MEDIA WATCH | DISNEY & HEARST

Disney & Hearst–Backing Religious Discrimination and Hatred?

Surely the executives and stockholders of A&E must condemn violence against a religion. Assuming I am correct, how is it possible to renew the Remini show without acknowledging the harm it perpetrates?

May 30, 2017

Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks
George W. Bodenheimer
New York, NY 10023

Dear Sir:

If Leah Remini’s A&E show were rightfully classified as a work of fiction, it would be a shameful display of religious bigotry. Of course, it is paraded as fact, which makes it not only shameful but a fraud as well. Yet, it is renewed. Against the real-life experiences of millions of Scientologists, the word of a few discontents is blasted about. For what? A few rubles, a lift in ratings and the buzz of fame.

Anyone who has traveled in Europe has seen the shattered lives created by anti-religious hate speech through history. Here at home, threats against Scientology skyrocketed after the airing of the Remini fiction. Bomb threats, personal attacks, a woman driving her car into a Scientology Church, all have in common the bigotry inspired by Remini’s hate. Ratings may be up, but at what cost?

Take a look at the damage done by religious hate and do the right thing. As co-owners of A&E, please cancel this program and support the right of millions to practice their religion without the fear of unwarranted harassment and attack.

Copy:
Jeffrey W. Hamill
Executive Vice President Hearst

Sincerely,
Joel Phillips
Pasadena, Calif.