Being the head of one of the most controversial religious affiliations in the world is not an easy job, but someone has to do it. The good news for David Miscavige is that his fellow scientologists are very enamored by him, which proves fortunate as a great deal of the rest of the world finds him less than desirable. Not knowing him personally does not allow me to say whether or not he’s the nicest person you’ll ever meet, the manipulative and awful man many make him out to be or whether or not he’s just all right; I just don’t know. What I do know, however, is that those who follow him love him and those that have broken free of the church – and even some members of his own family – do not feel the same way. There are always three sides to every story, but they are also always absolute facts that are the complete truth no matter how you slice it. And we have five absolute truths about the head of the Church of Scientology – that you might not already know.
His Father Believed Scientology Cured David
It’s been said that David Miscavige suffered throughout his childhood from severe asthma and allergy issues and that he was cured when his father sent him to see a scientologist after becoming interested in the religion.
He Became Leader in 1986
When the founder and leader of the church died in 1986, Miscavige pulled some strings to have some orders rescinded that would place Hubbard’s wife and other officials as highest-ranking leaders so that he could take over the role.
He’s Accused of Being an Abuser
While nothing has been proven, there were once 12 people who came forward to announced that David Miscavige had physically abused them over the course of several years, and an additional 21 members of the church came forward afterward to state that they witnessed Miscavige’s abuse. No charges have ever been filed, but the rumor persists.
His Wife has not Been Seen in Public in 8 Years
It was 2007 the last time that Shelly Miscavige was seen in public, and many members of the church came forward to report her missing over the years as she was allegedly ‘handled’ by her husband after disobeying his orders. In fact, actress Leah Remini filed a missing persons report in 2013 after leaving the church, saying that she believed her friend was missing. The police state that they met privately with Shelly allowing them to confirm she is safe.
He was the Best Man in Tom Cruise’s Wedding
When Tom Cruise married Katie Holmes almost a decade ago, David Miscavige was the best man in the wedding. He remains very close to Cruise even today, as Cruise is very involved in the church and its business.
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
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