TORONTO — Actress Leah Remini confirmed Thursday that she has left Scientology.
“I wish to share my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming positive response I have received from the media, my colleagues and fans from around the world,” the former King of Queens star said in a statement. “I am truly grateful and thankful for all your support.”
Remini, 43, had been a member of the controversial church for about three decades. Scientology boasts celebrity followers like Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Will Smith.
According to the New York Post, Remini walked away after allegedly being subjected to “interrogations” and “thought modification” for questioning the leadership of David Miscavige.
A rep for Scientology denied the allegations.
Remini isn’t the first high-profile person to leave the church. Canadian director Paul Haggis quit in 2009 after 35 years and publicly criticized Scientology for its opposition to equal marriage rights in California.
“I could not, in good conscience, be a member of an organization where gay-bashing was tolerated,” Haggis said at the time.
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