Anti-Scientology Protesters Target L.A.-Based Church; Gaining National Attention

Last Updated on March 17, 2024 12:07 PM CDT

A growing grassroots movement on TikTok is happening in Los Angeles, where content creators have been protesting outside the Church of Scientology Information Center on Hollywood Boulevard for months. The movement aims to disrupt foot traffic from tourists and raise awareness about the church’s alleged transgressions, including fraud and human trafficking.

However, some viewers have turned from focusing on the protesters to bringing unwanted attention to a young Scientologist named Sebastian, who has gained TikTok fame due to his movie-star good looks. Some protesters expressed concern that the attention on Sebastian may distract from the overall goal of disrupting church recruitment. Critics argue that the tactics used by the protesters may be counterproductive, while the church claims they are promoting harassment.

The movement, led by activist William Gude, has faced criticism for its methods, and some fear the focus on saving Sebastian may be unhealthy and distracting. Gude, an L.A.-based activist who runs the LAPD watchdog page @FilmThePoliceLA. Gude said his interest in the church was sparked by an altercation with a security guard outside the Center last year. “I said, ‘I’m going to end your religion,’” Gude recalls. “And he just kind of laughed at me.” Gude decided to start TikTok and YouTube accounts that would live stream outside the Center, bringing awareness to what he characterizes as the deceptive tactics Scientologists use to lure tourists into the church.

The church denies that it has harassed or threatened anyone, saying it has made nearly a dozen police reports against the protesters. Gude denies that any of the protesters have resorted to physical intimidation or broken any laws during altercations with Scientology staff members, and that they stay outside of the building.

Despite the controversies, the protesters believe their actions are effective in disrupting the church’s activities.