Mike Rinder, a former top-ranking Scientology executive-turned-whistleblower and co-host of A&E’s Emmy-winning docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, has died on the age of 69, his spouse Christie King Collbran wrote on Instagram.
Whereas no reason behind loss of life was listed, Rinder was recognized with superior esophageal most cancers in June 2023. Nevertheless, in October of that 12 months, the producer said he was deemed cancer-free.
“Relaxation in peace, my candy, stunning husband,” wrote Collbran, who was additionally raised within the Church of Scientology and recruited alongside Rinder to be part of the Sea Org, an elite group of members who implement the establishment. “I communicate for therefore many after I say the disappointment 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 might have been the pillar of stability in our lives, filling our days together with your energy, knowledge, love, laughter and devotion. The world will bear in mind you. My finest pal, my hero, my love, Michael John Rinder. ❤️”
Within the assertion (beneath), Collbran shared Rinder’s parting phrases, which included a dig at Scientologists’ perception in immortality in addition to a listing of regrets in not having achieved “ending the abuses of Scientology, particularly disconnection, and seeing [his son] Jack into maturity.”
Rinder was born in Australia in 1955 and grew up as a Scientologist from early childhood. In 2007, he made headlines with a high-profile defection from the group, renouncing the Church and changing into one among its most outspoken detractors.
He was prominently featured within the 2015 HBO documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Jail of Perception together with Oscar-winning Crash director Paul Haggis. Previous to his departure, Rinder was the top of Scientology’s Workplace of Particular Affairs, in addition to a member of its board of administrators. The next 12 months, Remini and Rinder teamed on Scientology and the Aftermath, which ran for 3 seasons from 2016 to 2019. Rinder was nominated for 2 Emmys for his work, profitable one.
In 2020, Rinder and Remini continued their co-hosting partnership by launching the podcast Scientology: Fair Game, which ran by 2022.
That 12 months, Rinder additionally launched the memoir A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life within the Highest Ranks of Scientology. He devoted the e book to his two grown kids from his earlier marriage, as he mentioned leaving the Church value him a connection together with his ex-wife Cathy Bernardini and the household.
He’s survived by Collbran and their two sons, Shane and Jack, in addition to his older kids Taryn and Benjamin.
