The Church of Scientology has suffered decades of scandal over allegations of abuse, mind control, and other cult-like tactics. Perhaps no controversy has sparked more suspicion than the sudden disappearance of a church leader’s wife. Where is Shirley? 60 Minutes Australia travels to the US to track down Shelly Miscavige and uncover her possible motives for her 13-year absence from the public or public.
Churches have been known to respond aggressively to prying eyes from critics or the media. That wall of secrecy has come down notably in recent years, thanks to the efforts of actress Leah Remini and other high-profile ex-Scientologists and whistleblowers. Remini and others provide valuable background information in the film and help advance the investigation into Miscavige’s whereabouts.
At the center of the mystery is the mysterious church leader David Miscavige. A prophet to some, a ruthless and bloodthirsty dictator to others, Miscavige was at the forefront of the Church in the early 1980s. During his tenure, he successfully attracted superstar celebrities to the church, raised the church’s profile in the public eye, and exposed the church to unprecedented scrutiny from the media and law enforcement agencies.
As we examine the film, we hear harrowing accounts from former church members. They have witnessed rampant beatings and expulsions for members who unwisely ignore or challenge the strict edicts of their leaders. Is this the punishment for the leader’s wife? Is this something more sinister? Or did Shirley voluntarily disappear from the social map?
“It’s probably the biggest public hoax ever,” admitted an emotional Ron Miscavige, David’s estranged father and outspoken critic.
A documentary film crew travels from Los Angeles to Clearwater, Florida, in search of new leads and a final solution to this perverse mystery. Along the way, they explored the monetary value of Scientology’s activities, including the benefits they derived from tax-exempt status and the structures they put in place to ensure continued financial viability.
Where is Shirley? Tell the twists and turns of a real-life mystery that is both surreal and mysterious and depraved.
