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Bigoted HuffPost Reporter Matthew Jacobs Writes Discriminatory, Lazy Piece on Scientology

Is this what they now teach in journalism school? Throw around a few generalities preceded by libelous adjectives like “brutal” “oppressive” and “cagey” and you’ve got yourself a piece?

September 12, 2017

Matthew Jacobs
Huffington Post

Mr. Jacobs,

I am honestly embarrassed on your behalf at the lack of journalistic integrity, insight and research displayed in your recent Huffington Post article.

Is this what they now teach in journalism school? Throw around a few generalities preceded by libelous adjectives like “brutal” “oppressive” and “cagey” and you’ve got yourself a piece?

You correctly spot the “discrepancy”—Moss is sane and likeable (like just about any other Scientologist you’ll meet) and yet she is part of a religion that is so offensive in your view.

Could it be that you don’t know what you’re talking about?

Could it be that you are relying on journalists as uneducated as you for your “facts,” and hence, things just don’t add up?

Which religious scholar directed you to Vanity Fair as an authority on Scientology scripture concerning your allegation about Nicole Kidman?” I’d be very interested to know.

And, if you want to know whether the Church deals “differently” with celebrities, look no further than Leah Remini for your answer (if you could pry an honest word out of her). She learned the hard way that fame has nothing to do with how the Church applies its ethical codes. If you insist upon being immoral, you are not welcome in the Church of Scientology.

Good luck getting it right next time. I learned in elementary school history class it usually pays to go to at least one primary source. But apparently that kind of advice doesn’t filter up to writers of your rarefied stature.

I share your enthusiasm for Elisabeth Moss.

Bari Berger
National Director
STAND