The Cult Of Scientology: The BBC’s John Sweeney Loses It
PICK of the night: the BBC’s John Sweeney investigates the Church of Scientology in Los Angeles. Panorama at 8:30pm on BBC1. Is Scientology a cult?
John Travolta, a Scientologist, has written to BBC executives, accusing Mr Sweeney of “personal prejudices, bigotry and animosity”.
Sweeney lost it.
“I am hugely embarrassed. I let the side down and the BBC down and I am ashamed but I felt I was being brainwashed,” says he. “If people see the full clip, I think they will have more sympathy with me.”
Here’s his rant:
May 14th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
No way should john Sweeney feel that he should have to apologise for his rant!! I am so freaked out after watching this. Well done John!
May 14th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
I have just finished watching the Panorama program. I believe that John Sweeney’s outburst was outrageous however, one feels that if one is denied freedom of speech, such an outburst can only be expected. Moreover, if one apologises for such actions should one not try to understand why such an outburst occurred?
May 14th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Poor John Sweeney - I think he did well not to break that guy’s nose! Scientology is a money-making cult - this programme proved that it is dangerous and populated by arrogant, smooth-talking brain-washers.
Well done John for having the guts to make the programme and to tell it like it really is.
May 14th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Saw the show. Felt for Sweeney. And found his reaction wrong but restrained. And how like Tom Cruise did that antagonistic suit look?! Was he a clone?
May 14th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
If you listen to others and don’t follow your opinions, how can be free to make your own judgement?
Think for yourself, find out for yourself!
May 14th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
John Sweeneys reaction was justified in the context of the tricks that were being used.
Hurray for Sweeney!
May 14th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
John
You are more respected than before. Any human pressured in such a way would have reacted one way or the other. You have caused no embarressment to BBC or yourself at all. Well done for taking such a daring job
May 15th, 2007 at 9:40 am
John Sweeny needs to be praised for highlighting what is essentially an evil cult. It is sad to think that we live in a society where so-called thinking people are prepared to be influenced by the superficial opinions of little people like John Travolta and Tom Cruise. I am just surprised that Sweeny was perpared to put up with Scientology tripe for as long as he did.
May 17th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Scientology is the Art of Deception, consider this written training routine, that the offensive scientologist was actively using to incite Mr Sweeney.
This document speaks for itself.
http://www.lermanet.com/scientology/john-sweeney.htm
And FWIW, Cult is a generous word for the actual Fraud crafted by hubbard.
January 16th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
what a twat! erm. in my opinion
January 20th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Well done. Go get em’!
(released. dr:20:01:04.47)
February 11th, 2008 at 12:49 am
Poor Mr Sweeney denied Freedom of Speech?
The guy went there to pull it to pieces and do a hatchet job. The script was written before anyone opened a mouth. BBC - how about some real Freedom of Speech and allowing the Church of Scientology to speak?
You never know, it might even have something to say.
Yours sincerely,
John Davis