A slander on the Church of Scientology.
Paul Haggis’s only explanation for why Haleigh Breest would fabricate what he called a “false allegation” that he raped her in his Manhattan apartment in January 2013 — and why four other women would take the stand to tell similar tales of being preyed upon by him — is that Breest was influenced by the media.
Breest, a publicist, is suing Haggis in New York Supreme Court for unspecified damages, alleging assault, battery, rape, a criminal sexual conduct, aggravated sexual abuse, and violation of a New York City law on gender-based violence.
While Haggis confesses to being with the accuser on the night in question, his principal defense is that the Church of Scientology is behind her alleged rape in an effort to ruin his life for being an outspoken critic after he deserted.
On October 17, 2022, Haleigh Breest is pictured with her attorneys Zoe Salzman, left, and Ilann Maazel, right, in a New York courtroom.
Yuki Iwamura/AP
Haggis said this week that there is no obvious proof connecting Breest to Scientology because Scientologists “never put their fingerprints on anything.”
How Haggis got addicted
Haggis claimed that he converted to Scientology as a young man while attempting to repair his connection with Diane Gettas, who would later become his first wife. Initially, the religion’s emphasis on self-improvement worked for him.
“I believe that’s why so many people go,” he remarked.
Haggis continued to ascend through the ranks of the church over the next three decades, becoming one of its most prominent and high-ranking members as his relationship with Gettas deteriorated.
Haggis met his second wife, Deborah Rennard, through the Scientology religion.
Haggis stated that he sent all four of his children to Scientology schools, including his three girls with Gettas and his son with Rennard.
“It is really difficult to explain how intelligent people can be so ignorant. We did it because we believed it was the best course of action for the children… We assumed that what they were receiving was of high quality “Haggis was a witness.
“It was dreadful. I’ve apologized to them numerous times “Haggis remarked.
Haggis faults
Haggis stated that he ultimately left Scientology because of his children.
Two of his daughters are homosexual, and he was appalled by the church’s failure to criticize the San Diego chapter’s 2008 support for Proposition 8, a California ballot initiative to outlaw gay marriage. In 2009, he and Rennard left the church.
He remarked, “I had to accept that I was a part of a highly crooked organization and how foolish I was.”
Haggis’ departure from Scientology made headlines when his resignation letter was released to the media. He became one of the most outspoken critics of the church, collaborating with New Yorker journalist Lawrence Wright on a story that was eventually developed into the book and documentary “Going Clear.”
Haggis stated that he wanted to go public to prevent the church from using his name to recruit new members and to persuade others to leave. He testified that his resignation letter contributed to Leah Remini’s decision to leave Scientology.
Scientology conspiracy?
Since Haggis left the church in 2009, he claims that Scientologists have attempted to destroy his life.
Haggis stated, “L. Ron Hubbard has written policy regarding this and how to deal with enemies.” You never leave an adversary wounded; you always annihilate them completely.
Haggis said that the church monitored him and even dug through his trash. The following day after he changed his phone number, the church called him at his new number, he said.
Haggis claims that everything changed the day Breest filed her complaint, leading him to conclude that the rape allegation was the church’s final and most successful strike.
A pattern of conduct
Despite Haggis’s contention that Scientologists are behind the alleged rape, his attorneys have stated in court that there is no proof connecting Breest to Scientology.
Breest reported that she preserved the tights she wore the night Haggis raped her, and analysis revealed that they contained Haggis’ seminal fluid. She also informed other acquaintances about the alleged assault shortly after the occurrence, which he says was consensual.
During the trial, four more women testified with identical charges of sexual misconduct against Haggis, which appeared to indicate a pattern of behavior. All the women, including Breest, reported that Haggis targeted them during or after work interactions. Some said he appeared to take joy in their distress during the alleged attacks and then sent them texts that appeared innocent the day after their terrifying nights.
In prior statements to Insider, a spokeswoman for the Church of Scientology denied any participation in the Haggis case.
“The church has nothing to do with the allegations against Haggis and has no relationship with the attorneys or accusers,” the statement stated. “From the beginning, Haggis colluded with anti-Scientologists to discredit his accusers by “accusing” them of making their allegations on behalf of the Church of Scientology. The assertion is ridiculous and demonstrably wrong.”
Thursday, when he entered the stand for the second day, Haggis denied any misconduct.
“I can not understand why ladies — or anyone — would lie about such matters, invent or distort the facts. I don’t know, that’s frightening “he remarked.