A new social media trend known as 'speed running' has seen young people rush into the Church of Scientology's international headquarters on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, sparking controversy and legal threats from the church.
The trend, which involves filming and sharing clips of individuals breaching the building, has amassed millions of views on TikTok. The church has condemned the actions as trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious facilities, and is reviewing all available remedies, including reporting incidents to law enforcement.
Los Angeles police have received five reports of trespassing incidents, with two linked to the speed-running trend, but no arrests have been made. An 18-year-old content creator known as Swhileyy is believed to have started the trend in March, though he has since distanced himself from it, stating he does not condone his actions.
The Church of Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, has faced accusations of being a cult and fostering abuse, with defectors like actress Leah Remini speaking out. Remini called the trend 'unhelpful', arguing it could reinforce the beliefs of Scientologists rather than expose the church's dangers.
