The 'Scientology speedrun' trend has taken social media by storm, with millions of views on TikTok and other platforms. The trend involves individuals, often young men, rushing into Church of Scientology buildings to see how far they can get inside. It started in March when content creator Swhileyy filmed himself charging into the Church of Scientology on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. That video gained 90 million views before being deleted.
How the Trend Evolved
Since then, groups have documented themselves storming the LA centre, pulling in millions of views. Some users have mapped out blueprints of the building based on raid videos. Others have taken an avant-garde approach, dressing as Jesus or Minions and demanding to see Tom Cruise. Speedrunners often wear face coverings, cat masks, or dinosaur costumes to obscure their identities.
The trend has expanded globally. In the UK, hundreds of teenagers attempted to rush Scientology buildings. Now it has reached Australia, where on Saturday, crowds gathered outside Scientology buildings in Sydney and Brisbane. In Sydney, about 100 young people gathered on Castlereagh Street. Police, including riot squad officers, dispersed the group. A 19-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl were arrested for failing to comply with police directions. In Brisbane, a crowd targeted the George Street building. One teenager jumped into a police car, and another rode a BMX bike over the roof. Two teenagers, aged 15 and 18, were charged. Neither group made it inside.
Why Are People Doing This?
The trend combines public intrigue with the internet's appetite for absurdity. Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, has long faced accusations of being a high-control group or cult, which the church denies. Extreme public pranks guarantee social media engagement, creating a recipe for virality.
Scientology's Presence in Australia
Scientology has a significant presence in Australia, with facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra. High-profile Australian members include singer Kate Ceberano. However, the church's actual membership numbers are unclear.
Reactions from Critics and Former Members
Former members, including actor Leah Remini, have criticized the trend. Remini called it 'unhelpful,' saying it confirms the church's narrative that the outside world is dangerous. She urged focus on exposing the dangers of Scientology rather than making a spectacle. Alexander Barnes Ross, a UK protest leader, said the speedruns trivialize serious advocacy, calling Scientology a dangerous organization.
Church of Scientology's Response
The Church of Scientology released a statement condemning the incidents. It said individuals have forced their way into properties, disrupted religious facilities, damaged property, and endangered staff and visitors. The church has reported incidents to law enforcement and increased security. It stated, 'A house of worship and public information facilities have been repeatedly targeted by people seeking internet attention.' The church welcomes lawful visitors but does not welcome mobs forcing entry, damaging property, or endangering people for views.
