Recent social media posts claim the Church of Scientology is using the raging wildfires ravaging Los Angeles for a photo shoot.
some posts, Including one shared on Reddit On Friday, he accused Scientologists of breaking into relief centers in Pasadena, Santa Anita and Pan Pacific Park in Los Angeles and leaving with food and other donated supplies for fire victims.
Investigative Journalist Tony Ortega Church members accompanied by a professional photographer this week “visibly stood out” at various donation sites set up across Los Angeles to help those affected by the raging fires that first broke out on Tuesday, according to reports. '' He was photographed wearing a yellow “Volunteer Minister'' windbreaker.
“A number of online posters claim that Scientology VMs pick up supplies at staging areas like the Santa Anita Racetrack and then take them away for photo shoots at other locations,” Ortega reported. did.
Scientology has historically sent Volunteer Ministers to various disaster areas.[set] They promote false relief efforts and it's all for the cameras,” said Ortega, who has covered the highly controversial church for 20 years.
Ortega reports that the footage will later be used in a promotional video.
“Fuck them and their tone deaf influence,” one person wrote on social media.
Stay up to date with NYP's coverage of horrific fires in the Los Angeles area
“They don't say anything about anyone but themselves,” another commented.
Another critic said, “Taking the supplies and 'distributing' them elsewhere seems like outright theft to me.” “Does anyone know if those 'reused' supplies were actually distributed?”
churchMeanwhile, it has apparently set up its own relief center, promising water, non-perishable food and hygiene products to those affected.
The church did not respond to requests for comment.
