We don’t predict this particular plan will end in hugs and puppies, but The Next Threee Days** **writer/director Paul Haggis has decided to take his dissatisfaction with the Church of Scientology and pour it into a new exposé written with New Yorker magazine writer/author Lawrence Wright, called The Heretic of Hollywood: Paul Haggis vs. The Church of Scientology.
A 35-year Scientologist, Haggis finally pulled the ripcord on his participation in 2009 after having serious misgivings about current leader David Miscavige and reacting angrily to the group’s support for Proposition 8, the controversial California legislation that saw gay marriage ruled unlawful.
When his letter to the church’s leaders was first leaked, many predicted that it might be a forewarning of further trouble, and now that appears to be coming true with the planned publication of the book. Given Haggis’ long experience with Scientology and its celebrity members, it’s not like he’s some disgruntled, low-ranking foot soldier who has limited secrets to spill.
According to the book proposal tracked down by Gawker (via The Playlist), we can expect a hefty stare into the church’s history and policies. “The roots of Scientology are explored in this book, particularly the life of its eccentric founder, L Ron Hubbard, whose flashes of brilliance and insanity are woven into the fabric of this elaborate belief system. Through Haggis's eyes, we discover the appeal of Scientology, especially to talented and ambitious members of the entertainment industry. Haggis conducted a personal investigation of the church, in which he was told about the wanton physical abuse on the part of its current leader, David Miscavige, of senior members of the organization. He was told that young volunteers in the Scientology clergy, called the Sea Org, are subjected to conditions approaching slavery or imprisonment, and that many female members have been forced to have abortions.”
There's no publication date for the book yet, but it sounds like it'll arrive this year. Legendarily swift to react to any criticism, we expect the church’s response to be loud and long. Is anyone else feeling the urge to start whistling the Imperial March?