I like to tell little anecdotes to bring more reality and understanding to Tom DeVocht's blogs.
This is the story of Russ Bellin.
Russ was /is a Sea Org Member who was posted as THE most senior Executive over CST
(Church of Spiritual Technology)
One day, during one of David Miscavige’s trademark volcanic rages, he summoned Russ Bellin to Int Base.
Then it happened.
In front of other senior execs, Miscavige lunged at Bellin, screaming inches from his face, “You piece of sht! You’re sabotaging MY church!”*
He didn’t just scream. He shoved him. Hard.
And like so many others before him, Russ Bellin stood there and took it—Because in Scientology, to flinch, to protest, to walk away—meant instant annihilation. Not just of your position, but your life, your family, your very identity.
This was standard operating procedure in the cult’s upper echelons.
Bellin would go on pretending nothing had happened. So would the others in the room. That was the code of silence. That was the price of survival.
🔹 Abuse by Miscavige
Multiple ex-Scientologists have reported that Russ Bellin was physically abused by Miscavige, including being screamed at, shoved, slapped, and degraded in front of others.
In one of the most disturbing accounts (shared by former executives), Miscavige had Bellin chained to a table as a form of punishment and humiliation. This act was meant to break him psychologically and make an example of him. Now pause for a moment.
Russ was put in to a heavy chain as the Roman slaves in the movie "GLADIATOR" was imprisoned
by this chain to a heavy table. For a long time.
He was also reportedly subjected to "The Hole", the infamous prison-like punishment unit at Int Base—a set of double-wide trailers where Sea Org members were confined, sleep-deprived, and made to confess their “crimes” for weeks or months.
🔹 Fall from Grace
Like many top Sea Org members who fell out of favor with Miscavige, Bellin seemingly vanished from public-facing Scientology roles.
It is not clear whether he officially "blew" (escaped), was declared a Suppressive Person, or was sent to the RPF (Rehabilitation Project Force), the Sea Org’s punitive labor camp.
🔹 Current Whereabouts
As of now, his status remains unknown publicly. There’s no confirmed report of whether he left the Sea Org, escaped the Church entirely, or is still under control at a lower level.
He has not spoken out publicly like other former high-ranking members (e.g., Mike Rinder, Marc Headley, or Tom DeVocht).
🔹 Contextual Note
Russ Bellin’s fate reflects a pattern of brutality and control at Int Base, where even the highest-level executives are reduced to slaves under Miscavige's reign. Bellin was once powerful—but power in Scientology is conditional, and always one outburst away from destruction.
I never knew about Russ being chained to a table by Miscavige. Horrifying.
I did know about Rick Cruzen being forced to wear shackles, though. One of DM’s lackeys would carry the key, and he’d have Rick chained to a table to show everyone else ‘what a nasty criminal he was’. Sick sick sick.
I’d read on Marty’s blog many years ago that Russ tried to escape, but got his foot caught in the fence and was recovered.
How the fuck does this little twerp get away with this shit? This is a rhetorical question. It’s time to rid the world of mini-me. His sell by date has long since expired—he literally stinks.
Good job Tom! I know at twin peaks there is a fully tricked out bunker for select people like John Travolta, Dave, Tom Cruise, etc. To use in the case of a nuclear fall our. I was at CST when Dave was showing the start of it to Travolta.
I'm a never-in, who has been following the Scientology survivor community for over a decade. This is the most thorough, bullet-point compilation of this cult's coercive tactics I've seen. Well done, Michael.
I like to tell little anecdotes to bring more reality and understanding to Tom DeVocht's blogs.
This is the story of Russ Bellin.
Russ was /is a Sea Org Member who was posted as THE most senior Executive over CST
(Church of Spiritual Technology)
One day, during one of David Miscavige’s trademark volcanic rages, he summoned Russ Bellin to Int Base.
Then it happened.
In front of other senior execs, Miscavige lunged at Bellin, screaming inches from his face, “You piece of sht! You’re sabotaging MY church!”*
He didn’t just scream. He shoved him. Hard.
And like so many others before him, Russ Bellin stood there and took it—Because in Scientology, to flinch, to protest, to walk away—meant instant annihilation. Not just of your position, but your life, your family, your very identity.
This was standard operating procedure in the cult’s upper echelons.
Bellin would go on pretending nothing had happened. So would the others in the room. That was the code of silence. That was the price of survival.
🔹 Abuse by Miscavige
Multiple ex-Scientologists have reported that Russ Bellin was physically abused by Miscavige, including being screamed at, shoved, slapped, and degraded in front of others.
In one of the most disturbing accounts (shared by former executives), Miscavige had Bellin chained to a table as a form of punishment and humiliation. This act was meant to break him psychologically and make an example of him. Now pause for a moment.
Russ was put in to a heavy chain as the Roman slaves in the movie "GLADIATOR" was imprisoned
by this chain to a heavy table. For a long time.
He was also reportedly subjected to "The Hole", the infamous prison-like punishment unit at Int Base—a set of double-wide trailers where Sea Org members were confined, sleep-deprived, and made to confess their “crimes” for weeks or months.
🔹 Fall from Grace
Like many top Sea Org members who fell out of favor with Miscavige, Bellin seemingly vanished from public-facing Scientology roles.
It is not clear whether he officially "blew" (escaped), was declared a Suppressive Person, or was sent to the RPF (Rehabilitation Project Force), the Sea Org’s punitive labor camp.
🔹 Current Whereabouts
As of now, his status remains unknown publicly. There’s no confirmed report of whether he left the Sea Org, escaped the Church entirely, or is still under control at a lower level.
He has not spoken out publicly like other former high-ranking members (e.g., Mike Rinder, Marc Headley, or Tom DeVocht).
🔹 Contextual Note
Russ Bellin’s fate reflects a pattern of brutality and control at Int Base, where even the highest-level executives are reduced to slaves under Miscavige's reign. Bellin was once powerful—but power in Scientology is conditional, and always one outburst away from destruction.
I never knew about Russ being chained to a table by Miscavige. Horrifying.
I did know about Rick Cruzen being forced to wear shackles, though. One of DM’s lackeys would carry the key, and he’d have Rick chained to a table to show everyone else ‘what a nasty criminal he was’. Sick sick sick.
I’d read on Marty’s blog many years ago that Russ tried to escape, but got his foot caught in the fence and was recovered.
How the fuck does this little twerp get away with this shit? This is a rhetorical question. It’s time to rid the world of mini-me. His sell by date has long since expired—he literally stinks.
Well said, Karen.
Good job Tom! I know at twin peaks there is a fully tricked out bunker for select people like John Travolta, Dave, Tom Cruise, etc. To use in the case of a nuclear fall our. I was at CST when Dave was showing the start of it to Travolta.
Sounds consistent with his MO.
There once was a pirate named Davy
Who ran a small cult and fake navy
With constant suppression
Subverting expression
His goal was to drive people crazy!
David Miscavige has been able to successfully vault over previous obstacles, but the hurdles ahead will trip him up.
Let’s summarize the real policy of the Punching Pope:
1. Punishment Over Reward
• Mistakes or dissent are met with harsh consequences.
• Fear of punishment outweighs hope for praise or growth.
• Creates a culture where people obey out of self-preservation, not loyalty.
2. Unpredictability
• Rules change suddenly.
• Enforces discipline arbitrarily or inconsistently.
• Keeps followers off-balance and afraid of stepping out of line.
3. Public Shaming or Humiliation
• Dissenters or “failures” are reprimanded or humiliated in front of others.
• Reinforces the message: “This could happen to you.”
4. Isolation
• Members are cut off from outside support systems (friends, family, internet).
• Disconnection reduces alternative perspectives, increasing dependency on him.
5. Surveillance and Paranoia
• Members are watched or encouraged to report on one another.
• No one feels safe—even allies may be informants.
• Trust is eroded; only he is seen as safe or stable.
6. Control of Information
• The group is fed only his approved version of reality.
• Outside information is labeled dangerous, fake, or disloyal.
7. Emotional Manipulation
• Flips between warmth and rage to keep followers emotionally destabilized.
• Guilt, shame, and fear are used to keep people compliant.
8. Scapegoating
• Internal problems are blamed on disloyal members or outside “enemies.”
• Keeps the group united through fear of a common threat.
Why It Works (Short-Term)
• Fear creates obedience and rapid compliance.
• People focus on surviving, not resisting or questioning.
• It suppresses rebellion by making the cost of resistance high.
Why It Fails (Long-Term)
• Fear breeds resentment, not loyalty.
• Innovation, creativity, and morale collapse.
• When the fear weakens (e.g., he dies or flees), the entire structure is likely to crumble.
I'm a never-in, who has been following the Scientology survivor community for over a decade. This is the most thorough, bullet-point compilation of this cult's coercive tactics I've seen. Well done, Michael.
Thanks Karen. ❤️
Tom, you are unbelievable.
One question to you:
Do you think Miscavige does this alone?
I would like to hear your viewpoint.