Leah Remini breaks her silence on late Scientology whistleblower Mike Rinder

Leah Remini broke her silence on death Mike Rindera former Scientology executive turned whistleblower who played a key role in exposing the inner workings of the controversial organization.

Mike Rinder, who earned an Emmy for his courageous work alongside Remini, recently passed away after a battle with esophageal cancer.

Following the news, Leah Remini took to Instagram to pay tribute to her close friend.

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Leah Remini talks about the death of Mike Rinder

Leah Remini attends the Critics' Choice Real TV Awards
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Remini and Rinder were close collaborators, co-hosting the groundbreaking A&E docuseries "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath" and the podcast "Fair Game." Together, they brought to light countless stories of alleged abuse, manipulation and trauma within the Church of Scientology.

After his death, Remini called Rinder her "trusted partner" and revealed the profound impact he had on her life.

"On Sunday we lost a giant and I lost a man who was more than a friend - he was family," she wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post published on Tuesday. "It is impossible to imagine the last 13 years of my life without Mike Rinder. He was my anchor, my trusted partner and my closest confidant. It is impossible to imagine the last 13 years of my life without Mike Rinder."

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Remini says Mike helped her after she left the Church of Scientology

Leah Remini at the 44th Gracie Awards
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Leah Remini was introduced to Scientology by her mother as a child and spent more than 30 years as a devoted member of the church. During her time with Scientology, she became a prominent advocate, often publicly defending the organization in interviews.

However, in 2013, Leah made the decision to leave the Church of Scientology, citing concerns about its leadership, financial practices and treatment of its members. After her decision, she went to Rinder for advice.

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"He was my trusted partner and my closest confidant," the actress wrote on her Instagram profile. "When I left Scientology, Mike was one of the first people I reached out to. From that moment on, he became my lifeline. We went on an incredible journey together that included 'The Aftermath' and our podcast, 'Fair Game.' But Mike was much more than my partner in this fight - he was my brother, my father and my best friend."

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Leah Remini says Mike Rinder saved her life

In her heartfelt tribute to Rinder, Remini said "Mike saved my life and my daughter's life" as he "stood by me through battles that seemed insurmountable".

"I haven't come to terms with the reality that I can no longer call him and hear his voice. I'm broken in ways I never thought possible. I've cried endlessly and haven't been able to get out of bed since I got home," she added. .

The actress then spoke about Rinder's post-Scientology life, calling him a "transformed man" as he "worked tirelessly to right the wrongs of his past."

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"There wasn't a call Mike didn't take; there wasn't a person Mike didn't try to help, despite the many heartbreaks he suffered from those who needed him," Remini added. "Mike also became an amazing husband and caring, loving dad to Jack and his stepson Shane. One of the many heartbreaks Mike endured was the absence of his older children who were separated from him due to Scientology's cruel policies after he bravely escaped her abuse. Mike adored Jack, who is only 12 years old."

Leah Remini is asking the public to contribute to the Mike's Son College Fund

Leah Remini at the 2019 IDA Documentary Awards
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The "King of Queens" actress didn't stop there. She then asked her fans and followers to "join me in contributing to Jack's college fund, making sure Mike's dreams for his son can still come true."

"Please keep Mike's wife, Christie, Jack and Mike's stepson Shane in your thoughts and prayers," she added. "They lost a husband and a father whose love knew no bounds, and I lost someone whose presence in my life was irreplaceable."

Remini then concluded, "Mikey, I miss you every day and I just don't know how to do it without you."

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Remini Bashes The Church of Scientology

Leah Remini at the 29th Annual Producers Guild Awards
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After leaving the Church of Scientology, Leah Remini became one of its most vocal critics, raising concerns about several of the organization's practices. She was particularly outspoken about David Miscavige, the church's leader, accusing him of abusive behavior and authoritarian leadership.

Leah also denounces the church's "exclusion" policy, which allegedly forces members to cut ties with family and friends who leave or criticize Scientology. In addition, she called out financial exploitation within the organization, claiming that members are under pressure to give excessive amounts of money for courses, audits and donations. Leah also supported former members who shared allegations of physical, emotional and psychological abuse.

Furthermore, she criticizes the church for using its status as a religious organization to avoid legal oversight and accountability.



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