Scientology wasn’t very happy that Leah Remini had been booked on TBS’s “Conan,” according to its host Conan O’Brien.
In recent years, Remini has become one of the most outspoken public figures on the church. Having grown up as a Scientologist, she left the church in 2013. Since then, she has written a book, done several high-profile interviews, and now has a show on A&E, “Scientology and the Aftermath,” all sharing stories of alleged abuses, harassment, and dirty business policies of the church.
Remini appeared on TBS’s “Conan” on Wednesday to promote her eye-opening show and O’Brien explained how surprised he was to get a statement from Scientology trashing his guest.
“We were contacted by the Church of Scientology,” the host said. “Today, they sent us a statement. They’re obviously not happy you’re on the show and they said in their statement that Leah Remini is doing this because she wants the fame, she wants the money, and she wants the attention. I was thinking today that it was very strange. I don’t think I’ve ever had a document sent to me like that before and I’ve been doing this over 24 years.”
Anyone who has watched Remini’s show would know that the church has been making these claims about her for a while. Remini said she has a simple answer to Scientology’s pushback.
"Yes, I do want to bring attention," the former "King of Queens" star said. "I am blessed to have had a successful series. Most actors work their whole careers in hopes that that happens once in their career. So I'm good. I don't need to work, I want to work, but I do want to bring attention to these abuses. That is true."
Remini had previously demanded that Scientology pay her $1.5 million in damages for trying to kill the A&E show and ruin her reputation in Hollywood. Recently, A+E Networks President and CEO Nancy Dubuc said that Scientology has been harassing her on social media about the show.
Scientology didn't immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
Watch Remini's "Conan" interview below:
