Scientology calls HBO's documentary 'false propaganda' and slams former member featured in film
One of the allegations in "Going Clear" comes from former member, Mike Rinder, who, in an on-camera interview, discusses an area at one of the Scientology compounds supposedly called "The Hole," where disobedient members are allegedly sent as punishment.
In an email to Business Insider, the church denies such a place even exists:
The church didn't like that one, either, and in response slammed Rinder's character, calling him a "tainted source."
The one frequent Scientology rumor the film does not address is the alleged disappearance of Shelly Miscavige, wife of Scientology leader David Miscavige, over nine years ago.
Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Sundance"Going Clear" director Alex Gibney (L) with author/producer Lawrence Wright (R) at the film's Sundance premiere.Gibney previously told us there just wasn't enough time in the film to cover the story.
"At the end of the day, rather than doing stone skipping and covering as much as possible in a superficial way we chose to dig in on certain things," explained the director.
But the Church of Scientology is adamant that Shelly Miscavige's whereabouts are part of a "conspiracy theory" and that she is not, in fact, missing.
HBO and Mike Rinder did not immediately reply to Business Insider's request for comment.