Former Scientology government and whistleblower Mike Rinder has died on the age of 69.
Rinder’s spouse, Christie King Collbran, shared the unhappy information Sunday on Instagram.
“Relaxation in peace, my candy, stunning husband,” King Collbran wrote, her phrases accompanied by a photograph of their household.
“I communicate for therefore many once I say the disappointment and ache we really feel mirror the depth of our unwavering love for you. Your braveness, bravery, and integrity are unmatched and can eternally encourage us. You will have been the pillar of stability in our lives, filling our days together with your power, knowledge, love, laughter and devotion. The world will keep in mind you. My greatest buddy, my hero, my love, Michael John Rinder.”
She additionally included a message that Rinder requested be shared after his demise.
“If you’re studying this, I’ve shuffled off this mortal coil in accordance with the immutable regulation that there are solely two certainties in life: demise and taxes,” his assertion learn. “My solely actual remorse will not be having achieved what I mentioned I wished to — ending the abuses of Scientology, particularly disconnection and seeing (my son) into maturity.”
The message continued: “If you’re in any manner combating to finish these abuses please hold the flag flying — by no means surrender. And please, in case you are ready indirectly, assist Christie and the boys to maneuver ahead into the subsequent chapter of their lives.”
Get every day Nationwide information
Get the day’s prime information, political, financial, and present affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox as soon as a day.
Rinder’s explanation for demise has not been revealed, however he introduced in 2023 that he had been identified with superior esophageal most cancers.
Earlier than Rinder left the Church of Scientology in 2007 and have become a whistleblower pulling again the curtain on its inside workings, he served in varied government roles inside the church together with the worldwide spokesperson, head of the Workplace of Particular Affairs and a member of the Board of Administrators of the Church of Scientology Worldwide.
Leah Remini and Mike Rinder in a teaser for Season 2 of ‘Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.’.
AE
After leaving Scientology behind on the age of 52, he grew to become a chopping critic of the group, co-hosting Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath for 3 seasons, the place he uncovered alleged widespread abuse and harassment. When the docuseries ended, he and Remini continued to talk out concerning the church of their Scientology: Honest Recreation podcast.
He additionally took half in HBO’s 2015 Going Clear documentary, which revealed alleged abusive practices inside the church.
After Rinder launched his memoir, A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life within the Highest Ranks of Scientology, in 2022, the Church of Scientology hit again, denying all allegations he’s made through the years.
“Mike Rinder is an inveterate liar who seeks to revenue from his dishonesty,” an announcement from the church mentioned on the time. “He helps himself by orchestrating the harassment of his former Church and its chief via false police reviews, incendiary propaganda and fraudulent media tales.”
Remini has but to remark publicly on Rinder’s demise, however shared that she spent a while with him over the vacations.
“Spreading a bit of vacation cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his stunning household,” she captioned a photograph of her and Rinder embracing in his mattress. “As lots of you already know, Mike has been courageously battling most cancers, and your messages of affection actually raise his spirits. Please hold Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Encompass them with all of the love and power they so deserve.”
Rinder is survived by his spouse and their two sons, Shane and Jack. He additionally shares two youngsters — daughter Taryn and son Benjamin — along with his first spouse, Cathy.
© 2025 International Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.