The 'Kevin Can Wait' alum, who has been a vocal critic of Scientology since leaving the church, also shares her hope that the 'Cheers' star's kids 'can, one day, free themselves of this dangerous and toxic organization.'
- Dec 10, 2022
AceShowbiz - Leah Remini has broken her silence on Kirstie Alley's shocking passing following the duo's years-long feud over Scientology. The former "The King of Queens" star, who is a former Scientology member, sent her "prayers" to the late actress' family despite their differences.
"The news of Kirstie Alley's passing is very sad," Leah told the Rolling Stone. "Although Scientologists don't believe in prayers, my prayers do go out to her two children, who are now without their mom." She also shared her hope that Kirstie's 30-year-old son William "True" and 28-year-old daughter Lillie "can, one day, free themselves of this dangerous and toxic organization."
Weighing on Scientology's views on cancer, the 52-year-old noted, "While it has been reported that Kirstie sought conventional cancer treatment, which gave her a fighting chance, the majority of Scientologists do not seek treatment until it's too late."
"Scientologists are convinced they can cure themselves of diseases like cancer," she added. "It's one of the more sinister things they promise. And because Scientology claims to be an exact science, not a faith, its members are brainwashed into believing these false claims as guarantees."
Leah left Scientology in 2013 after growing up in the religion. Since then, she has released numerous projects that dropped bombshell allegations against the church. Meanwhile, Kirstie, who rose up the ranks to become a top Scientologist, had lashed out at the controversial religion's critics.
News of Kirstie's passing was broken by her children on Monday, December 5. "To all our friends, far and wide around the world… We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered," they said in a statement posted on her social media account.
They continued, "She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother."
Her representative later confirmed that the "Cheers" star was diagnosed with colon cancer. She received treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida before her passing.
