Additional Coverage:
Mike Rinder, a former high-ranking member of Scientology who became a vocal critic, has passed away. His wife, Christie King Collbran, announced his death in an Instagram post.
Rinder was raised in Scientology and held a significant position within the organization. However, in 2007, he began speaking out about alleged abuses within the group. He authored a book exposing his experiences and claimed that the church was concerned about Tom Cruise’s loyalty during his marriage to Nicole Kidman.
Rinder later co-hosted the Emmy-winning series “Scientology and the Aftermath” with Leah Remini, further shedding light on the organization’s practices.
In his final message to Christie, Rinder expressed regret for not ending Scientology’s abuses and seeing his son Jack into adulthood. He urged others to continue the fight against these practices.
The Church of Scientology has dismissed Rinder as a credible source, claiming he had been expelled for misconduct.