Former Scientologist and King of Queens actress Leah Remini will star in her own television series about her 30 years with the controversial Church of Scientology, which she left in 2013.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Remini has been filming the series over the course of the summer, with an anticipated premiere date in early 2017.
The series will reportedly focus on her experiences with the controversial religion, as well as the Church of Scientology’s effects on its closest adherents.
Actors Kelly Preston, Danny Masterson, Ericka Christensen and Leah Remini attend the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre’s 34th Annual Anniversary Gala at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre August 2, 2003 in Hollywood, California. (COS via Getty Images)
Remini — who wrote a book in 2015 about the highly secretive and controversial church, which boasts celebrity devotees like Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Juliette Lewis and Jenna Elfman — left the religion three years ago and has conducted extensive media interviews about her experiences.
The Church issued a full response to Remini’s book last year.
“She needs to move on with her life instead of pathetically exploiting her former religion, her former friends and other celebrities for money and attention to appear relevant again,” Scientology said in a statement.
Actress Leah Remini (R) performs on stage at the Church of Scientology’s fundraiser, ‘Christmas Stories X’ to benefit the Hollywood Police Activities League on December 7, 2002 at the Scientology Celebrity Centre in Hollywood, California. (Robert Mora/Getty Images)
The Hollywood Reporter notes that the upcoming series is being produced by Remini and reality TV veteran/All3Media America alum Eli Holzman and partner Aaron Saidman under their young IPC (The Intellectual Property Corporation) banner.
The latest celebrity to leave Scientology is former My Name is Earl star Jason Lee, who confirmed his exit from the religion in an interview with local Denton, Texas outlet The Dentonite last week.
Actresses Katie Holmes and Nazanin Boniadi have also recently left the religion.
Actress Leah Remini (L) and actor Giovanni Ribisi pose at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre 37th Anniversary Gala on August 5, 2006 in Hollywood, California. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for COS)
Documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney released an HBO exposé on Scientology last year. Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief details the behind-the-scenes workings of the controversial church, including allegations of harassment, intimidation and threats of excommunication for family members of those who leave.
Gibney’s film also made several explosive allegations regarding its most devoted celebrity adherents, including Cruise and Travolta. Going Clear went on to win three Emmy Awards.
Follow Adelle Nazarian on Twitter and Periscope @AdelleNaz
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