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David Miscavige’s Father, Ron, to Speak Out About Son’s Ascent in Scientology

David Miscavige
David Miscavige speaks during the inauguration of the Church of Scientology in Madrid, Spain, on September 18, 2004.

Troublemaker: Round 2! Ron Miscavige, the father of Scientology leader David Miscavige, will discuss his son’s ascent in the church in an exclusive interview with 20/20, ABC News announced on Thursday, March 17.

The elder Miscavige, 79, will open up about his new memoir, Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me, in his interview with ABC News anchor Dan Harris. The press release from the network promises details about David’s ascent within the church after the Miscavige family first joined around 1970.

“It is a rare look inside Scientology told by someone who lived it for more than 40 years, 27 of them working for the Church’s Sea Organization,” ABC News notes of the sit-down.

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Ron first joined the church when David was a child because he reportedly believed Scientology would help cure his son’s asthma. By age 16, David was a key member of Scientology’s core group, Sea Org. He was eventually named the leader of church in 1986, and has since maintained close relationships with standout celebrity members, including Tom Cruise and Kirstie Alley.

Ron Miscavige
Ron Miscavige’s memoir.

Like Ron, former Scientologist Leah Remini made waves last November after releasing her memoir, Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology. The book chronicled her 30 years within the church and eventual decision to disaffiliate.

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Rumblings of Ron’s book deal first surfaced last July, which prompted a Scientology spokeswoman, Karin Pouw, to release a statement. “Mr. Miscavige has always taken care of his father and continues to do so,” Pouw told the Daily Mail at the time. “Beyond that, as a matter of policy, neither the Church nor Mr. Miscavige comments on members of his family. The Church knows nothing beyond media reports about any purported book.”

Ron’s interview with ABC will air on 20/20 on Friday, April 29, at 10 p.m. ET. Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me will be released on May 3.

 

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