Leah Remini Breaks Silence On Late Scientology Whistleblower Mike Rinder

Leah Remini has broken her silence on the passing of Mike Rinder, a former Scientology executive turned whistleblower who played a pivotal role in exposing the inner workings of the controversial organization.

Mike Rinder, who earned an Emmy for his courageous work alongside Remini, recently passed away after a battle with esophageal cancer.

Following the news, Leah Remini paid tribute to her close friend on Instagram.

Remini and Rinder were close collaborators, co-hosting the groundbreaking A&E docuseries “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” and the podcast “Fair Game.” Together, they brought to light countless stories of alleged abuse, manipulation, and trauma within the Church of Scientology.

Following his death, Remini called Rinder her “trusted partner” and revealed the profound impact he had on her life.

“On Sunday, we lost a giant, and I lost a man who was more than a friend—he was family,” she wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Tuesday. “It’s impossible to imagine the last 13 years of my life without Mike Rinder. He was my anchor, my trusted partner, and my closest confidant. It’s impossible to imagine the last 13 years of my life without Mike Rinder.”

Leah Remini was introduced to Scientology as a child by her mother and went on to spend over 30 years as a devoted member of the church. During her time in Scientology, she became a high-profile advocate, often publicly defending the organization in interviews.

However, in 2013, Leah made the decision to leave the Church of Scientology, citing concerns about its leadership, financial practices, and the treatment of its members. After her decision, she went to Rinder for advice.

“He was my trusted partner and my closest confidant,” the actress wrote in her Instagram post. “When I left Scientology, Mike was one of the first people I turned to. From that moment, he became my lifeline. Together, we embarked on an incredible journey that included ‘The Aftermath’ and our podcast, ‘Fair Game.’ But Mike was so much more than my partner in this fight—he was my brother, my father, and my best friend.”

In her heartfelt tribute to Rinder, Remini said “Mike saved my life and the life of my daughter” as “he stood by me through battles that felt insurmountable.”

“I haven’t come to terms with the reality that I can’t call him and hear his voice anymore. I am shattered in ways I never thought possible. I have cried endlessly and can’t seem to move from my bed since coming home,” she added.

The actress then spoke on Rinder’s post-Scientology life, calling him “a man transformed” as he “worked tirelessly to right the wrongs of his past.”

“There was not one call Mike didn’t take; there was not one person Mike didn’t try to help, despite the many heartbreaks he endured from those who needed him,” Remini added. “Mike also became an amazing husband and an attentive, loving dad to Jack and his stepson Shane. One of the many heartbreaks Mike suffered was the absence of his older kids who disconnected from him due to Scientology’s cruel policies after he courageously escaped its abuse. Mike adored Jack, who is just 12.”

The “King Of Queens” actress didn’t stop there. She then asked her fans and followers to “join me in contributing to Jack’s college fund, ensuring Mike’s dreams for his son can still come true.”

“Please keep Mike’s wife, Christie, Jack, and Mike’s stepson Shane in your thoughts and prayers,” she added. “They’ve lost a husband and dad whose love knew no bounds, and I’ve lost someone whose presence in my life was irreplaceable.”

Remini then concluded, “Mikey, I will miss you every day, and I just don’t know how to do it without you.”

After leaving the Church of Scientology, Leah Remini became one of its most vocal critics, raising concerns about several of the organization’s practices. She has been particularly outspoken about David Miscavige, the church’s leader, accusing him of abusive behavior and authoritarian leadership.

Leah also condemns the church’s “disconnection” policy, which allegedly forces members to cut ties with family and friends who leave or criticize Scientology. Additionally, she has called out the financial exploitation within the organization, claiming members are pressured to contribute excessive amounts of money for courses, audits, and donations. Leah has also supported former members who have shared allegations of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse.

Furthermore, she criticizes the church for leveraging its status as a religious organization to evade legal scrutiny and accountability.