The Church of Scientology's international headquarters on Hollywood Boulevard has become the epicenter of a viral social media trend known as "speed running." Groups of mostly adolescent boys and young men have been rushing the building, recording their exploits, and posting clips online, amassing millions of views on TikTok. The trend appears to be fueled by public curiosity about the church, which has faced accusations of being a cult.
Church Responds to Incidents
In a statement to the Guardian, the church described a "large-scale incident" on Saturday where dozens of individuals forced their way into the facilities, knocking down staff. The church said it is "reviewing all available remedies" and has reported the incidents to law enforcement. Spokesperson David Bloomberg confirmed that at least one staff member sustained injuries requiring medical attention.
Police Involvement
The Los Angeles Police Department has received five reports of trespassing, two of which appear linked to speed-running attempts, according to the Los Angeles Times. No arrests have been made, an LAPD spokesperson said.
Origin of the Trend
An 18-year-old content creator known as Swhileyy appears to have started the trend in March with a now-removed Instagram video showing him breaching the property. He said he learned of the church through the TikTok account Streets LA. Swhileyy has since distanced himself from the trend, stating he does not condone his actions and never encouraged others to participate.
Celebrity and Defector Reactions
Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, has a prominent presence in Los Angeles, with celebrities like Tom Cruise and John Travolta among its members. Defectors, including actress Leah Remini, have accused the church of fostering abuse. Remini criticized the trend as "unhelpful," arguing it could reinforce members' beliefs rather than expose the church's dangers.
"If someone is brainwashed for years into believing the outside world is filled with dangerous lunatics who wish to impede Scientology, a group of people running through a Scientology building is only going to confirm that belief," Remini wrote on X. She urged the public to focus on exposing the church's harms rather than making a spectacle.
