Former Scientology government and whistleblower Mike Rinder has died on the age of 69.
Rinder’s spouse, Christie King Collbran, shared the unhappy information Sunday on Instagram.
“Relaxation in peace, my candy, lovely husband,” King Collbran wrote, her phrases accompanied by a photograph of their household.
“I communicate for thus many after I say the unhappiness and ache we really feel mirror the depth of our unwavering love for you. Your braveness, bravery, and integrity are unmatched and can eternally encourage us. You’ve got been the pillar of stability in our lives, filling our days along with your energy, knowledge, love, laughter and devotion. The world will keep in mind you. My greatest good friend, my hero, my love, Michael John Rinder.”
She additionally included a message that Rinder requested be shared after his loss of life.
“If you’re studying this, I’ve shuffled off this mortal coil in accordance with the immutable legislation that there are solely two certainties in life: loss of life and taxes,” his assertion learn. “My solely actual remorse shouldn’t be having achieved what I stated I wished to — ending the abuses of Scientology, particularly disconnection and seeing (my son) into maturity.”
The message continued: “If you’re in any approach combating to finish these abuses please hold the flag flying — by no means surrender. And please, if you’re in a position ultimately, assist Christie and the boys to maneuver ahead into the following chapter of their lives.”
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Rinder’s reason for loss of life has not been revealed, however he introduced in 2023 that he had been identified with superior esophageal most cancers.
Earlier than 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 government roles inside the church together with the worldwide spokesperson, head of the Workplace of Particular Affairs and a member of the Board of Administrators of the Church of Scientology Worldwide.
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 slicing 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: Honest Sport podcast.
He additionally took half in HBO’s 2015 Going Clear documentary, which revealed alleged abusive practices inside 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 revenue from his dishonesty,” an announcement from the church stated on the time. “He helps himself by orchestrating the harassment of his former Church and its chief by way of false police studies, incendiary propaganda and fraudulent media tales.”
Remini has but to remark publicly on Rinder’s loss of life, however shared that she spent a while with him over the vacations.
“Spreading somewhat vacation cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his lovely household,” she captioned a photograph of her and Rinder embracing in his mattress. “As a lot of you realize, Mike has been courageously battling most cancers, and your messages of affection really elevate his spirits. Please hold Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Encompass them with all of the love and energy 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 — together with his first spouse, Cathy.
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