Film Academy Expels Cosby and Polanski

LINDSEY BAHR / The Associated Press May 3, 2018 The decision is the first major one since the organization implemented revised standards of conduct for its members after the expulsion of Harvey Weinstein in October. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Rape Lawsuit Targets Oscar-Winning Filmmaker Paul Haggis

MICHAEL BALSAMO and LINDSEY BAHR / The Associated Press Jan 5, 2018 In addition, three other women come forward with accusations. An attorney for the screenwriter, 64, says, “He didn’t rape anybody.” Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

The Church of Scientology’s Vitriolic Reaction to ‘Going Clear’

Roisin Davis / Truthdig Mar 31, 2015 The organization has hit back furiously at filmmaker Alex Gibney’s exposé “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief,” which aired Sunday night on HBO. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Haggis’ Big Disconnect From Scientology

Staff / Truthdig Feb 8, 2011 Screenwriter and director Paul Haggis' public exit from the Church of Scientology continues with a long exposé in this month's issue of The New Yorker, in which Haggis describes his troubled early years, his initial embrace of L Ron Hubbard's religion and the fallout . Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Filmmaker to Spill Scientology Story

Staff / Truthdig Jan 6, 2011 His defection from the Church of Scientology's celebrity coterie was big news in 2009, and now writer and director Paul Haggis is following up with a detailed exploration of his former organization, in the form of a book collaboration with journalist Lawrence Wright. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Top Writer-Director Breaks With Scientology Over Proposition 8

Staff / Truthdig Oct 26, 2009 The Church of Scientology counts several high-profile figures from the world of entertainment among its members -- Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley, to name a few -- and they sometimes act as public advocates for their religion. However, one of their own, screenwriter and director Paul Haggis, has very publicly left the fold after taking issue with the church's stance on Proposition 8. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )