January 19th 2025.
A controversial advertisement promoting the Scientology religion has caused quite a stir among commuters at a London Tube station. The poster, which encourages people to learn more about the group, was spotted over the weekend on a Tube platform. However, Scientology has faced criticism and been labeled a "cult" by many for its beliefs about mental health, financial practices, and potential abusive behaviors.
The advertisement features the words "I'm a Scientologist" in bold letters, accompanied by a photo of a cinematographer named Robert. The caption reads, "Pro Scientology Adverts have begun appearing on the Underground." The goal of the billboard is to pique the interest of passersby, asking "Curious?" before directing them to the religion's website.
Unfortunately, the choice of advertising has not been well received by Londoners who are familiar with Scientology's controversies. One person commented, "TFL doesn't allow junk food to be advertised, but this is apparently fine." Another expressed their disapproval, saying, "A cult being advertised on the Underground. Appalling."
A spokesperson for Transport for London (TfL) responded to the backlash, stating that the advertisement was reviewed against their advertising policy and found to be compliant. Interestingly, TfL banned the advertisement of junk foods in 2019 in an effort to combat child obesity. Their advertising policy also prohibits any posters that are "likely to cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public."
The practices of Scientology have long been a topic of controversy. Founded in the 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard, the religion describes itself as a way to locate and address areas of spiritual distress through a process called auditing. This involves questioning and using a device to measure the body's electric flow. However, the Church of Scientology has been plagued by allegations of misconduct for many years.
The group's leader, David Miscavige, has been the subject of numerous lawsuits, including accusations of human trafficking. In 2022, Valeska Paris and married couple Gawain and Laura Baxter filed a trafficking lawsuit, claiming they were brought into Scientology as children and forced to work as adults for little to no pay. A spokesperson for the Church has denied these allegations, calling them "absurd, ridiculous, scurrilous, and blatantly false."
Despite these controversies, Scientology has attracted a number of celebrity followers, including John Travolta and Tom Cruise. It became a recognized religion in the UK in 2013, and last year, protests from ex-Scientologists outside the organization's British headquarters in East Grinstead led to a protest ban being put in place.
Metro reached out to the Church of Scientology for comment on these recent events. As the debate surrounding Scientology continues, Metro's London news hub is a great resource for staying up-to-date on the latest news in the capital. In related news, a proposed tunnel connecting London and New York has caused quite a buzz, and a tube line that has been deemed "useless" is actually home to some of the most expensive mortgages in London. And for those looking for a taste of the past, a new London restaurant has been added to the Michelin Guide for its nostalgic 1990s vibe. Stay informed with Metro.
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