiering on June 23, 2025. DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network. ABOUT DESTINATION: SCIENTOLOGY, AMSTERDAM A world-class capital and icon of culture and tolerance, Amsterdam has long been a beacon for free thinkers, innovators and artists. From building the world's first stock market to reclaiming land from the sea, the city is a testament to human ingenuity and bold ideas. It's a place where knowledge grows and a rich artistic heritage remains, reflected in masterpieces by Rembrandt and Van Gogh and celebrated through the city's vibrant cultural institutions. Located on the Knowledge Mile near the iconic Rembrandt Tower, the Church of Scientology Amsterdam stands prominently along one of the city's most dynamic thoroughfares. This episode takes viewers inside the Church, offering a look at its role in a metropolis that has always celebrated individual thought. The episode also showcases Dutch traditions, from historic windmills and handcrafted wooden clogs to local cuisine and distinctive architecture. Hear from local Scientologists as they share their vision for Amsterdam's future—one of unity, dialogue and mutual respect—while showing how the Church helps guide the community toward their own paths to spiritual freedom. The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists; showing the Church as a global organization; and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards. Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Church of Scientology International Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Voices For Humanity Sparks Transformation in Liberty City with Pastor Jeffrey Mack
LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 12, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Scientology Network's VOICES FOR HUMANITY, the weekly series presenting heroic change makers from a variety of faiths, cultures and nations, working to uplift their communities, announces a new episode featuring community activist Pastor Jeffrey Mack. VOICES FOR HUMANITY airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network. Liberty City, a Miami neighborhood marked by decades of violence, now faces a homicide rate nine times the national average. Leading the effort to turn the crisis around is Pastor Jeffrey Mack, whose 'One Brother, One Hood' approach is planting the seeds of tolerance and unity in the community. ABOUT PASTOR JEFFREY MACK As a teen, Pastor Jeffrey Mack saw firsthand the violence that had long devastated his community. After college, he entered the ministry and returned home, determined to be part of the solution. Introduced to The Way to Happiness, a common sense guide to better living, he made its 21 precepts central to his mission. Today, he's leading programs that empower residents and spark transformation. His work led to a partnership with the Miami-Dade Police Department, creating a first-of-its-kind training program that equips future officers with the principles of The Way to Happiness to better protect and serve the community. His efforts have helped drive the city's homicide rate to its lowest point in recorded history. Pastor Jeffrey Mack is President of the Circle of Brotherhood, a nonprofit guided by the motto: 'Black men solving our own community problems.' Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018, launched by David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. Since then, Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its Social Betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by Independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards. Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms. Learn more: MULTIMEDIA: Image link for media: Image caption: Pastor Jeffrey Mack's 'One Brother, One Hood' approach is planting the seeds of tolerance and unity in the community. NEWS SOURCE: Church of Scientology International Keywords: Religion and Churches, Pastor Jeffrey Mack, Circle of Brotherhood, Scientology Network, VOICES FOR HUMANITY, LOS ANGELES, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Church of Scientology International) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P126910 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet A Scientologist Imagines the Future with Artist and Visionary Trish Duggan
LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientology Network's MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring acclaimed artist, philanthropist and humanitarian Trish Duggan. MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network. Driven by a passion for the power of imagination, Trish Duggan is redefining how we see the world through art and shaping a more inspired future through her vision. As an artist, philanthropist and founder of the Imagine Museum, she inspires and uplifts humanity to new heights, guided by creativity and compassion. ABOUT TRISH DUGGAN Trish Duggan's artistic path began in high school when she was introduced to the traditional Japanese art form of woodblock printing. Though life led her to focus on raising a family and building several successful businesses, her creative spirit remained. A turning point came when she encountered the luminous beauty of glass art. Immediately, she immersed herself in mastering the craft and pushing its boundaries through constant creation—helping redefine what we know as contemporary glass art. As founder of the Imagine Museum, she plays a vital role in promoting emerging and established glass artists from around the world, using the platform to also advocate for human rights alongside artistic excellence. _____________ Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018, launched by David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. Since then, Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its Social Betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by Independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards. Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Church of Scientology International Sign in to access your portfolio
Buzz Feed
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
15 Celebrities Who Are In Jail Right Now
Actor Danny Masterson How he's famous: Masterson is best known for playing Steven Hyde on That '70s Show from 1998–2006. He also was a regular cast member on Men at Work and The Ranch, which re-teamed him with That '70s Show costar Ashton happened: In 2017, the Los Angeles Police Department began a sexual assault investigation into Masterson after three women came forward with allegations against him. In each case, all of which occurred at Masterson's home between 2001–03, the women said Masterson gave them alcohol and then, when they became disoriented, took them to his bedroom and violently raped them. Masterson, who proclaimed his innocence, was arrested on three counts of forcible rape in early 2021.A first trial in 2022 ended in a hung jury; a retrial the following year ended with Masterson convicted of two of the three counts of forcible rape. He was sentenced to 30 years to life (with the earliest possibility of being paroled coming after serving 25 and 1/2 years). He is incarcerated in California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los interesting element of this case involved the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson and all three victims were members. All three victims said the church tried to shield Masterson from accountability, and pressured them not to go to the authorities. As BuzzFeed News reported in 2022, one of the victims "recalled how she went to the church's Celebrity Centre in Hollywood to report the sexual assault, but instead of getting any assistance, she was warned against using the word 'rape' and told that she could be excommunicated from the church — and disavowed by her Scientologist family and friends — if she contacted police."In response to these allegations, the Church of Scientology told BuzzFeed, "The Church has no policy prohibiting or discouraging members from reporting criminal conduct of anyone, Scientologists or not, to law enforcement. Quite the opposite, Church policy explicitly demands Scientologists abide by all laws of the land. All allegations to the contrary are totally false." Actor Ryan Grantham How he's famous: Grantham was a succesful child actor, notably playing Rodney James in the 2010 movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Later, he appeared in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and in a 2019 episode of the CW's Riverdale. All told, Grantham amassed more than 30 acting credits in film and happened: On March 31, 2020, the then-21-year-old Grantham killed his mother by shooting her in the back of her head as she played piano in their British Columbia home. He then loaded up his car with guns and ammunition and began driving east with a plan to kill Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He ultimately changed his mind and considered carrying out a mass shooting at his alma mater, Simon Fraser University, before deciding to turn himself to Grantham's lawyer, Grantham was assessed by two court appointed psychiatrists who 'agreed that at the time of this horrendous event, he (Grantham) was suffering from a major depressive disorder and a cannabis use disorder, among other things.' Grantham pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and — at his sentencing — pledged to spend his life rehabilitating himself and helping others. He is eligible for parole in 2036 after serving 14 years. Baseball player Mel Hall How he's famous: In 1981, Hall broke into the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs at just 20 years old, and went on to finish third in voting for the Rookie of the Year award. He played 13 seasons in total, including four with the New York Yankees, and retired with 134 home runs and a career .276 batting average. What happened: In 1989, during Hall's first year with the Yankees, he noticed a 15-year-old freshman in high school and her friends in the stands. He spent the game playfully pretending like he was going to toss her a ball but never did. At the suggestion of her father, the girl wrote Hall a letter asking for a signed ball, and to her shock, Hall called her house, inviting the family to another game. Soon, Hall ingratiated himself with the family, saying he was lonely with his new team. He began showing up at their home after games (sometimes in a limo) and hanging out with the girl talking late into the night. Hall started helping the family financially (paying to put in a swimming pool and for the mother to quit her job), then moved in with them. He began dating the girl with her parents' consent and even took over the parents' primary bedroom with the girl (the parents moved into their daughter's room). This relationship continued for years (the Yankees even published a photo of Hall and the girl at her high school prom in their media book) until the girl, then a 19-year-old woman, broke things off and started her life Hall's career ended, he became a girls' youth sports coach (for both basketball and softball), and did the same thing, earning the trust of families of young girls on his teams that he liked — again moving into a family's home in one circumstance — and sexually abusing the in 2007, two of his victims found each other online (including one who was just 12 when Hall first assaulted her) and went to the police. Hall was arrested, found guilty at trial, and convicted on three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and two counts of indecency with a child. He received a sentence of 45 years in prison (with no chance of parole for 22 years and 4 months). Hall is incarcerated at H. H. Coffield Unit in Tennessee Colony, Texas, and isn't eligible for parole until Nov. 15, 2031. Actor Amy Locane How she's famous: Locane was an up-and-coming star in the early '90s, first starring opposite Johnny Depp in John Waters's cult classic Cry-Baby and then the critically acclaimed Blue Sky, which earned her a Young Artists' Award nomination for Best Performance by a Youth Actress Co-Starring in a Motion Picture. She was also a regular on the hit prime-time soap opera Melrose Place. She later retired from acting to raise her happened: On the night of June 27, 2010, Locane was driving 53 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone when she crashed into a car driven by Fred Seeman, who was making a left-hand turn into his driveway. Seeman's wife Helene, an NYU adjunct professor, was killed in the accident. When police arrived, Locane — who had been drinking at a friend's barbecue — was found to have a .23 blood alcohol level, more than three times the legal was convicted of second-degree vehicular homicide and assault by auto but received a sentence of only three years in jail, two less than the minimum sentence for the offense (the judge cited the welfare of Locane's children in giving the shorter sentence). Locane — who joined Alcoholics Anonymous after the crash and is now sober — served three years behind bars before being paroled on June 12, 2015, but an appeals court subsequently found her initial sentence to be too lenient and resentenced her to eight years in jail on September 17, 2020. She's currently incarcerated in New Jersey's Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women and is eligible for parole on Dec. 20, 2024. Reality TV star Josh Duggar How he's famous: Duggar is the oldest child of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, who became famous for their extremely large family of 19 children, as featured on the TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting. The show often focused on Duggar and his wife, Anna, as they started their own family. What happened: In 2016, In Touch magazine obtained a police report that implicated Duggar as having molested numerous children — including his sisters — when he was a teenager. At the time of the crimes, Michelle and Jim Bob didn't go to the police. Instead, they consulted with their church leaders and had an Arkansas state trooper give Duggar "a very stern talk." The trooper was far from the ideal person to seek help from. He not only failed to report the crimes, but was later sentenced to 56 years in jail for child sexual abuse images. The release of the police report eventually led to a federal investigation of Duggar. After the authorities found child sexual abuse images on Duggar's computer at his used car dealership, they arrested Duggar on federal charges of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse images. At the trial, a Homeland Security agent described the images found on Duggar's computer as being "in the top five of the worst of the worst I've ever had to examine."Duggar was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in prison. He is serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Facility (FCI) Seagoville in Texas and won't be eligible for possible release until Oct. 2, 2032. Film producer Harvey Weinstein How he's famous: Weinstein — cofounder of the movie company Miramax — produced many critically acclaimed hit films during the '90s and '00s, including Pulp Fiction and Good Will Hunting. He won an Academy Award for producing Shakespeare in happened: After years of rumors, the New York Times published an investigation into Weinstein featuring the accounts of over a dozen women accusing the producer of sexual harassment and abuse. A New Yorker article followed days later with even more allegations. These reports opened the floodgates, and soon nearly 100 women (many very famous) came forward with accounts of Weinstein's abuse. On May 25, 2018, the New York district attorney's office charged Weinstein with "rape, criminal sex act, sex abuse, and sexual misconduct for incidents involving two separate women." Among those who testified against Weinstein at the trial was actor Annabella Sciorra, who said that Weinstein burst into her apartment after dinner and raped her. "I said, 'No, no,'" Sciorra testified, "But there was not much I could do at that point. My body shut down. It was just so disgusting that my body started to shake in a way that was unusual. I didn't really even know what was happening. It was like a seizure."Weinstein was found guilty and sentenced to 23 years in jail; he subsequently was tried in Los Angeles for more crimes and sentenced to 16 additional years. British prosecutors, meanwhile, have authorized police to charge Weinstein with two counts of indecent assault against a woman in London in is serving his sentence in New York State's Mohawk Correctional Facility, about 100 miles north of Albany. Actor and mixed martial arts fighter Joe Son How he's famous: Born in South Korea, Son moved to the United States as a child. He became a professional mixed martial arts fighter, fighting at the Ultimate Fighting Championship's UFC 3, but his fighting career ended uneventfully with an 0–4 record. Son made bigger waves as an actor, playing the bad guy in low-budget action films starring Lorenzo Lamas and Dolph Lundgren, and then — most notably — playing the villain Random Task in 1997's Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. What happened: In 2008, Son was arrested for kicking in the door of his roommate's car. As part of a plea deal, Son was required to provide a DNA sample to the authorities. When his sample was run through the system, it linked him to a horrific, nearly two-decade-old cold case. On Christmas Eve in 1990, he and an accomplice pretended to be lost as they approached a 19-year-old woman walking her dog. They then threw her into their car and held her hostage for hours, beating and raping her. Son also repeatedly threatened to shoot her as he counted the bullets in his gun. At the trial, the victim recounted how Son said "he was giving me to himself as a Christmas present." Son was convicted of one count of felony torture (the statute of limitations had run out on the sexual assault charges) and sentenced to seven years to life. Just a month after beginning his sentence, Son killed his cellmate. He was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to an additional 27 years. Reality TV star Jen Shah How she's famous: Shah starred on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City for three seasons, earning a reputation for sharp one-liners and, well, drama. What happened: Shah was criminally charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud in March 2021. She and her assistant were accused of orchestrating a telemarketer scam where they'd bilk their (usually) older victims out of large sums of money in exchange for services like website building and business coaching, which had little to no value. Nightline reported that a 75-year-old retiree in North Carolina named Trisha (she asked not to use her last name) invested more than half of her savings — $47,000 — on coaching about a business she hoped to start. Another victim, World War II veteran Ralph Hallock, was scammed out of more than $100,000. He died by suicide at the age of 92 (his family believes the scam contributed to his death).According to a sentencing memo from federal prosecutors, Shah "often joked about the victims' suffering and her employees' ability to victimize them." Texts were also released between Shah and her co-conspirators discussing how they could keep their victims hooked and spending more initially claimed she was innocent but eventually pleaded guilty to wire fraud. She was sentenced to serve 6½ years and is incarcerated at FPC Bryan Prison in Texas. She's eligible for parole in August 2028. Subway pitchman Jared Fogle How he's famous: Fogle made national headlines in 1999 when — as a student at Indiana University — he lost 245 pounds on a self-created diet where he exclusively ate Subway every day: a small turkey sub, a large veggie sub, baked potato chips, and diet soda. He was soon hired by Subway to be their spokesperson, and appeared in over 300 commercials between 2000 and happened: Fogle's seemingly wholesome story was revealed to have a dark underbelly on July 7, 2015, when Fogle's Indiana home was raided by the FBI and Indiana State Police investigators who confiscated computers and DVD players. Two months prior, Russell Taylor — the executive director of the Jared Foundation, a nonprofit that purported to fight childhood obesity — was arrested on federal child sexual abuse images charges, and in the course of investigating, authorities discovered he had traded sexually explicit videos of children as young as 6 years old with Fogle. Additionally, the FBI subpoenaed text messages Fogle traded in 2008 with a Subway franchisee he was having an affair with. The texts were damning: Fogle talked about sexually abusing children as young as 9 years old, and tried to enlist her help to sleep with her 16-year-old cousin. Further investigation found that Fogle traveled to New York to have sex with a 17-year-old underage sex worker, and offered adult sex workers a finder's fee if they'd connect him with a possibility of 50 years in jail if he went to trial, Fogle pleaded guilty to two counts: distribution and receipt of child sexual abuse images, and traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. He was sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in prison. He's currently incarcerated in the Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood, and isn't eligible for parole until March 24, 2029. Actor Michael Jace How he's famous: Jace was best known for playing Officer Julien Lowe on the FX police drama The Shield but also appeared in high-profile motion pictures like Forrest Gump and Boogie Nights. What happened: On May 19, 2024, at Jace's home in the Hyde Park area of Los Angeles, Jace shot his wife April — an elite, medal-winning sprinter — in the back as their young sons, ages 5 and 8, looked on from their bedroom. Prosecutors said Jace then shot his wife in the legs before telling her, "If you like running, then run to heaven."Prosecutors further contended that Jace — who had been drinking all day — was "obsessed" with the idea his wife might leave him and believed she was having an was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison. At his sentencing, Jace said, "There is absolutely no justification for my actions on that night. I am profoundly sorry for the pain that I've caused everyone." Jace is serving his sentence at California State Prison, Corcoran. Musician R. Kelly How he's famous: Sometimes called the King of R&B, Kelly is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, selling over 75 million records. "I Believe I Can Fly" and "Ignition (Remix)" are probably his best-known songs. He also wrote songs for other artists, including Michael Jackson's No. 1 hit, "You Are Not Alone."What happened: Allegations of sexual abuse of minors have followed Kelly for most of his career, but for a long time, he escaped accountability. In 1994, a then-27-year-old Kelly married his protégé Aaliyah, who was just 15 (Aaliyah ended the marriage when her family found out). Two years later, a woman filed a civil suit against Kelly, alleging that he had a sexual relationship with her starting at age 15. Kelly settled the case out of 2000, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Chicago police had begun investigations into Kelly and allegations that he'd had sex with a minor but had to drop them due to a lack of cooperation from the accusers. In 2002, a video circulated of what was alleged to be Kelly urinating on an underage girl and engaging in sex acts. This led to Kelly being charged with 21 counts of child sexual abuse images. Shortly after that, Kelly was charged in Florida with 12 additional charges of producing child sexual abuse images after police raided Kelly's home and allegedly found images of him having sex with a minor on a digital camera. The Florida charges, however, were thrown out when a judge ruled the police lacked probable cause for the search warrant. The Chicago charges ended in Kelly's favor, too, when a 2008 trial ended with him being found not guilty because it couldn't be proven the girl on the tape was a minor. In 2017, BuzzFeed News reported that the parents of three legal-aged young women claimed their daughters were being "held against their will" by Kelly in what was described as a "cult." This led to others coming forward with more allegations against Kelly, including that he'd had sex with minors. Then, in 2019, a comprehensive, six-hour Lifetime documentary, Surviving R. Kelly, put Kelly and his crimes under the spotlight even more. Police in Chicago charged him with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse (after acquiring a tape of Kelly allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old), and federal authorities indicted him twice for crimes related to his sexual abuse of minors. In 2022, Kelly was found guilty in both federal trials and sentenced to spend 31 years in jail. He is currently serving his sentence at FCI Butner Medium I, a medium-security prison in North Carolina, and won't be eligible for parole until 2047 when he is around 80. Reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley How they're famous: Real estate tycoon Todd Chrisley and his wife Julie were the stars of the USA Network's reality show Chrisley Knows Best, which followed the couple as they raised five children with a "brutally honest" parenting style. The show debuted to solid ratings in 2014 and continued until happened: In August 2019, The Chrisleys were indicted on charges of having evading nearly $2 million in state taxes, using their production company to hide over $1 million of reality TV income from the IRS, and directing an employee to falsify income and asset documents. The Chrisleys pleaded not guilty to the crimes and scored a big win two months later when prosecutors dropped the state tax charges (the Georgia Department of Revenue found that, instead of failing to pay $2 million in taxes, the Chrisleys actually owed less than $77,000 due to an incorrect filing on one tax return).The reality stars still faced the charges related to bank fraud and their federal taxes, and those proved much stickier. During opening statements at the trial, prosecutors painted a picture of the Chrisleys exaggerating their wealth to banks and submitting false documents to borrow over $30 million in order to keep their affluent lifestyle the while hiding money from the IRS."They made up documents and they lie through their teeth to get whatever they want, whenever they want it," Assistant US Attorney Annalise Peters a nearly three-week trial, the couple were found guilty of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and tax fraud. Julie was also convicted of wire fraud. Todd was sentenced to 12 years, and Julie was sentenced to 7. Todd is serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution (FPI) Pensacola in Florida, while Julie is incarcerated at Florida's Federal Correctional Institution Marianna. Todd was eligible to be released on Jan. 22, 2033; Julie was eligible to be released on Oct. 19, 2028. They have both since been pardoned by Donald Trump. Reality TV star Jerry Harris How he's famous: Harris starred on the Emmy-award-winning Netflix docuseries Cheer about the Navarro College Bulldogs Cheer Team from Corsicana, Texas. He became a fan favorite for his big personality and even endeared himself to Ellen DeGeneres, who invited him to attend the 2020 Academy Awards as her show's happened: In September 2020, a federal warrant was issued for Harris alleging that, when he was 19, he asked 13-year-old twin boys to send nude photos, one of whom agreed to do so. On the second season of Cheer, the boy described how the abuse began, saying, "I told him that I was 13, and then after that — right off the bat — he asked me, 'Can I have butt pics?' or 'Can you send butt pics?'" Harris was soon arrested and charged with the production of child sexual abuse images (according to authorities, Harris admitted to trading sexual images with 10–15 children he knew were minors). Court documents also stated that the then-19-year-old Harris had sex with a 15-year-old in February 2022, Harris pleaded guilty on charges of child sexual abuse images and traveling for illicit sex with minors. He was sentenced to spend 12 years in a federal prison in Oklahoma City. Rock star Gary Glitter How he's famous: Gary Glitter — real name Paul Gadd — was a popular British glam rock star of the '70s and '80s. He sold over 20 million records and released scores of hit singles in the UK, including "Rock and Roll Part 2," which has been played endlessly at sporting events across America. The song was also used in the film Joker when Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck dances down a staircase. What happened: In 1997, Glitter brought his laptop in to be repaired, and the technician found sexual abuse images of children on the hard drive. After police searched Glitter's home and found more images of children, he was arrested and eventually sentenced to four months in jail. After being released, Glitter left the UK, where he'd become persona non grata. In 2005, Glitter established a new home in Vietnam, but within months, authorities arrested him for molesting two girls, ages 11 and 12. Glitter was found guilty and sentenced to three years in jail. At his sentencing, the judge said: "His lewd acts have compromised the dignity of the Vietnamese people, law, and common sense." Glitter, meanwhile, claimed his innocence and said it was all a "conspiracy."Upon completing his sentence in 2008, Glitter did everything he could to avoid being deported to the UK, including feigning having a heart attack. Nevertheless, he eventually was returned to England and placed on the sex offender's registry. Four years passed uneventfully until ITV aired a documentary about Top of the Pops host Jimmy Savile and his alleged sexual abuse. In the documentary, there was a segment accusing Glitter of raping a 13- or 14-year-old girl in Savile's BBC dressing room during the late '70s. This led to Glitter being arrested and standing trial for sexually abusing three young girls, ages 12, 11, and less than 10, between the years 1975 and 1980. Glitter was found guilty and sentenced to 16 years in jail, with the judge saying at the hearing, "It is difficult to overstate the depravity of this dreadful behavior."In February of 2023, Glitter was released from jail after serving half his sentence. However, one month later, he was thrown back into jail after violating his release conditions by trying to access the dark web and viewing downloaded images of children. The now-79-year-old disgraced pop star was denied parole earlier this year and remains behind bars. Football star Dave Meggett How he's famous: A 10-year veteran of the NFL, Meggett won a Super Bowl in 1990 with the New York Giants and made two All-Pro teams (once with the Giants and once with the New England Patriots). Meggett played running back and receiver but was best known as an elite return specialist. At the time of his retirement, he had the most punt return yards in NFL history (3,709).What happened: In 1998, Meggett was accused of sexually assaulting and robbing a Toronto sex worker, but prosecutors eventually dropped the sexual assault charge and only tried Meggett for the robbery; the trial ended in a hung jury. This started a pattern of Meggett escaping serious accountability for his crimes, even as he was subsequently accused of sexual assault by three additional women — including one who said Meggett put a date rape drug in her drink at a bar, dragged her to his Porsche, and then raped was finally brought to justice in 2009 after he broke into the home of a woman he'd loaned $200 and sat on the edge of her bed. She awoke, startled, and he demanded she repay him. When she didn't have the money, he said, "I'm gonna get a down payment now" and raped her. Once Meggett left, the victim went to the hospital, where doctors found vaginal abrasions consistent with sexual was convicted of burglary and criminal sexual conduct and sentenced to 30 years in prison. He's presently incarcerated at South Carolina's Lieber Correctional Institution and isn't eligible for parole until July 6, 2034. UPDATE The post has been updated to include a statement from the Church of Scientology.
