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Blame Scientology?

Filed under: Wacky, Tacky & True

THIS article in the LA Times about the suicide of Jeremy Blake a week after his girlfriend, Theresa Duncan, committed suicide is fascinating.

According to several friends and art world peers, the two believed they were being stalked and harassed by Scientologists, an abiding fear that soured old friendships and made some of their respective working relationships difficult.

    Posted: Jul 27, 2007 at 10:08 am / Email this  »
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    85 comments to “Blame Scientology?”

    1. fuck him says – reply to this


      1

      i hate michael vick!

    2. afkj;ladf says – reply to this


      2

      first

    3. Leah says – reply to this


      3

      scientology sucks!!!!!!

    4. sdgs says – reply to this


      4

      fags are jews, shit

    5. hidEe says – reply to this


      5

      creepy

    6. your mom says – reply to this


      6

      *rolls eyes*…their frineds also thought they were a little crazy for thinking so…..way to report there Perez…

    7. fuck him says – reply to this


      7

      HAHA I WAS FIRST. AND MICHAEL VICK STILL SUCKS DICK!

    8. Willow188 says – reply to this


      8

      Hey sdgs, what the hell does 'fags are jews' mean?

    9. Scarlett says – reply to this


      9

      UGH… when are people going to stop blaming religion. It was a cowards way out… that's all suicide is.

    10. peanutty says – reply to this


      10

      This story is familiar to me.
      At one time in my life I checked out Scientology, ie, stupidly bought the book and gave them my information. For 3 years they stalked me, phone calls and letters that started out frendly and increased into veiled threats.

    11. WTF says – reply to this


      11

      #9: people who commit suicide aren't cowards. they are obviously going through mental and perhaps physical pain. show some fucking compassion and stop being so ignorant!

    12. Cemil says – reply to this


      12

      I think Scientology is conducive to brainwash. They are capable of a lot more than death.

    13. Burt says – reply to this


      13

      Scientology isn't a religion, it's a CULT (I know, ’cause I've been there).

    14. London the Chihuahua says – reply to this


      14

      I don't see what any of this has to do with Scientology. They were both probably on drugs the entire time.

    15. dadada says – reply to this


      15

      The article sounds like they were on drugs and crazy. I feel bad they are gone, but the art world people do anything for a satement and attention. They know their work is worth more now.

    16. Edgar says – reply to this


      16

      Cult: religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.

      +

      Scam: A fraudulent business scheme; a swindle.

      =

      SCIENTOLOGY

    17. saad says – reply to this


      17

      this is not to be treated as some "wacky" item perez.

    18. 'Fraidy Cat says – reply to this


      18

      I'd be scared to leave a comment about scientology. Those people are nuts!

    19. JohnnyG says – reply to this


      19

      Well you should hate Scientology, Mario, it hates you. L. Ron Hubbard was a vehement homophobe who drove his gay son (Quintin) to suicide. Closet-cases like Travolta and Cruise flock to Scientology because it promises to, as they put it, "help people control those compulsions." According to Scientology, it's not society that needs to change and be accepting of gays, it's gays that need to control their perverted "compulsions." It's a homophobic cult.

    20. question says – reply to this


      20

      if someone has anorexia and starves to death, is that considered suicide?

    21. Dubs says – reply to this


      21

      What is this wacky shit?!?!? Who are these people and what were they on?!?! This is stooooopid!

    22. buzzy says – reply to this


      22

      Blaming religion is once agian another cowardly way to not be accountable for your own actions. I am not a Scientologist but it amazes me that ignorant people jump all over anything they do not understand. Speaking of jumping……. Tom Cruise jumped on Oprahs couch becuase he was CRAZY in love. Many people have cried out in love including myself. TO feel true love is something beautiful and the media truned it into something else. Oh and if I had a kabillion dollars to by an ultrasound machine to view my child in my womb I would to. Did I mention I am not a drop dead fan of TOm Cruise? His kid is oober cute!!!

      To believe EVERYTHING one reads by the MEDIA is fact is truly a small minded niave idiot. I know several scientologists , grew up with one and I must say the family is really the best.

      ALL religions have assholes. ALL races have assholes. Look at what is going on with the war, Priest molesting young boys, Nuns beating children, terrorism…….need I say more?

      Oh wait…….no changed my mind.

      TTFN
      The Buzz, Vancouver BC CANADA Eh.

    23. crazy says – reply to this


      23

      Momma says Scientology is the devil

    24. Waterboy says – reply to this


      24

      Momma says scientology is the devil

    25. Sigh says – reply to this


      25

      Scientologists harassing & stalking people??? Shock, horror!! Who would have thought it??? Bunch of arseholes.

    26. Diva says – reply to this


      26

      Her death has not been ruled a suicide yet. Additionally Jeremy Blakes body has not been found. She was well known as was he to be paranoid. That has been well documented on many blogs.

    27. FURBY says – reply to this


      27

      First off, I am not a scientologist, nor do I follow any religion at all.
      But they can't be serious. Scientologists stalking and harassing them? Stop making up excuses to kill yourself.
      Second, yes you can blame religion as a whole for most of the world's issues. You just don't commit suicide over it. Take control of the issues, don't just walk away from them.

    28. pinkimartini says – reply to this


      28

      you're about a week behind on the story - boing boing has been covering it as well as LAist. It's a really sad story - not fascinating.

    29. cheryl says – reply to this


      29

      I knew a guy who was involved in Scientology for a couple of years. When he decided it wasn't for him, they harassed him and literally forced him into bankruptcy.

      Their trick is to offer to support new members financially to suck them in, then if the member wants out, they give them a bill for everything they've ever given to them. They tend to seek out weak minded or troubled people who are at low points in their lives, who are in such terrible distess they don't realize what they're getting into. When they want out, they harass them mercilously for payment with threats and intimidation, including blackmail.

      They threatened the guy I knew by telling him they would reveal certain personal information to his family. They truly are a typical cult exerting control by whatever means available. I know they drove the guy I knew into a depression so severe that he was hospitalized, so this story could be accurate.

    30. Clearwater says – reply to this


      30

      Believe me, I live in a city that has been taken over by them. Scientologists are VERY aggressive with their beliefs and their are many documented example of how they use harassment to target their foes. This is not a bigoted statement but a fact. Look at the St. Petersburg Times article on how they infiltrated local government and blackmailed people here to get their way. Not too mention the people that have died in their "care". If you don't know who Lisa McPherson is you should find out. The story of her death will make your skin crawl.

    31. Nicole says – reply to this


      31

      Several people have died .."suicide" after attempting to leave the "church." The church destroys their lives and reputations. This is a cult, no doubt about that- and they don't like people to leave.

    32. Chickie says – reply to this


      32

      You need an anti-Scientology stalking organization. If a Scientoligist stalks you, you should be able to call someone to stop it.

    33. SamIam says – reply to this


      33

      Blame what you don't know… easy out. He was crazy, nothing to do with the church. Geez.

    34. ThisStoryisBS says – reply to this


      34

      Just read the article. The church had nothing to do with these people. Even their friends said they were paranoid and into all kinds of conspiracy shit.

    35. xenu says – reply to this


      35

      not the first time. check out xenutv.com

      I believe scientology is a cult, and they do drive people to kill themselves.

    36. M says – reply to this


      36

      That guy that killed himself was hotter than hell!

    37. debbb says – reply to this


      37

      RELIGION IS A CULT

    38. JR says – reply to this


      38

      I ABSOLUTELY BELIEVE that about being stalked and harrassed by Scientologists. I know a young girl, early 20's who attended a Scientology meeting at the urging of a friend. Ever since then the Scientologists follow her to work, camp out daily at her house…bother her everywhere she goes. They offered to pay her rent at a Scientology center, want her to devote her entire life to them and recruit as well. She is having a nervous breakdown and nobody can get rid of these idiots. It's very scary.

    39. Brownbear says – reply to this


      39

      MARIAH'S AIRBRUSHERS ARE AT IT AGAIN !!!!

    40. honeydew says – reply to this


      40

      Sounds to me like the freaking SCIENTOLIGISTS/MEDIA MAFIA killed the competition. I doubt it was really suicide!!!!!!! Way too obvious……

    41. CRAZY says – reply to this


      41

      WOW! That's pretty crazy. You couldn;t write that shit if you wanted. There's something fishy about this story. How could the both of them just off the crazy step together at the same time? In her last words she reffers to needing to speak, to be heard…maybe the really witnessed some alien shit and knew no one would ever believe them.

    42. Neri says – reply to this


      42

      Its called "fair game". The church of Scientology says they have abandoned this practice of stalking, but come on, who really believes that!

    43. Hate to be the one to break it to you... says – reply to this


      43

      ….put "religion" aside for a sec. It's really hard to do and takes time. Read all the different world religions manuals- from each sector and (if read like books are intended without preconceive notions) you find that there is only ONE TRUTH. It will be hard for you to swallow because once you read this book just as a book you know it's the only way and you'll have to accept it. The Bible! I know it’s tough. Bit It's a magical book that's really alive in it's own right…I was a skeptic…until I read it for myself just a book and…its the one truth. Pretty heavy to swallow I know but you can’t deny something that is real. Don't be religious- be curious people!

    44. Meghan says – reply to this


      44

      This man's body was actually supposedly found 4 miles off of my hometown of Point Pleasant. WEIRD! I work as a badge checker and a guy who came to the beach told me about this just an hour before I saw this posting!!

    45. suicidal tendencies says – reply to this


      45

      these people are far from ignorant, they are total geniuses!!! they may have been suffering from mental paranoia..this story has NOTHING to do with blame….this story may be over most of your heads, specially #22

      What a fascinating couple and what a tragic loss

    46. Your Mama says – reply to this


      46

      And so it begins…………..I don't watch anything made with or by "Scientologist's" NOTHING!!………I believe they are evil and WILL resort to anything to "win over" converts………

    47. Pay ATTENTION says – reply to this


      47

      For those of you who are in University…….BEWARE!!!! "They" are everywhere, organizing "events" that you wouldn't think were by Scientologists. Once you are in their "sites" they don't give up.
      Be ALERT, Be AWARE, Be SAFE………………..I'm not kidding!!!!

    48. Jane says – reply to this


      48

      If someone was stalking me, camping out on my lawn, calling me, etc. I would do something that takes alot of creativity to figure out. They're called the police and citizens can call on them to arrest people who are harassing, stalking, camping out illegally on property, etc. Too bad these people didn't hear of the organization called the police before they took their lives. That being said, Scientologists are complete assholes.

    49. nothing says – reply to this


      49

      BECK IS A SCIENTOLIGIST. HE IS A FRAUD AND A DUMB ASS SCIENTOLIGIST. BECK IS A HAS BEEN FROM THE 90'S.

    50. Nicole says – reply to this


      50

      Scientology isn't the devil, scientology is f***ing stupid.
      It's power. It's money. It's manipulating the people.
      Is there some truth and goodness in it?
      Sure.
      But there's was also truth and goodness in Hitler (towards his family).
      Just saying.

    51. yoursmellyass says – reply to this


      51

      he's still alive.

    52. Dangerous says – reply to this


      52

      Scientologist are very scary people. what out for what you say about the cult.

    53. jenn says – reply to this


      53

      This entry sort of undermines Theresa Duncan's untimely death. Reading about it last week was one of the saddest days of my life. It isn't really celebrity fodder. Wish the LA Times story hadn't been published; wish you hadn't posted it. Pearls before swine.

    54. tom says – reply to this


      54

      *
      I'd comment, but I don't want Scientologists hangin' outside my house……
      *

    55. Kimberly says – reply to this


      55

      Scientology seems to be a pyramid money making scheme in addition to everything else. People who need a place to belong usually fall victim. And for those who challenge them, look out! They are very good a bullying.

    56. trista says – reply to this


      56

      TWO people at the same time being completely paranoid? I don't think so.

      Of course you look paranoid and crazy when you suggest someone is consistently following you. It comes right out of some spy movie for god's sake. But that's what Scientologists DO! They stalk and harass. They should have took pictures as evidence. Same people multiple times on film would suffice.

    57. S says – reply to this


      57

      I read this article yesterday. Funny how different one sentence can look when it is taken completely out of context.

    58. knowledgeable says – reply to this


      58

      Scientologists operate many rehab centers. You are unaware of the connections until your loved one calls you and tells you they are made to read all of their propaganda literature before they can be graduated from the program. If you say anything glib, negative or voice a factual statement that gives a foundation for opposing scientology you can be expelled from the program. You are allowed to say " F**k God" but you absolutely can not say "F**k L. Ron Hubbard " or "F**k Scientology". If you do they can and will literally put you out on the street . If you are from out of the area or out of state you are really SOL until you can reach someone in your family that can help you. If you happen to be in a facility that is located in the heart of an area with hookers, drug dealers and homeless people, good luck to you and fare thee well. The major point is - There is nothing in the brochures that will flag you as to who or what is funding and running the program until you have signed on and spent thousands of dollars and are at your lowest point emotionally. People with a modicum of intelligence will have the hardest time going through the program because not only are you fighting off the drug issues and all that goes with it but you are spending energy disputing (or screaming in her head) everything they are trying to shove into your head about Scientology. And yes. you have to go through a session where you have to recount everything bad that you have done in your life and the session is documented. For what purpose, yours or theirs???!!!!!

    59. pinchecabron says – reply to this


      59

      How in the *&$#@@!! would we know who they're blaming,
      IF THEY'RE DEAD!!!!

    60. Miss Demeanor says – reply to this


      60

      I remember reading an article where Warren Zevon (at least, i'm pretty sure it was Warren Zevon), said he'd shown an interest in Scientology. When the interest didn't last, he said they called constantly, followed him, etc. All the same shit. BTW, Clearwater, which city have they taken over? They have a huge influence in L.A. i'm told. I think they're exceptionally scary. Who knows how many organizations they infiltrated, the police included. He was once friends with Heinlein, until he wrote H a letter saying that the way to get rich was to start a religion. Heinlein apparently thought this was unacceptable and they stopped being friends.

    61. FaShionHilton says – reply to this


      61

      MAKES NO SENSE….THEIR FRIENDS ARE IDIOTS WITH BAD HAND GESTURES!

    62. wasp says – reply to this


      62

      WASPY . WASPY. WASPY. The demographic makes sense-Scientologists love white people with money, power, and beauty, and so does the art world.
      I would care more if they weren't WHITE, RICH, GOOD LOOKING, and OVERLY EDUCATED. They probably had everything handed to them, and then they sat around in their fancy little apts. in LA and New York wearing Prada. getting all paranoid/whining about people wanting to be close to them. Sad.
      Go make a movie.

    63. Cel says – reply to this


      63

      I loved the sequences that they did for Punch Drunk Love.
      Its too bad that they had to end the way they did.
      As for scientology, If you have the money to feed the machine, they will let you believe anything.
      Its all based on a sci fi book.. sheesh. weird.

    64. SLOW says – reply to this


      64

      MARIO,
      THIS POSTING UNDERMINES WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE. DELETE THIS POST

    65. skippy skeeball says – reply to this


      65

      Say what you will about Scientology, but they aren't stupid. They recently expanded their operations to HUGE lavish outposts in several European countries. They're stinkin' RICH, and you don't get to be rich by being stupid. Therefore, it makes no sense for them to have had any hand in these people's deaths. If Scientology really operated by threats/intimidation/blackmail, don't you think SOMEONE would have stopped them by now, or at least held a major Federal inquiry? Scientology would have to be more powerful than the FBI, CIA, NSA, and DARPA combined to get away with all the shit they're accused of getting away with on a daily basis. Get real.

    66. Mark says – reply to this


      66

      Such a sad story. I worked with Theresa back in the mid-90's. She was very talented and very focused. Sad way to see her story end.

    67. Ms. Bryce says – reply to this


      67

      That is so Eddie and the Cruisers!

    68. Dude4 says – reply to this


      68

      Don't mess with the scientologist Perez. they will fuck you up!

    69. Guesst says – reply to this


      69

      It's very well documented that Scientologists have stalked and harassed people and threatened them for years. Rumors have existed for quite some time that both Travolta and Cruise are being blackmailed into putting on their happy Scientology faces and pretending everything's fine.

      Scientology is not a religion. It was created by a failed science fiction writer who left the United States because he got into trouble. Scientology Followers believe they came from outer space beings. They are cultist in every sense of the word, and the cult has spent many years cultivating relationships and currying favor with celebrities to lend credibility to their cult.

      It's a real shame the so-called friends of the deceased couple, didn't have the balls to believe them and stick by them. Of course they were being targeted and harassed.

      Get real.

    70. Guesst says – reply to this


      70

      Perez is probably one of the few celebrities in the world who has the balls and ability to take on Scientology and live.

      He has millions of people to stand behind him should the cult go on the attack against him, and he has more guts than most people to repeat the truth, even when it offends or shames himself.

      One of Scientology's favorite tricks is blackmail. What's Perez got to hide? He'd eat up their publicity. LOL.

    71. Terry Bucchieri says – reply to this


      71

      SCIENTOLOGY ISN'T A RELIGION YOU FREAKS

    72. chelsea says – reply to this


      72

      what does michael vick has to do with this story and how can you hate someone you don't even know…..mike vick is INNOCENT until proven GUILTY!!!

    73. z says – reply to this


      73

      weird…i doubt anyone will ever know what was really going on

    74. carl says – reply to this


      74

      Scientology is the worst thing ever! Where I live there's this sort of scientology store and if you ever walk near the store the people in the store chase you with all kinds of propganda.
      And i agree with Cemill, Scientology is conducive to brainwash, a friend of mine went to some Scientology courses in LA and when she returned she was a completely different person.

    75. Leroy says – reply to this


      75

      #65 - skippy skeeball says:
      Say what you will about Scientology, but they aren’t stupid. They recently expanded their operations to HUGE lavish outposts in several European countries. They’re stinkin’ RICH, and you don’t get to be rich by being stupid.
      _________________________________________

      No you get rich by feeding off the stupid, and the lonely, let me guess they took your money too and you don't want to admit you were scammed?
      L Ron Hubbard even said it was a scam to make money.

    76. Hang On To Yer Wallets, Beckhams says – reply to this


      76

      You just KNOW that the Cruises have set out from DAY ONE to recruit their filthy rich friends the Beckhams into "the church." Tom Cruise is up their asses like poop. Maybe he hasn't full-on pushed them about it yet (Victoria says that the subject doesn't even come up) but I'm sure that old TC sneaks the subject into the conversation whenever he can. That would be the ultimate recruitment - America's wealthiest sports star? What level of "clear" would Tom reach then? Why, he'd be bigger 'n Xenu!

    77. Me says – reply to this


      77

      I'm sorry, but who is this guy? Never heard of him or the girlfriend.

    78. blueblack says – reply to this


      78

      delete this post this does not belong on this low-brow trash site this site is for lind,brit ect et al

    79. ravenschick26 says – reply to this


      79

      scientology is the devil
      this I know is true
      lest yee not speak ill of them
      or they will get you too

    80. LondonNYC says – reply to this


      80

      jeremy blake was a sweet and friendly man… im glad i had the pleasure of meeting him… he never came aross spaced out or weird to me… such a tradegy

    81. LondonNYC says – reply to this


      81

      mr. blake was a very sweet man … he never came across spaced out or weird to me… im glad that i had the opportunity to meet such a brilliant and talented man… such a tragedy

    82. GROAR says – reply to this


      82

      they weren't cowards-suicide is your right,who else but yourself knows best when it's time to pull the plug.Artists,writers,bloggers,not just those other people grinding it out can perceive futility in existence-having seen it all,if mentally you are going in circles and it's painful-an intellectual person,would get it,that the pain ends when you stop breathing-and when you stop breathing it's just like sleeping.But it does suck for the people you leave behind who think you were cool,cool people-and we wanted to see and hang out with you more. If you believe scientology is a brain wash-check out a Mormom whatever they call it-until you are a member-you are only allowed in a room just for visitors-where I've heard a video plays for 30 minutes,those 30 minutes last the rest of your life. Love and Peace TheresaJeremy-disappearing into the dark cold ocean late at nite,can only be done when you've been highly dosed with sorrow,the deepest most personal loss of your truest lover.That's real,it's in a class by itself,above Shakespeare-this is a real tragedy becasue you wish you didn't know-

    83. GROAR says – reply to this


      83

      Theresa was a personal friend,she had the best personality,a really cool voice-she was so so so smart-but she never made you feel dumb as you are.She did dynamic things,always had an idea for a story,was quick to tell you-she almost always lied about her age-all this time I thought we were the same.We were alike,but we were not the same.

    84. Jess says – reply to this


      84

      i am so deeply saddened to hear about Jeremy Blake's suicide. ive been such a big fan of his work for years now. in contemporary artists, jeremy blake was very well known working on the film Punch Drunk Love and also working along with Beck on the cd Sea Change making 4 different artistic covers, as well as making a music video "round the bend". he be will greatly missed.

    85. cn says – reply to this


      85

      someone should look deeper into this.