Critics put Scientology's claims that high-ranking members are immune to cancer to question, while some others accuse the church of robbing the late actress of her money.
- Dec 9, 2022
AceShowbiz - Kirstie Alley's death has sparked a debate about Scientology's views on cancer. Fans of the late actress have blasted the church for making its members believe that high rankings would give them immunity to cancer, but Kirstie, who was a longtime member and had reached New Operating Thetan (OT) VIII, died of colon cancer.
Kirstie's passing as well as those of actress Kelly Preston and Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Chick Corea, who also died of cancer within the last three years, puts Scientology's claims that high-ranking members are immune to cancer to question. New York Magazine and HuffPost contributor Yashar Ali was one of those who raised the issue.
"One of the promises that Scientology explicitly makes to members (on paper!) is if you reach the upper levels of Scientology you won't get cancer," he tweeted. "Kirstie Alley and Kelly Preston, two dedicated Scientologists, have both died of cancer in the past two years."
The journalist stated in a separate tweet that he and Kirstie "got into it a few times but I just want to acknowledge that Scientology robbed her of her life. Scientology destroyed her relationships. It took her money and ruined her career."
Another user pointed out, "Scientology promises that if you reach the upper levels you won't get cancer. Kirstie Alley was a OT8 but died from cancer today. This is a reminder that SCIENTOLOGY IS NOTHING BUT A CULT. Also please donate to cancer research."
Accusing the church of robbing Kirstie of her money, someone wrote, "My only statement on Kirstie Alley passing is that Scientology is a cult that robs its members of their money, their families & perhaps their lives. They are told if they reach the highest levels they are impervious to cancer. She died of cancer that was only recently detected."
Another similarly said, "I'm not going to get negative with Kirstie Alley. She was an amazing actress & some of her activism came from a good place. I'm just disappointed that Scientology corrupted her into not believing in real science & medicine with treatment. God bless her & love to her family."
Kirstie's death was announced by her children on Monday, December 5 after her short battle with cancer, which was "only recently discovered." She received treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida before her passing.
