Latest news with #ChurchofScientology
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The ‘truth' behind South Park star's controversial exit 17 years after his death
The son of a South Park star who left the show after an episode criticised Scientology has finally 'set the record straight'. After rising to fame as a singer-songwriter in the 1960s, Isaac Hayes was part of the cast of the animated sitcom during its debut in 1997. He voiced the character of Chef, the lunchroom cook at South Park Elementary, the school where lead characters Stan, Kyle, Eric and Kenny attended. However, nine seasons later, in 2006, a statement was issued in his name following the airing of the episode Trapped in the Closet – which took aim at the Church of Scientology, of which he was a member. At the time many were puzzled by the move, however Hayes never clarified any more beyond that initial statement. He died two years later following complications from a stroke he'd suffered in 2006. Nearly 20 years on his son has now made explosive claims, revealing the 'truth about what really happened'. Hayes began his music career in the early 1960s as a session musician for acts recorded by the Memphis-based Stax Records, later going on to co-write a string of hits including You Don't Know Like I Know, Soul Man and Hold On, I'm Comin. He went on to release his debut album, Presenting Isaac Hayes, in 1968. Although it was a commercial flop, he found success with future releases. The American singer and his song-writing partner David Porter were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, while he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Throughout his career Hayes won three Grammy Awards. In 2006 Hayes revealed he'd suffered a stroke and died two years later, aged 65, after being found unresponsive in his home near Memphis. Part of the original cast of Trey Parker and Matt Stone's series South Park, Hayes voiced Chef Jerome McElroy for nearly a decade. The character was regularly turned to as a source for advice from the children, with Chef also inspired by a dining hall worker Parker met while attending college. Although the show was known for pushing the boundaries with its storylines, a 2006 episode that poked fun at Scientology reportedly didn't sit well with the actor, whose character did not feature in the episode. The episode followed Stan joining Scientology after recruiters became convinced he was the reincarnation of church founder L. Ron Hubbard. Soon after the episode aired, a statement was released in Hayes' name, in which he requested to be released from his contract with Comedy Central and calling out South Park for satirising religious beliefs. 'There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins. As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices,' it read, but did not directly mention Scientology. Responding to the statement, Stone said the actor had never previously expressed concerns about similar storylines. 'He has no problem –and he's cashed plenty of checks– with our show making fun of Christians, Muslims, Mormons, or Jews,' he said. Soon after reports started emerging that Hayes had not requested to leave the show and had instead been pushed to do so by fellow members of his church. Over the years claims have been made that Hayes did not have a say in his South Park exit and was instead influenced by others. Last year his son, Isaac Hayes III, said the stroke left the musician and actor 'in no position to resign under his own knowledge'. He also spoke about his belief that members of the Church of Scientology had stepped in and taken it upon themselves to remove Hayes from the show after the controversial episode. His comments came after Stone told The Hollywood Reporter in 2016: 'We knew in our hearts there was something way more going on. Isaac's a really sweet guy. We're still like, 'Isaac, you've got to come out of it'. But he's just brainwashed.' For over 14 years, people have speculated about why my father @isaachayes left South Park. I'm here to set the record dad did not quit South Park. Scientology the episode 'Trapped in the Closet' aired in 2005, my father suffered a stroke just a few… — Isaac Hayes III (@IsaacHayes3) July 18, 2025 This week he went on to release a lengthy statement about how he wanted to now 'set the record straight'. 'For over 14 years, people have speculated about why my father @isaachayes left South Park. I'm here to set the record straight. My dad did not quit South Park. Scientology did,' he began the post, which was shared on X. 'After the episode Trapped in the Closet aired in 2005, my father suffered a stroke just a few months later that left him unable to speak or make decisions on his own. He was not in any condition to resign from anything. The truth is, someone else within his Scientology circle made that decision and quit the show for him. 'He loved being the voice of Chef. He loved the character. He loved connecting with fans. He would joke with people who recognized his voice, and he truly enjoyed being part of the show. 'The narrative that he quit because he was offended by the satire is not true. That was a cover story created by others. My father never got to speak for himself because his health robbed him of that chance.' He went on: 'So now I am speaking for him. He did not leave South Park willingly. He was forced out by illness and by people who did not have his best interest at heart. More Trending This is for anyone who loved Chef. This is for anyone who admired my father's work. This is the truth about what really happened.' Although the Church of Scientology has never publicly responded to the claims, Hayes told Cracked this week: 'I haven't had any connection with anybody from Scientology since before my father passed away.' Metro has contacted the Church of Scientology for comment. View More » South Park season 27 will stream on Comedy Central on July 23 . Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Netflix quietly adds 8 episodes of 'outrageous' thriller – and fans are devouring it MORE: TV soap legend Eileen Fulton died aged 91 MORE: TNA Slammiversary sees WWE icon, 48, return to calls for 'one more match'
Sky News AU
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Shock detail in Julian McMahon's death certificate adds mystery to actor's final months amid Scientology link bombshell
An stunning detail in Julian McMahon's death certificate has fueled further speculation about the actor's mysterious final months of his life, after a Scientology link emerged following his death at the age of 56. The Australian-American Nip/Tuck did not have a funeral, reported on Thursday after obtaining the star's death certificate. McMahon's body was instead quietly cremated in Clearwater, Florida, where he died as an inpatient at the Morton Plant Hospital on July 2. His death certificate stated Florida's family-owned Eternal Cremation Services handled the actor's body. A spokesperson for Eternal Cremation Services told "there was not" a funeral held anywhere for McMahon and could not confirm whether his wife, Kelly, attended his cremation at Palm State Crematory. It's been revealed he died from lung metastasis linked to head and neck cancer, according to the Pinellas County cremation approval report obtained by with no autopsy report understood to come. The development follows the location of McMahon's death, Clearwater, raising questions from social media users about why the actor was in the city, where the Church of Scientology is widely known to dominate. Adding mystery to his presence in the city where the church is headquartered, McMahon's address on his death certificate is listed as a residence on Ventura Boulevard, Encino, California. However, this is a building reportedly home to a showbiz accountancy firm and two other businesses, not residences. And there do not appear to be any property records linking McMahon and Kelly to the Clearwater area. The celebrity couple previously lived in a home in Hollywood Hills before selling it for $2.18 million USD ($3.3 million AUD). It's understood Scientology members own a large portion of real estate in Clearwater, home to A-listers who follow the controversial religion, including, most famously, actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta. One commentator recently took to X to question, 'Why was Julian McMahon in Clearwater when he died? Like, that's Scientology city.' "The only celebrities that do are usually Scientologists. Surprised, that's for certain!" another person said. Other people quelled the link as the debate continued on Reddit, where one person said McMahon just simply "loved the beach". "I don't see him being involved with Scientology," another person said. McMahon's career took off with his role as Cole Turner in the hit supernatural television series Charmed from 2000 to 2003. After Charmed, he gained wider recognition from 2003 to 2010 as plastic surgeon Dr Christian Troy in the medical drama Nip/Tuck. On the big screen, McMahon is best known for playing Marvel villain Dr. Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) and its 2007 sequel Rise of the Silver Surfer. His other film credits include Premonition, RED, Paranoia, You're Not You, Swinging Safari, and, most recently, Australian film The Surfer opposite Nicolas Cage. The only son of former Prime Minister Sir William McMahon is survived by his wife Kelly, an author, and his daughter, Madison (Maddy) McMahon, 25, whom he shared with his ex-wife, model and actress Brooke Burns.
Associated Press
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
L. Ron Hubbard Way Hosts Epic 4th of July Festival, Unites LA's Diverse Communities
LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — L. Ron Hubbard Way, home to the Church of Scientology Los Angeles, drew over 600 Angelenos this Independence Day for a memorable street festival, reinforcing its status as a central hub for community celebrations. From patriotic events to cultural fairs embracing the city's rich ethnic diversity, this iconic street fosters unity year-round. A PATRIOTIC CELEBRATION FOR ALL ON INDEPENDENCE DAY On July 4th, L. Ron Hubbard Way transformed into a vibrant display of red, white, and blue, offering family-friendly activities like water slides, a petting zoo, carnival games, a bouncy house, a dunk tank, donut and watermelon-eating contests, and pony rides. Attendees enjoyed food vendors, cotton candy, shaved ice, and all-you-can-eat popcorn, while face painting, live Americana music, roaming cartoon characters, and a captivating bubble show added to the festive atmosphere. A YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY Beyond Independence Day, L. Ron Hubbard Way hosts free events for holidays like Easter, Memorial Day, Halloween, Día de los Muertos, Christmas, and Eid al-Fitr, welcoming families of all backgrounds. Cultural fairs celebrate the heritage of groups including Latinos, Filipinos, Asians, African Americans, Armenians, and Bangladeshis, fostering mutual respect and shared traditions. A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY BETTERMENT Located at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and L. Ron Hubbard Way, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles serves as more than a venue for celebration. As an Ideal Scientology Organization, it supports spiritual growth and community collaboration through forums on humanitarian and social issues, making the street a cornerstone of hope in Los Angeles. DISCOVER MORE ABOUT L. RON HUBBARD WAY The significance of this location was featured in an episode of Inside Scientology during the 2018 launch of the Scientology Network by ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige. View it on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM, AT&T U-verse, or via Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV platforms. For upcoming events, visit the Church of Scientology Los Angeles Eventbrite page. L. Ron Hubbard Way remains the heart of community connection in Los Angeles. Media Contact: Linda Weiland | [email protected] MULTIMEDIA: PHOTO link for media: Photo Caption: Community members don their red, white, and blue for the annual Independence Day celebration on L. Ron Hubbard Way, hosted by the Church of Scientology Los Angeles, featuring family-friendly activities and patriotic festivities. NEWS SOURCE: Church of Scientology International Keywords: Religion and Churches, L. Ron Hubbard Way, Church of Scientology Los Angeles, Angelenos this Independence Day, memorable street festival, LOS ANGELES, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Church of Scientology International) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P127652 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Sky News AU
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Julian McMahon's vast fortune revealed after theory emerged about Scientology link following Aussie actor's shock death at 56
Julian McMahon's vast fortune has been revealed after a theory emerged about a Scientology link following the actor's death at the age of 56. McMahon's wife Kelly confirmed in a statement the Australian-American star died in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday after a battle with cancer. 'With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer,' she told Deadline on Friday. 'Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible." McMahon's career took off with his role as Cole Turner in the hit supernatural television series Charmed from 2000 to 2003. He soon gained wider recognition from 2003 to 2010 in the medical drama Nip/Tuck, in which he played the role of plastic surgeon Dr Christian Troy. Over three decades as a leading man, the US-based star accumulated a net worth of $16 million USD ($24 million AUD) at the time of his death, according to reports. McMahon earned $125,000 USD ($192,000 AUD) per episode in Nip/Tuck. His salary then doubled the following year, and he continued to reach career milestones thereafter. McMahon added to his fortune through real estate, selling his home in the Hollywood Hills in 2015 for $2.18 million USD ($3.3 million AUD). The sale saw the star earn a tidy profit of $1.5 million USD ($2.3 million AUD). The development comes after the location of McMahon's death, Clearwater, stood out to social media users for the Church of Scientology being widely known to dominate the city on Florida's Gulf Coast. Scientology's world headquarters, Flag, is located in the heart of downtown, where its members reportedly own a large portion of the area's real estate. The mention of Clearwater in Kelly McMahon's statement sparked a fierce online debate about why the actor, who had no public ties to the area, would spend his final days there. 'I was wondering if Julian McMahon was a Scientologist since (Kelly's statement) said he died in Clearwater," one person wrote on Instagram. "Because why else would he live the last few months of his life there? The only celebrities that do are usually Scientologists. Surprised, that's for certain!" Another conspiracist took to X to question, 'Why was Julian McMahon in Clearwater when he died? Like, that's Scientology city.' However, another person offered a different theory as the debate continued on Reddit. 'He was an Australian who loved the beach," the fan wrote. "I don't see him being involved with Scientology.' is not suggesting McMahon or his family are affiliated with Scientology. It remains unclear whether McMahon has been living in Clearwater in the months before his death, and his family has not commented further. The actor, his wife Kelly, his ex-wife Brooke Burns and daughter Madison are not mentioned in any publicly available Scientology records.
Sky News AU
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Why the location of actor Julian McMahon's shock passing has prompted social media theories over Nip/Tuck star's connection with controversial religion
The death of Australian actor Julian McMahon at the age of 56 in Clearwater, Florida, has prompted a wave of online speculation. McMahon's career took off with the hit supernatural television series Charmed before he gained wider recognition with Nip/Tuck, the medical drama in which he played the role of plastic surgeon Dr Christian Troy. The Fantastic Four star's wife Kelly confirmed on Saturday that her husband died following a private battle with cancer. While few details were released, one stood out to social media users: the location. Clearwater - a city on Florida's Gulf Coast - is widely known for being dominated by the Church of Scientology. Its world headquarters, Flag, is located in the heart of downtown, and its members reportedly own the vast majority of the surrounding real estate. The mention of Clearwater in Kelly McMahon's statement quickly ignited debate across social media and internet forums, with some questioning why the actor, who had no public ties to the area, would spend his final days there. 'I live in Clearwater... close to a house (Scientologist) John Travolta owns because we're about a mile from the Scientology center in downtown Clearwater,' one local wrote on Instagram. 'I was wondering if Julian McMahon was a Scientologist since (Kelly's statement) said he died in Clearwater, because why else would he live the last few months of his life there? The only celebrities that do are usually Scientologists. Surprised, that's for certain!' Another user on X posted: 'Why was Julian McMahon in Clearwater when he died? Like, that's Scientology city.' A Reddit thread also sprang up, with one contributor offering a more sceptical take on the theory: 'He was an Australian who loved the beach. I don't see him being involved with Scientology.' To date, there is no mention of Julian McMahon, his wife Kelly, daughter Madison, or ex-wife Brooke Burns in any publicly available Scientology records. does not suggest McMahon or his family are affiliated with Scientology. The town's deep ties to the church are well documented. A Tampa Bay Times investigation found that the Church of Scientology, along with its members and affiliated businesses, owns 185 properties in Clearwater's downtown core. Actor Tom Cruise, one of religion's most prominent public faces, reportedly resides in a penthouse apartment there with his son Connor. Fellow Scientologist Kirstie Alley also lived in Clearwater before her death in 2022 from colon cancer. She had purchased her waterfront mansion from the late Lisa Marie Presley, another well-known Scientologist, back in 2000. At this stage, it remains unclear whether Julian McMahon had been living in Clearwater in the months leading up to his death. His family has not commented further.
