Former Scientology govt and whistleblower Mike Rinder has died on the age of 69.
Rinder’s spouse, Christie King Collbran, shared the unhappy information Sunday on Instagram.
“Rest in peace, my sweet, beautiful husband,” King Collbran wrote, her phrases accompanied by a photograph of their household.
“I speak for so many when I say the sadness and pain we feel mirror the depth of our unwavering love for you. Your courage, bravery, and integrity are unmatched and will forever inspire us. You have been the pillar of stability in our lives, filling our days with your strength, wisdom, love, laughter and devotion. The world will remember you. My best friend, my hero, my love, Michael John Rinder.”
She additionally included a message that Rinder requested be shared after his demise.
“If you are reading this, I have shuffled off this mortal coil in accordance with the immutable law that there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes,” his assertion learn. “My only real regret is not having achieved what I said I wanted to — ending the abuses of Scientology, especially disconnection and seeing (my son) into adulthood.”
The message continued: “If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses please keep the flag flying — never give up. And please, if you are able in some way, help Christie and the boys to move forward into the next chapter of their lives.”
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Rinder’s reason for demise has not been revealed, however he introduced in 2023 that he had been recognized with superior esophageal most cancers.
Before Rinder left the Church of Scientology in 2007 and have become a whistleblower pulling again the curtain on its interior workings, he served in varied govt roles throughout the church together with the worldwide spokesperson, head of the Office of Special Affairs and a member of the Board of Directors of the Church of Scientology International.
Leah Remini and Mike Rinder in a teaser for Season 2 of ‘Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.’.
AE
After leaving Scientology behind on the age of 52, he grew to become a reducing critic of the group, co-hosting Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath for 3 seasons, the place he uncovered alleged widespread abuse and harassment. When the docuseries ended, he and Remini continued to talk out concerning the church of their Scientology: Fair Game podcast.
He additionally took half in HBO’s 2015 Going Clear documentary, which revealed alleged abusive practices throughout the church.
After Rinder launched his memoir, A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life within the Highest Ranks of Scientology, in 2022, the Church of Scientology hit again, denying all allegations he’s made through the years.
“Mike Rinder is an inveterate liar who seeks to profit from his dishonesty,” an announcement from the church mentioned on the time. “He supports himself by orchestrating the harassment of his former Church and its leader through false police reports, incendiary propaganda and fraudulent media stories.”
Remini has but to remark publicly on Rinder’s demise, however shared that she spent a while with him over the vacations.
“Spreading a little holiday cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his beautiful family,” she captioned a photograph of her and Rinder embracing in his mattress. “As many of you know, Mike has been courageously battling cancer, and your messages of love truly lift his spirits. Please keep Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Surround them with all the love and strength they so deserve.”
Rinder is survived by his spouse and their two sons, Shane and Jack. He additionally shares two kids — daughter Taryn and son Benjamin — along with his first spouse, Cathy.
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