I got out when I finished Dianetics book one and I was almost forced to buy an auditors membership, the sea org show me the "policy" where it said that anyone who finish the dianetics book has to buy that membership, now Me being like I am, I questioned that policy, because the policy shown to me contradicted what the Dianetics book said, on the Dianetics book it nevers says ANYTHING about buying memberships in order to audit people. The sea org member told me that if I audit someone I will be doing it illegally, because I did not had a membership, I got up and I said, "Then so be it" and I walk away from the cult. BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE
There is not such thing as illegal auditing because auditing is not even a thing, it's a medicine show, a snake oil cure all, holding two metal cans to make a needle randomly move. It has no meaningful worth, it is a scam to lull vulnerable people to part with their cash. You get as much value from sitting down with your best friend for a chat about your shitty life, you might feel a bit better but your problems will still be your problems...difference with scientology, they will empty your bank account...your best friend won't. LRH proved one thing, that gullible people can be fleeced in broad daylight and conveniently 'The kings new clothes' mentality perpetuates the criminal activity of this cult. As this dear lady said She did not get what she paid for, because what she paid for was the biggest mass delusion on the planet.
biensalsa, I'm baffled more people can't see through the "game", "fraud", "scam"...totally amazing. Stokholm, manipulation, gaslighting... Unbelievable!
The level of humor and cinicism of this woman is completely charming. After a gruesome experience like that she picked herself up and kept going. A person like this in the right environment would do a lot of good to humanity. Rest in Peace Maria Pia.
Se la vedevi dal vivo vedevi il livello di arroganza e di ostentazione assurda dei simboli di scientology tutti in Oro e tutti con lo scopo di vanità il falò della vanità.il contrario di quello che è richiesto e voluto....si sì rip Maria Pia Gardini.prossime vite non scappi dal Pianeta Terra
I am here in 2024. These stories are heartbreaking. As we watch this cult come down, as we watch enrolments go down, as crowds gather nightly on Hollywood Blvd raising their voices against the COS, I think of survivors like this and hope, somewhere, they are at peace.
+Van Torrance Grief doesn't have a time line that is exactly the same for everyone. When it involves your child, it can rear its head even years after the event. My beautiful niece was killed by a car when her angry boyfriend followed her down the street and pushed her into the street right in front of a car. She never saw him coming (according to witnesses he sneaked up behind her). The car was moving over 50 mph. She never had a chance. Although it has been several years, it is still very painful to think about her, about how she died such a horrible death at age 23. My sister, her mother, and I talk frequently on the phone. We are very close. She is capable of laughing and having a good time, her mind is not constantly on her child. However, when something reminds her of her beloved child, the grief comes flooding back in. It probably never will completely go away. When it comes to your children, there is no stronger bond. They are a piece of yourself. Maybe someday you will experience parenthood, then you will find out what it is to have a child. Hopefully, you will NOT have the experience my sister has had with losing a child. But having a child of your own will probably open your eyes to how powerful the connection to another human being can become. And how powerfully you can experience sadness, grief, and caring about everything that happens to that child.
Anyone can sit here and say "How the hell are they so stupid?" And it's easy to agree.. What's not easy is telling your story, of abuse, mind control, extortion. She calls herself stupid, we don't have to remind her of that. She was taken advantage of and they didn't have the "disconnection" part to even play on her.. Just imagine those that lose their family AND everything else. Debbie Cook has a very good story on Mike Rinder's Blog. She is having financial problems because of these greedy bastards but she doesn't even talk about that, she lost a son to scientology. She almost lost 2 sons but she was able to get one out. And they did the same thing to him as they did with Maria Pia. Asking for donations on his behalf with the agreement to pay the donor back. Fortunately, they "only" got $60,000 from him. My heart goes out to every single person who has been abused by this piece of shit organization.
They're the mob at this point. If you watch Leah's episodes about Clearwater, and how they have avoided FBI investigations and infiltrated organisations, how they harassed IRS agents into giving them tax exempt status, you'll see why. They operate like gangsters.
allan nørgaard Did this sweet lady die? I really like her and feel for her. Why is this “CULT” able to do this? Actually that’s rhetorical because I have binge watched all these poor souls videos. I just wish it would be shut down. There are people that have logically explained why this place thrives. I just hate that they can.
my heart bleeds for this woman she is priceless and they just took advantage of her.. that goes to show you , she is a very intelligent person and they snookered her into their goofy game
One doesn't think that their "church" would be a racket in the beginning. As time goes by they convince them that it's their fault and that they aren't doing it correctly. It's one mind game after another.
MARIA PIA GARDINI SHE WAS AND STILL IS A FANTASTIC BRAVE WOMAN. THE PROUD OF ITALY SHE HAD THE POWER TO GET OUT OF SCIENTOLOGY AND HELPING OTHERS TO GET OUT THANK YOU MARIA PIA💜
I was pissed about an hour into this. I'm now livid. I am so angry at these people. How dare they treat Maria that way? It is ALWAYS worse than you think.
So, can we expect an affidavit from Debbie Cook about how non-charitable Scientology organisations are paying commission on "donations" which we can send to the IRS??
Omg!!!! This is the worst cult that I've ever heard or read about. What a DEMONIC CULT. God bless the souls that have been put through torture of the worst kind. INHUMAN.
wow one of the very best interviews I have seen about a cult. Amazing lady she should write a book. Love her humor after all she has been true, very charismatic lady with a beautiful accent.
Scientology must be an extremely wealthy organisation with members paying so much; I hope they get hit with a whole string of expensive setbacks and disasters.
Seems that people have finally figured out what an evil cult $cientology is! It's about time. Thank god for the internet and people coming forward with the truth of their abuse.
I love this strong woman. (she reminds me of me) Yes she got pulled in and brainwashed, she was tricked and it could happen to anyone. Ti amo Maria Pia Gardini
She should've gone to the police and told them "These people have my passport. They won't give it to me, they keep asking me for thousands and thousands of dollars every time I turn around. In good faith I handed them my passport because I didn't know that's not how the system worked and without it I have no documentation and can't get back to Italy. I need your help."
People can't when their mind is taken over. It is the same with some people who don't leave a violent spouse. You would think it were very simple and they could just leave but they often don't particularly when someone has their passport.
I have researched Scientology for years, this stuff is so intriguing. I have to applaud Wise Beard man and all of the folks who ran the LMT, they have really prevented more heartache than they know I'm sure by simply getting the word out. These were the god ole days before anonymous came along, the truly were on the front lines of this good fight. Take a bow Mr Bunker bravo for all that you've done. I hope you have more video from these days archived somewhere just waiting to make a debut because every time I find a old video of yours I get chills and butterflies in my stomach.
I love her!!! She is so well rounded and broadly informed. Her prior knowledge and frame of reference could not be dismissed forever, thus, she had to ultimately reject the bogus Scientology teachings. "I was auditing the mouse BtTs". :) And she is so profane!! A girl after my heart!!
The moral of the story is if your lonely, suffering loss, grieving, at a low point in your life when you can be easily taken advantage of this cult will be there waiting for you like vultures. They are evil. They are predators. They are criminals. They are DANGEROUS and should be exposed for who and what they are. THANK YOU to the interviewer and those involved in exposing this criminal syndicate. THANK YOU to those who are sharing their horrific experiences in this cult. It is a crime that this cult has not been exterminated and abolished.
Maria Pos Gardini, thank you for sharing your experience. It's a leason need to see by any member of DEMONIC SCIENTOLOGY. A warning to anyone NOT to join Scientology. Philipians 1:21 To live is Christ & to die is gain. 1Peter 5:7 Pour out all your worries and cares unto him(Jesus Christ) For he cares about you.
What a story. So very sad. Maria lets us know about the OT levels and how they manipulate to get money. I"m really wondering how she is doing now and if she ever got an attorney to help her get more money back. Thank you Maria wherever you are, and know you have helped your fellow man by this interview.
DO NOT LET ANYBODY MAKE YOU FEEL SMALL OR UNCOMFORTABLE! Trust your gut and instinct, do not get involved with groups like this and if it sounds too good to be true, then it ain't true! Oh and NEVER let ANYBODY extract money from you for ANYTHING! EVER!
This story totally broke my heart. I thank God I escaped in time from this horrible organization. Where you want Mrs. Maria to be, I send you my blessings. 😢🥺🌷🙌🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼
It sounds like being in Scientology is like being in the most abusive relationship with the most psychotic person on earth! Where outside people can see you're being abused and taken advantage of, but you're so cut off from anyone else and everything else that you can't even get an opportunity to hear any other point of view but theirs.... divide and conquer. It's just total classic techniques of abuse and control! ALSO, In an abusive relationship, you've spent all your time, effort and energy on a person that you want to BELIEVE the love is real, and it wasn't all for nothing... In Scientology, you've spent all that and your MONEY, so you want to BELIEVE it is real... once you get in so deep, ALL you have left is belief.
It's currently 2022, and I thank Maria for her bravery. It's difficult to admit when someone (something) cons you, your humanity and steals your money.
“Its was truth revealed” It revealed I had to leave scientology. I love this lady humor even in sad times. I keep coming back to this interview. Such a special lady.
She is very intelligent extremely wise and knowledgeable... At the time of her joining Scientology she was very vulnerable and depressed and that's how they get you! I'm so happy that she finally saw the light!
i think this wonderful lady started out in life with so much money, she seems to be unaware of how much is slipping thru her fingers (the value of money). She has such a giving spirit, giving her family money away to something completely worthless. :(
Barbara Wasilick, no, I believe it's the persons vulnerability and wanting to help others in this world that they go in there with blinders on and not knowing that they are being lied to
This might be the most impressive woman I've ever seen. In spite of the onslaught of bullshit which is psyntology, she managed to keep her sense of humor and a sense of boundaries, both of which are the first things to go with most people. What an amazing person!
I'm Danish, and I knew there is a department of Scientology in Copenhagen, before watching this, but what I could find, it is very small and only used by the around 500 danish Scientologists.. When Denmark was mentioned I got goosebumps. I never knew people were sent to different places outside their country to do all these things...
I could never ever be part of something like that - I detest orders and people who think they can order others around It's so crazy that people actually still stay after the bad experiences they still return....
From this interview you can tell she had a big heart. This is the problem I think. Scientology takes advantage of these people. I remember my mom telling me how her cousin joined Scientology and how it ruined his life. At that time Scientology was a big thing in Italy, especially when they opened the new center in Milan, and many people joined this cult. My cousin at that time was working for a lawyer who was a scientologist and so he was forced to joined this cult. Long story short, his income went all to Scientology, and he had no money even to buy a pair of shoes. It's easy to join this cult, but it's difficult to get out. It's impressive how Scientology spread all around Italy. There is also a center in my town, in Brescia, and it makes me sick.
I don't understand this woman. After "the truth" was revealed as loads of bullshit and she realised what a scam all this was she wanted to quit and what does she do? Throw a hell of a lot of money out of the window in the knowledge that all of this is for nothing. Don't get it. At all. Loneliness can't have been a big factor at this point. And she can't really say they took it from her. She gave it to them freely. Of course they tried but why did she comply?? She should never have gone back there after she went to Italy and knew what it all was about.
I really think all this “training” is weaved with powerful brain washing and mind control technics because ALL of the testimonies I’ve seen so far, even after people “wake up”, they DO GO BACK and have this NEED to break with the cult in “good standings”... what for????? I don’t get it!!!!! She had NO FAMILY THERE WHATSOEVER since the #1 excuse for not breaking with the cult is fear of losing family. She didn’t have her passport?? That’s a cheap excuse. She is somewhat of a traveled person therefore she knew for sure she could go to any italian consulate (miami for sure has one) or the Italian embassy in Washington, explain the situation and get herself a new passport... so all these members give these “cheap” excuses why they couldn’t leave... it’s absolutely SHOCKING that they endure such abuse. I can only think that their brains must’ve turned to mush with all that auditing and training and etc... there is no other plausible explanation to me. I think they do a very powerful brain washing on their members, specially the rich ones. That’s why she moved so fast inside the org... I feel disgusted... shocked... very sad for this lady and her miserable experience while in Scientology... and most of all, very grateful for my life. What a MISERABLE EXISTENCE for these people to waste years of your life on this GARBAGE CULT!!!!!! WHY ISNT THE US GOVERNMENT LOOKING INTO THIS??!
You'll know it in you heart and this knowing shall rise up and radiate out and into all your affaires. Your really students/children and companions will follow when you sit down in a room that compliments YOU. Trust. and Congratulation !!! Love, CVD
This is why I don't feel pity for the executives in The Hole including Debbie Cook. All of the abuse being piled on them now was done by them to other people when they had power and privilege in this "organization".
Maria Pia Gardini hasn't passed away, has she?? My heart goes out to all those scammed by this cult. I said it once, and I'll say it again 'Scientology is a cult, not a religion...it never was and never will be..."
They are crooks for sure, but when she kept saying "I had to..." "they made me..." but the truth is she kept consenting long after they had proven who they were to her. Didn't she have any advisors ? It is surprising that she could bankrupt herself without anyone looking into it. Was she recently made a widow which made her new to handling all of her own money? That's a sincere question. Trying to figure out she didn't lose her money decades earlier. It would seem something changed to suddenly put her in charge of her money for the first time or something to explain her pathological naivete. No one would deny the pathological greed, entitlement and utter lack of conscience that Scientology is famous for, but the most puzzling behavior is hers. She was the only one with access to the money and all she had to do was stop engaging, even tell the truth that she was way past her limit and had no more to donate.You can see how they test her right from the start and they just keep pushing the limits until she says no more. Without the No, it wasn't going to end until she ran out of money, and that is precisely what happened. The question is why.
She was in a cult ~ cult tactic is brainwashing ~ and in Scientology's case ~ fear. Without actually walking her walk ~ non of us can truly understand. But we can show empathy for her experience.
She was smart, confident, wise, brave and good sense of humor...in short she was a magical classy lady...she just needed a friend to listen to her during her lowest time not any Scientology... God bless your soul sweet lady...You sound like an amazing Granny...Hello sweet granny...RIP😘❤️😍
So instead of reporting them for harassment, she gives them "a little money" so they would stop spying on her for a day or two? Aside from all the other moments of "ohhh seriously!?", the stupidity is actually deeply disturbing.. I just can't sympathise with this lady because of the stupidity. WTF.
How do these people afford all of this?? She had such a good heart and they took advantage of her! So sad she lost her Daughter and Mother and they just didn't care!
me too. I can't stand the interviewer on Media Mayhem, that woman could learn a lot from this one, she is serene, she only interjects when she needs to and she exudes warmth.
The only real problem this woman had was the inability to say no. The second problem she had was the inability to get angry and then say no so vehemently that they had no more room to move in her life. That's it. All she had to do was say "no". Not everyone is susceptible to a cult, there are people who have firm values and boundaries and with that comes very naturally the word "no".
You don't understand how the scam works. "All she had to do was to say no." Say that to substance abusers (drugs/alchohol/cigarettes/overeating/gambling).
That's just like people telling me "just go outside again" Yeah but then I'll hyperventilate and pass out "Just say no" Yeah but then she'll loose her daughter and her mind will drive her crazy
Just like people in abusive relationships or being gaslighted or addicts etc. So easy for you who lives on a much higher plane to pass judgement. Idiot!
IT'S BAFFLING HOW EXTREMELY WELL EDUCATED & INTELLIGENT PEOPLE CAN SIMULTANEOUSLY BE SO NIEVE & EASILY MANIPULATED...SEE THEIR HUMAN RIGHTS BE SEVERLY CURTAILED & STILL FOLLOW BLINDLY UNTIL YHEY HAVE LOST EVERYTHING
When scientology wraps their hands around the throats of a wealthy person they will stop at nothing to get all of their money. Her mother and her daughter died within an 11 month period. I wouldn't be surprised if scientology had a hand in both of their deaths. Especially considering how much they knew about her inheritance, real estate properties and financial affairs, without her ever disclosing any such information to them.
This poor woman abdicated all responsibility for her life. In a way you cannot completely blame Scientology as shit as they are because she didn't take any actions in her own best interest which she could have done at any point starting from the beginning.
Even at the higher OT levels - she STILL talks about how she thought about the death of her father - and I assume she was lonely when she came across Scientology for the first time. That's where they got their claws into her. And I bet she had a label in her files like "wealthy". I assume the leadership in those orgs are constantly pressed for money and good numbers (booked courses and converts by headquarters and they will be punished if they do not deliver - so if they have one gullible wealthy fool around to fleece - that is what they do. Most of those who help in the scam, are likely not even bad persons, who would even think of defraud another person under other circumstances. But in the context of: Scientology is more important than ANYTHING else - and here we have ONE person who DOES have money we can get our hands on ... She stumbled into Scientology when she brought her daughter to Narconon because of drug use - that is why the organization should not be allowed to run such groups. And then her fathers death was an issue (she tells that in the beginning) - and it remained an issue even when she rose in the training to the very highest levels. In Germany and Austria Scientology (which are smaller orgs there and seen very critically by the media AND the government) have "student tutoring groups" which they offer under ANOTHER name, so the unsuspecting parents who might have heard negative things about the cult are not getting suspicious. In short they are all trained to recognize VULNERABLE people and to WORK WITH that vulnerability until they have established a sufficient grade of control over the adept. (control of their identity and moral compass and believe system, their livelihood, their social networks so they will not leave even IF they start having doubts).
What a kind, generous, funny and intelligent woman Maria was. The main thought which kept repeating itself in my mind throughout this interview was : _How could such an intelligent woman with her spitfire character have fallen "victim" to this corrupt Ponzie-scheme cult?_ .... I have watched a plethora of other interviews of *ex-members* of this corrupt cult, have read reports etc., and all of these individuals have one thing in common: They are all *intelligent* people! I find it mind boggling as to HOW they all fell *victim* to the _writings_ of a PSYCHOTIC MAD MAN ( _L. Ron Hubbard_ ) ??? IF they were all looking for a " _higher purpose_ " to their lives, why not look into Zen / Buddhism, the Buddha, Lao Tzu, Daisetz T. Suzuki, the Lankavatara Sutra, *ALAN WATTS* , Krishnamurtri, who truly enable an individual to arrive upon the TRUE PATH of the _Higher Self_ ???? The Buddha said something very profound to his disciples just before he died : " *_Believe NOTHING, no matter where you read it, or who said it, even if "I" have said it - unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense._* " BTW: All she had to do when they were with-holding her passport, not allowing her to leave the country - was, for her to go to any *Passport Agency* with a ticket denoting that she had to leave for Italy in a week, and claim that her passport was _stolen_ or _lost_ . They would have issued her a new passport within 2 days. Back then, it cost around 150 dollars. I know because Ive done it ( _when my passport had been stolen_ ).
Sure sounds like Debbie Cook. Cry no tears for her. I wonder why she kept calling Guillaume LeSevre an idiot? I wish she had told the back story around that.
webyourstuff1 Ms Gardini's descriptions of Debbie Cook's duplicity resonate with me. She did not rise to be FSO Captain by playing nice. Her ethics were fully in and she was as ruthless and sociopathic as the cult demand she be while on post. Despite her deposition she had a fairly soft landing out of the cult. Just ask someone like Gerry Armstrong or Nancy Many about that.
After a bunch of these vid the (illusive) shock fades and I'm thinking "these people are crooks!". How can any one reach a spiritual awareness while getting abused?! Either illusive or other wise. My heart goes out for those still in this criminal organisation. And YEAH to them who are out.
The commentators claim it's on it's way downhill or at least in for a huge change once the current leader expires. Which is very satisfying indeed to watch.
MK Hogan Exactly. At least with all the people speaking out about this cult, no one else will join. Leah Remini has stated that fact to Larry King: No one else has joined at least.
This video goes to prove that 'Money can't buy happiness'. Regardless of how much money Maria had, before, during and after, she was still not happy. And this is true for all the folks who seem to have huge sums to spend on 'buying' happiness from Scientology.
I got out when I finished Dianetics book one and I was almost forced to buy an auditors membership, the sea org show me the "policy" where it said that anyone who finish the dianetics book has to buy that membership, now Me being like I am, I questioned that policy, because the policy shown to me contradicted what the Dianetics book said, on the Dianetics book it nevers says ANYTHING about buying memberships in order to audit people. The sea org member told me that if I audit someone I will be doing it illegally, because I did not had a membership, I got up and I said, "Then so be it" and I walk away from the cult. BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE
'Illegally'? Are you shitting me?
Yes, that is what she said.
There is not such thing as illegal auditing because auditing is not even a thing, it's a medicine show, a snake oil cure all, holding two metal cans to make a needle randomly move. It has no meaningful worth, it is a scam to lull vulnerable people to part with their cash. You get as much value from sitting down with your best friend for a chat about your shitty life, you might feel a bit better but your problems will still be your problems...difference with scientology, they will empty your bank account...your best friend won't. LRH proved one thing, that gullible people can be fleeced in broad daylight and conveniently 'The kings new clothes' mentality perpetuates the criminal activity of this cult. As this dear lady said She did not get what she paid for, because what she paid for was the biggest mass delusion on the planet.
biensalsa, I'm baffled more people can't see through the "game", "fraud", "scam"...totally amazing. Stokholm, manipulation, gaslighting...
Unbelievable!
@@AA4PJM thank you for this summary. After all the videos I've watched I couldn't figure what that thing was for.
The level of humor and cinicism of this woman is completely charming. After a gruesome experience like that she picked herself up and kept going. A person like this in the right environment would do a lot of good to humanity.
Rest in Peace Maria Pia.
Laia Julià she passed away??
Scientology tactics are so rediculous - if people on the inside could just see that.
@@usernotfound4128 she passed away in 2012
Se la vedevi dal vivo vedevi il livello di arroganza e di ostentazione assurda dei simboli di scientology tutti in Oro e tutti con lo scopo di vanità il falò della vanità.il contrario di quello che è richiesto e voluto....si sì rip Maria Pia Gardini.prossime vite non scappi dal Pianeta Terra
I am here in 2024. These stories are heartbreaking. As we watch this cult come down, as we watch enrolments go down, as crowds gather nightly on Hollywood Blvd raising their voices against the COS, I think of survivors like this and hope, somewhere, they are at peace.
She's a very, very sharp woman. It's too bad they took advantage of her vulnerability/grief.
how long does grief and vulnerability last? this went on her whole life
+Van Torrance Grief doesn't have a time line that is exactly the same for everyone. When it involves your child, it can rear its head even years after the event. My beautiful niece was killed by a car when her angry boyfriend followed her down the street and pushed her into the street right in front of a car. She never saw him coming (according to witnesses he sneaked up behind her). The car was moving over 50 mph. She never had a chance. Although it has been several years, it is still very painful to think about her, about how she died such a horrible death at age 23. My sister, her mother, and I talk frequently on the phone. We are very close. She is capable of laughing and having a good time, her mind is not constantly on her child. However, when something reminds her of her beloved child, the grief comes flooding back in. It probably never will completely go away.
When it comes to your children, there is no stronger bond. They are a piece of yourself. Maybe someday you will experience parenthood, then you will find out what it is to have a child. Hopefully, you will NOT have the experience my sister has had with losing a child. But having a child of your own will probably open your eyes to how powerful the connection to another human being can become. And how powerfully you can experience sadness, grief, and caring about everything that happens to that child.
Sadly, she wasn't sharp enough! With much less money she could have gotten the best therapy she needed for her grieving!
+Owlz Eyez I totally agree, and so witty and funny after everything she has been through
People need to understand how cults work. It's an abusive relationship.
Anyone can sit here and say "How the hell are they so stupid?" And it's easy to agree.. What's not easy is telling your story, of abuse, mind control, extortion. She calls herself stupid, we don't have to remind her of that. She was taken advantage of and they didn't have the "disconnection" part to even play on her.. Just imagine those that lose their family AND everything else. Debbie Cook has a very good story on Mike Rinder's Blog. She is having financial problems because of these greedy bastards but she doesn't even talk about that, she lost a son to scientology. She almost lost 2 sons but she was able to get one out. And they did the same thing to him as they did with Maria Pia. Asking for donations on his behalf with the agreement to pay the donor back. Fortunately, they "only" got $60,000 from him. My heart goes out to every single person who has been abused by this piece of shit organization.
She had her daughter in the cult, so she had the disconection part, she is not talking about it yet.
Those donations on others behalf reminds me of drug addict behavior. Always trying to scam a few bucks.
This is horrendous. I can't understand how this cult is able to still operate.
corruption is real
"theres a sucker born every minute" - P T Barnum
I can't understand how some people can be duped so badly??? A modicum of intelligence.
At least she was duped years ago before it became so obvious.
They're the mob at this point. If you watch Leah's episodes about Clearwater, and how they have avoided FBI investigations and infiltrated organisations, how they harassed IRS agents into giving them tax exempt status, you'll see why. They operate like gangsters.
rest in peace Maria Pia ...... and lets hope your story prevents people from experiencing the same :(
allan nørgaard Did this sweet lady die? I really like her and feel for her. Why is this “CULT” able to do this? Actually that’s rhetorical because I have binge watched all these poor souls videos. I just wish it would be shut down. There are people that have logically explained why this place thrives. I just hate that they can.
Did she die?
@@diamoradiaz4287 yes
Very entertaining account of being a Scientologist. Love this woman!
Entertaining??? Horrendous story.
my heart bleeds for this woman she is priceless and they just took advantage of her.. that goes to show you , she is a very intelligent person and they snookered her into their goofy game
One doesn't think that their "church" would be a racket in the beginning. As time goes by they convince them that it's their fault and that they aren't doing it correctly. It's one mind game after another.
when you hear her talk like this it seems so hard to believe they where able to push her around like they did, she seems such a strong worldly woman.
I like her. She was feisty.
you don't get that way without going through some nonsense. people would say that about me but people definitely took advantage of me in my youth.
@@SpecialBlanket great point!
“So I threw the bottle at the auditor.”
Italians in Scientology...
MARIA PIA GARDINI SHE WAS AND STILL IS A FANTASTIC BRAVE WOMAN.
THE PROUD OF ITALY
SHE HAD THE POWER TO GET OUT OF SCIENTOLOGY AND HELPING OTHERS TO GET OUT
THANK YOU MARIA PIA💜
I was pissed about an hour into this. I'm now livid. I am so angry at these people. How dare they treat Maria that way? It is ALWAYS worse than you think.
One of the best interviews I have ever witness. I love her. RIP Maria.🙏 Thank you for this amazing interview.
So, can we expect an affidavit from Debbie Cook about how non-charitable Scientology organisations are paying commission on "donations" which we can send to the IRS??
Scientology is all about three things...1.YOUR MONEY.....2.MORE OF YOUR MONEY....3.ALL OF YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!!!
Omg!!!! This is the worst cult that I've ever heard or read about. What a DEMONIC CULT.
God bless the souls that have been put through torture of the worst kind. INHUMAN.
wow one of the very best interviews I have seen about a cult. Amazing lady she should write a book.
Love her humor after all she has been true, very charismatic lady with a beautiful accent.
they obviously new she had stacks of cash and wouldn't let her go til they bled her account dry.
Scientology must be an extremely wealthy organisation with members paying so much; I hope they get hit with a whole string of expensive setbacks and disasters.
Seems that people have finally figured out what an evil cult $cientology is! It's about time. Thank god for the internet and people coming forward with the truth of their abuse.
I love this strong woman. (she reminds me of me)
Yes she got pulled in and brainwashed, she was tricked and it could happen to anyone.
Ti amo Maria Pia Gardini
She should've gone to the police and told them "These people have my passport. They won't give it to me, they keep asking me for thousands and thousands of dollars every time I turn around. In good faith I handed them my passport because I didn't know that's not how the system worked and without it I have no documentation and can't get back to Italy. I need your help."
People can't when their mind is taken over. It is the same with some people who don't leave a violent spouse. You would think it were very simple and they could just leave but they often don't particularly when someone has their passport.
The police were also being paid by scientology.
I love that this woman sort of “beat up” her Scientologist 😂😂😂
I have researched Scientology for years, this stuff is so intriguing. I have to applaud Wise Beard man and all of the folks who ran the LMT, they have really prevented more heartache than they know I'm sure by simply getting the word out. These were the god ole days before anonymous came along, the truly were on the front lines of this good fight. Take a bow Mr Bunker bravo for all that you've done. I hope you have more video from these days archived somewhere just waiting to make a debut because every time I find a old video of yours I get chills and butterflies in my stomach.
Thanks for posting this.
Hey I. V. (I’m exjw)
@@catmeow333 So am I.
I know, I’ve seen your comments
I love her!!! She is so well rounded and broadly informed. Her prior knowledge and frame of reference could not be dismissed forever, thus, she had to ultimately reject the bogus Scientology teachings. "I was auditing the mouse BtTs". :) And she is so profane!! A girl after my heart!!
The moral of the story is if your lonely, suffering loss, grieving, at a low point in your life when you can be easily taken advantage of this cult will be there waiting for you like vultures. They are evil. They are predators. They are criminals. They are DANGEROUS and should be exposed for who and what they are. THANK YOU to the interviewer and those involved in exposing this criminal syndicate. THANK YOU to those who are sharing their horrific experiences in this cult. It is a crime that this cult has not been exterminated and abolished.
'you can only make toilet paper out of policies' the best quote ever
Watched this years ago. Going to watch again today. Hi MarK. Love all you do!
I always used to feel so bad that I didn't have any money to "help". Now I see that those with assets had it so much worse.
Maria Pos Gardini, thank you for sharing your experience.
It's a leason need to see by any member of DEMONIC SCIENTOLOGY.
A warning to anyone NOT to join Scientology.
Philipians 1:21
To live is Christ & to die is gain.
1Peter 5:7 Pour out all your worries and cares unto him(Jesus Christ) For he cares about you.
What a story. So very sad. Maria lets us know about the OT levels and how they manipulate to get money. I"m really wondering how she is doing now and if she ever got an attorney to help her get more money back. Thank you Maria wherever you are, and know you have helped your fellow man by this interview.
De Elizabethan Unfortunately Maria has passed away in september 2012. She helped a lot of people with her outspoken opinion/critic on Scientology.
I'm so sorry. She is flying free now and watching over us, I believe.
Thank you!
Thanks for posting all of these old LMT interviews, I hope there are more! :D
DO NOT LET ANYBODY MAKE YOU FEEL SMALL OR UNCOMFORTABLE! Trust your gut and instinct, do not get involved with groups like this and if it sounds too good to be true, then it ain't true! Oh and NEVER let ANYBODY extract money from you for ANYTHING! EVER!
I hope all of your old video's are now brought to light again with all the new YT channels. Great job
This is an excellent interview. Strongly recommend!!!!
God Bless You and Rest in Peace Maria 🙏
Its very touching hearing her story, I still find it hard ti understand the kind of spell the org put on its members to blindside and defraud them..
I understand that much of this happened in her younger years, but this strongly smacks of elder abuse.
This story totally broke my heart. I thank God I escaped in time from this horrible organization. Where you want Mrs. Maria to be, I send you my blessings. 😢🥺🌷🙌🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼
Love this lady
As italian I'm proud of people like Maria Pia!!!!
It sounds like being in Scientology is like being in the most abusive relationship with the most psychotic person on earth! Where outside people can see you're being abused and taken advantage of, but you're so cut off from anyone else and everything else that you can't even get an opportunity to hear any other point of view but theirs.... divide and conquer. It's just total classic techniques of abuse and control! ALSO, In an abusive relationship, you've spent all your time, effort and energy on a person that you want to BELIEVE the love is real, and it wasn't all for nothing... In Scientology, you've spent all that and your MONEY, so you want to BELIEVE it is real... once you get in so deep, ALL you have left is belief.
+
Thanks for uploading this
very candid, honest helpful...
It's currently 2022, and I thank Maria for her bravery. It's difficult to admit when someone (something) cons you, your humanity and steals your money.
she died in 2012
Watching again in 2023
“Its was truth revealed”
It revealed I had to leave scientology.
I love this lady humor even in sad times. I keep coming back to this interview. Such a special lady.
She is very intelligent extremely wise and knowledgeable... At the time of her joining Scientology she was very vulnerable and depressed and that's how they get you! I'm so happy that she finally saw the light!
What a sweet lady Maria Pia is, She's one of the lucky ones that got out alive, Thanks for the upload
Very strong women that came through. ..
Thank you for the insight and making me smile on your positive outlook after everything you have been thru.
i think this wonderful lady started out in life with so much money, she seems to be unaware of how much is slipping thru her fingers (the value of money).
She has such a giving spirit, giving her family money away to something completely worthless. :(
........ all of these LONELY people, that have such a NEED to BELONG..... SAD :(:(
Barbara Wasilick, no, I believe it's the persons vulnerability and wanting to help others in this world that they go in there with blinders on and not knowing that they are being lied to
It's called being human ...
We all have different journey's and most of us have periods of vulnerability. Sometimes people lose their way in life & need support & understanding.
This might be the most impressive woman I've ever seen. In spite of the onslaught of bullshit which is psyntology, she managed to keep her sense of humor and a sense of boundaries, both of which are the first things to go with most people. What an amazing person!
Ya know if this woman had had a RUclips channel I would have subscribed. She was so very sweet and adorable.
I know I am late to the party on this one but here goes...
If Maria had written a book about her journy then it would have been a best seller...
She wrote several books in Italian. I believe they have been translated as well.
Rest in power Maria Pia
What a heartbreaking story. They are predators. She is a classy, beautiful woman. Good for her for sharing this painful, terrible story.
Fascinating woman with a great story to tell and a good sense of humour!
my mother called the police when i asked her the money for scientology🤣🤣🤣
awesome interview and lady!
I'm Danish, and I knew there is a department of Scientology in Copenhagen, before watching this, but what I could find, it is very small and only used by the around 500 danish Scientologists.. When Denmark was mentioned I got goosebumps. I never knew people were sent to different places outside their country to do all these things...
She is an amazing lady. Slapping the auditor omg...haha
I could never ever be part of something like that - I detest orders and people who think they can order others around
It's so crazy that people actually still stay after the bad experiences they still return....
26:12 Can I find more information of the book mentioned here? eg. author?
From this interview you can tell she had a big heart. This is the problem I think. Scientology takes advantage of these people. I remember my mom telling me how her cousin joined Scientology and how it ruined his life. At that time Scientology was a big thing in Italy, especially when they opened the new center in Milan, and many people joined this cult. My cousin at that time was working for a lawyer who was a scientologist and so he was forced to joined this cult. Long story short, his income went all to Scientology, and he had no money even to buy a pair of shoes. It's easy to join this cult, but it's difficult to get out. It's impressive how Scientology spread all around Italy. There is also a center in my town, in Brescia, and it makes me sick.
Sinister Cult!!!
I don't understand this woman. After "the truth" was revealed as loads of bullshit and she realised what a scam all this was she wanted to quit and what does she do? Throw a hell of a lot of money out of the window in the knowledge that all of this is for nothing. Don't get it. At all. Loneliness can't have been a big factor at this point. And she can't really say they took it from her. She gave it to them freely. Of course they tried but why did she comply?? She should never have gone back there after she went to Italy and knew what it all was about.
She obviously liked the compamy they provided her .. my guess is it was just loneliness
I really think all this “training” is weaved with powerful brain washing and mind control technics because ALL of the testimonies I’ve seen so far, even after people “wake up”, they DO GO BACK and have this NEED to break with the cult in “good standings”... what for?????
I don’t get it!!!!! She had NO FAMILY THERE WHATSOEVER since the #1 excuse for not breaking with the cult is fear of losing family.
She didn’t have her passport?? That’s a cheap excuse. She is somewhat of a traveled person therefore she knew for sure she could go to any italian consulate (miami for sure has one) or the Italian embassy in Washington, explain the situation and get herself a new passport... so all these members give these “cheap” excuses why they couldn’t leave... it’s absolutely SHOCKING that they endure such abuse. I can only think that their brains must’ve turned to mush with all that auditing and training and etc... there is no other plausible explanation to me. I think they do a very powerful brain washing on their members, specially the rich ones. That’s why she moved so fast inside the org... I
feel disgusted... shocked... very sad for this lady and her miserable experience while in Scientology... and most of all, very grateful for my life. What a MISERABLE EXISTENCE for these people to waste years of your life on this GARBAGE CULT!!!!!!
WHY ISNT THE US GOVERNMENT LOOKING INTO THIS??!
Victim's blaming much?
You'll know it in you heart and this knowing shall rise up and radiate out and into all your affaires. Your really students/children and companions will follow when you sit down in a room that compliments YOU. Trust. and Congratulation !!! Love, CVD
This is why I don't feel pity for the executives in The Hole including Debbie Cook. All of the abuse being piled on them now was done by them to other people when they had power and privilege in this "organization".
RIP MARIA😔😔
Maria Pia Gardini hasn't passed away, has she?? My heart goes out to all those scammed by this cult. I said it once, and I'll say it again 'Scientology is a cult, not a religion...it never was and never will be..."
+Katherine Monroe , Yes this lovely lady has passed away😔😔😔
+MsMUSIQMAKER Thank you. RIP Mia Maria Bella
R.I.P. Maria 😢
R.I.P. dear lady!!!
Ms Gardini is infinitely delightful!
Just splendid.
They are crooks for sure, but when she kept saying "I had to..." "they made me..." but the truth is she kept consenting long after they had proven who they were to her. Didn't she have any advisors ? It is surprising that she could bankrupt herself without anyone looking into it. Was she recently made a widow which made her new to handling all of her own money? That's a sincere question. Trying to figure out she didn't lose her money decades earlier. It would seem something changed to suddenly put her in charge of her money for the first time or something to explain her pathological naivete. No one would deny the pathological greed, entitlement and utter lack of conscience that Scientology is famous for, but the most puzzling behavior is hers. She was the only one with access to the money and all she had to do was stop engaging, even tell the truth that she was way past her limit and had no more to donate.You can see how they test her right from the start and they just keep pushing the limits until she says no more. Without the No, it wasn't going to end until she ran out of money, and that is precisely what happened. The question is why.
She was in a cult ~ cult tactic is brainwashing ~ and in Scientology's case ~ fear. Without actually walking her walk ~ non of us can truly understand. But we can show empathy for her experience.
Read Steven Hassan’s books, stop blaming the victim.
Amazing lady! Very interesting account very well spoken with that special south european humor! Blessings to you Maria
Fools and their money are soon parted . Still, its rally bad how this lady was fleeced by those criminals in Scientology. Glad she got out alive.
She was smart, confident, wise, brave and good sense of humor...in short she was a magical classy lady...she just needed a friend to listen to her during her lowest time not any Scientology... God bless your soul sweet lady...You sound like an amazing Granny...Hello sweet granny...RIP😘❤️😍
this lady is fantastic!
So instead of reporting them for harassment, she gives them "a little money" so they would stop spying on her for a day or two? Aside from all the other moments of "ohhh seriously!?", the stupidity is actually deeply disturbing.. I just can't sympathise with this lady because of the stupidity. WTF.
How do these people afford all of this?? She had such a good heart and they took advantage of her! So sad she lost her Daughter and Mother and they just didn't care!
Love the interviewer
She has a good nature
me too. I can't stand the interviewer on Media Mayhem, that woman could learn a lot from this one, she is serene, she only interjects when she needs to and she exudes warmth.
As soon you agree to pay for a service you are done. No one can force you to do anything. If you dont know what you are doing you will soon learn it.
The only real problem this woman had was the inability to say no. The second problem she had was the inability to get angry and then say no so vehemently that they had no more room to move in her life. That's it. All she had to do was say "no". Not everyone is susceptible to a cult, there are people who have firm values and boundaries and with that comes very naturally the word "no".
She did, but they followed her internationally! I bet you've never had such a thing happen to you.
You don't understand how the scam works. "All she had to do was to say no."
Say that to substance abusers (drugs/alchohol/cigarettes/overeating/gambling).
That's just like people telling me "just go outside again"
Yeah but then I'll hyperventilate and pass out
"Just say no"
Yeah but then she'll loose her daughter and her mind will drive her crazy
Just like people in abusive relationships or being gaslighted
or addicts etc. So easy for you who lives on a much higher plane to pass judgement. Idiot!
WOW THAT WAS AMAZING
IT'S BAFFLING HOW EXTREMELY WELL EDUCATED & INTELLIGENT PEOPLE CAN SIMULTANEOUSLY BE SO NIEVE & EASILY MANIPULATED...SEE THEIR HUMAN RIGHTS BE SEVERLY CURTAILED & STILL FOLLOW BLINDLY UNTIL YHEY HAVE LOST EVERYTHING
When scientology wraps their hands around the throats of a wealthy person they will stop at nothing to get all of their money. Her mother and her daughter died within an 11 month period. I wouldn't be surprised if scientology had a hand in both of their deaths. Especially considering how much they knew about her inheritance, real estate properties and financial affairs, without her ever disclosing any such information to them.
This poor woman abdicated all responsibility for her life. In a way you cannot completely blame Scientology as shit as they are because she didn't take any actions in her own best interest which she could have done at any point starting from the beginning.
Even at the higher OT levels - she STILL talks about how she thought about the death of her father - and I assume she was lonely when she came across Scientology for the first time.
That's where they got their claws into her. And I bet she had a label in her files like "wealthy". I assume the leadership in those orgs are constantly pressed for money and good numbers (booked courses and converts by headquarters and they will be punished if they do not deliver - so if they have one gullible wealthy fool around to fleece - that is what they do.
Most of those who help in the scam, are likely not even bad persons, who would even think of defraud another person under other circumstances.
But in the context of: Scientology is more important than ANYTHING else - and here we have ONE person who DOES have money we can get our hands on ...
She stumbled into Scientology when she brought her daughter to Narconon because of drug use - that is why the organization should not be allowed to run such groups. And then her fathers death was an issue (she tells that in the beginning) - and it remained an issue even when she rose in the training to the very highest levels.
In Germany and Austria Scientology (which are smaller orgs there and seen very critically by the media AND the government) have "student tutoring groups" which they offer under ANOTHER name, so the unsuspecting parents who might have heard negative things about the cult are not getting suspicious.
In short they are all trained to recognize VULNERABLE people and to WORK WITH that vulnerability until they have established a sufficient grade of control over the adept. (control of their identity and moral compass and believe system, their livelihood, their social networks so they will not leave even IF they start having doubts).
Congratulations also to the interviewer.
What a kind, generous, funny and intelligent woman Maria was. The main thought which kept repeating itself in my mind throughout this interview was : _How could such an intelligent woman with her spitfire character have fallen "victim" to this corrupt Ponzie-scheme cult?_ .... I have watched a plethora of other interviews of *ex-members* of this corrupt cult, have read reports etc., and all of these individuals have one thing in common: They are all *intelligent* people!
I find it mind boggling as to HOW they all fell *victim* to the _writings_ of a PSYCHOTIC MAD MAN ( _L. Ron Hubbard_ ) ???
IF they were all looking for a " _higher purpose_ " to their lives, why not look into Zen / Buddhism, the Buddha, Lao Tzu, Daisetz T. Suzuki, the Lankavatara Sutra, *ALAN WATTS* , Krishnamurtri, who truly enable an individual to arrive upon the TRUE PATH of the _Higher Self_ ????
The Buddha said something very profound to his disciples just before he died :
" *_Believe NOTHING, no matter where you read it, or who said it, even if "I" have said it - unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense._* "
BTW: All she had to do when they were with-holding her passport, not allowing her to leave the country - was, for her to go to any *Passport Agency* with a ticket denoting that she had to leave for Italy in a week, and claim that her passport was _stolen_ or _lost_ . They would have issued her a new passport within 2 days. Back then, it cost around 150 dollars. I know because Ive done it ( _when my passport had been stolen_ ).
listening to this, makes me so angry about how much they take from people. it's disgusting
Thank you for sharng
Sure sounds like Debbie Cook. Cry no tears for her.
I wonder why she kept calling Guillaume LeSevre an idiot? I wish she had told the back story around that.
I don't get your statement.
webyourstuff1 Ms Gardini's descriptions of Debbie Cook's duplicity resonate with me. She did not rise to be FSO Captain by playing nice. Her ethics were fully in and she was as ruthless and sociopathic as the cult demand she be while on post. Despite her deposition she had a fairly soft landing out of the cult. Just ask someone like Gerry Armstrong or Nancy Many about that.
bagelboi66 Debbie was in charge of FLAG BACK WHEN SCIENTOLOGY WAS "GENTLE AND KIND,and REALLY HELPED PEOPLE."
Hitler and Jim Jones started out with intentions to create a better world and look what monsters they became.
What a beautiful Lady she was!
I wish I’d met her....
So sorry she had to go through this madness 😔
: ( this is really sad.
After a bunch of these vid the (illusive) shock fades and I'm thinking "these people are crooks!". How can any one reach a spiritual awareness while getting abused?! Either illusive or other wise. My heart goes out for those still in this criminal organisation. And YEAH to them who are out.
What does she say at 1:08:30??
When will this evil fraudulent operation be put to an end !!!
With so many speaking out I can't see how its still around.. just insane
The commentators claim it's on it's way downhill or at least in for a huge change once the current leader expires. Which is very satisfying indeed to watch.
Fortunately, it’s at least mostly preventing new people from joining.
MK Hogan Exactly. At least with all the people speaking out about this cult, no one else will join. Leah Remini has stated that fact to Larry King: No one else has joined at least.
The fact that she paid so much implies she was rich. Did they know that? Is that why they pursued her so aggressively?!?
They knew in advance what she was worth. If she had no money, I doubt they would have bothered. Their job is to raise money, raise money, raise money.
This video goes to prove that 'Money can't buy happiness'. Regardless of how much money Maria had, before, during and after, she was still not happy. And this is true for all the folks who seem to have huge sums to spend on 'buying' happiness from Scientology.