Leah Remini Lawsuit Against Scientology Assigned Fourth Judge Following David Miscavige's Challenge

Leah Remini's ongoing civil lawsuit against the Church of Scientology and its leader, David Miscavige, has seen a significant procedural development with the appointment of a fourth judge to oversee the case. This change comes after Miscavige successfully challenged the previous judge, Randolph M. Hammock, a move that critics suggest aligns with a pattern of delaying tactics. The actress has been vocal about her frustration with the slow pace of the legal proceedings.

The procedural delays in the lawsuit have been a point of contention. As journalist Tony Ortega stated in a recent tweet, "We’ve pointed out numerous times that #Scientology has slowed lawsuits by filing appeals of preliminary matters, and asking for filing extensions. Well, this week Leah Remini apparently decided that she’d had enough of her lawsuit being slow-rolled by David Miscavige." Court records indicate Miscavige has a history of evading service and employing various legal maneuvers to prolong cases.

Remini initially filed the expansive lawsuit in August 2023 in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging a decade-long campaign of "psychological torture, defamation, surveillance, harassment, and intimidation" by the Church and Miscavige since her public departure in 2013. She seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, along with an injunction to halt the alleged "Fair Game" tactics against former members and critics. The Church of Scientology has vehemently denied Remini's allegations, labeling the lawsuit "ludicrous and the allegations pure lunacy."

In a mixed ruling earlier this year, Judge Hammock dismissed some of Remini's defamation claims under California's anti-SLAPP statute, deeming certain statements by the Church as protected free speech or parody. However, he allowed core allegations of stalking, harassment, and tortious interference with her podcast contracts to proceed. This ruling underscored the complexities of the case, balancing free speech protections with claims of targeted harassment.

In a strategic move, Remini recently retained Daniel A. Saunders, a former federal prosecutor, to join her legal team, signaling a renewed push in the protracted battle. The trial for the lawsuit is currently scheduled for October 2025, indicating a lengthy path ahead for the high-profile legal dispute. The frequent judicial changes and ongoing procedural challenges highlight the contentious nature of the litigation.