Lucy Devine
Leah Remini has paid tribute to Kirstie Alley, who sadly passed away earlier this week after a battle with cancer.
Actress Leah, 52 is a former scientologist, and had clashed with Kirstie's over the years due to her continued involvement in the church. Speaking after Kirstie's death, Leah paid tribute to the actress, but also called out the Church of Scientology.
"The news of Kirstie Alley’s passing is very sad. Although Scientologists don’t believe in prayers, my prayers do go out to her two children, who are now without their mom," Leah told Rolling Stone.
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"I hope they can, one day, free themselves of this dangerous and toxic organisation."
Kirstie was introduced to Scientology by a neighbour before enrolling at Scientology's rehab centre in 1979, after struggling with a drug habit.
“I thought I was going to overdose almost every time,” she told Entertainment Tonight back in 2012. “I would snort the coke, then I would sit there. I’d take my pulse [thinking], ‘I’m dying, I’m dying, I’m dying'. Who would keep doing it?”
Speaking about joining the church, she said it was 'either the biggest scam in the universe or it would lead me out of my self-created hell'.
She added: “Miraculously, and I do mean miraculously, I had one Scientology session and never did cocaine again.”
Kirstie remained part of the church until her death.
Leah meanwhile left the church in 2013 and released a docuseries in 2016, Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.
"For too long, this multi-billion-dollar organisation bullied victims and journalists to prevent the truth being told," she said.
"It is my hope that we shed light on information that makes the world aware of what is really going on and encourages others to speak up.
"Even though I had been a member of the church for a long time, I was stunned by some of the things I learned.
"There is a lot more to this story than anyone knows. And this series is breaking ground in bringing that information to light."
Kirstie's death was confirmed by her children this week.
"To all our friends, far and wide around the world. We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered," her children posted on her Twitter account.
"She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead."
It continued: "[...] Our mother's zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did.
"We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time."