Mike Rinder – Scientology’s former top executive who became an outspoken critic of the religion has died … according to his wife’s Instagram post.
Christie King Colbra revealed the news in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday … saying he was saddened and heartbroken by her passing, although his courage and integrity will continue to inspire many for years to come.
Colbren says Rynder was a steadying force in the lives of those who knew him … before adding, “the world will remember you.”
Christie did not comment on the cause of death … although Rinder announced last year that he was battling esophageal cancer.
The note includes a message that Christie says Mike gave her before he died. “I was lucky. lived two lives in one. The second most wonderful years anyone could wish for with all of you and my new family.”
He adds: “My only real regret is that I didn’t achieve what I said I wanted. to end the abuses of Scientology, especially disconnection, and seeing (my son) Jack as an adult. If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses, please keep the flag flying, never give up.”
If you don’t know, Rinder grew up as a Scientologist in Australia… and after high school, he says he signed a “billion-year” contract with the organization to enter its inner circle.
Rinder was the international spokesperson and head of Scientology’s Office of Special Affairs… although he began blowing the whistle on the organization’s alleged abuses in 2007.
He wrote “A billion years. my escape from life at the highest level of Scientology” book, in which he claimed the church. worried about Tom Cruise‘s fidelity during his marriage to her Nicole Kidman.
Rinder later hosted Scientology and the Aftermath, the Emmy Award-winning All About Scientology series; Leah Remini which aired its first season in 2016.
The Church of Scientology published on its website. “Mike Rinder is not a credible source on Scientology. He has been out of the church for nearly a decade and has had nothing to do with him since.”
We have reached out to the Church of Scientology…so far nothing back.
