Former Scientology executive and whistleblower Mike Rinder has died at age 69.
Rinder’s wife, Christie King Collbran, announced his passing on Sunday, January 5, after his battle with advanced esophageal cancer.
“Rest in peace, my sweet, beautiful husband,” King Collbran wrote via Instagram. “I speak for so many when I say the sadness and pain we feel mirror the depth of our unwavering love for you. Your courage, bravery, and integrity are unmatched and will forever inspire us. You have been the pillar of stability in our lives, filling our days with your strength, wisdom, love, laughter and devotion. The world will remember you. My best friend, my hero, my love, Michael John Rinder.”
King Collbran included a message that Rinder wanted shared after his death.
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“If you are reading this, I have shuffled off this mortal coil in accordance with the immutable law that there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes,” his statement read. “My only real regret is not having achieved what I said I wanted to — ending the abuses of Scientology, especially disconnection and seeing [my son] into adulthood.”
The message continued: “If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses please keep the flag flying — never give up. And please, if you are able in some way, help Christie and the boys to move forward into the next chapter of their lives.”
Rinder’s cause of death has not been revealed, but he revealed in June 2023 that he was diagnosed with cancer. Before his passing, Rinder was raised in the Church of Scientology until he renounced the organization in 2007. He took part in HBO’s 2015 Going Clear documentary, which revealed alleged abusive practices within the church.
The church, however, has denied allegations made by Rinder. “Mike Rinder is an inveterate liar who seeks to profit from his dishonesty,” read a September 2022 statement following the release of Rinder’s memoir, A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology. “He supports himself by orchestrating the harassment of his former Church and its leader through false police reports, incendiary propaganda and fraudulent media stories.”
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After actress Leah Remini left Scientology in 2013, she and Rinder collaborated on A&E’s Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. The docuseries ran from 2016 to 2019, and the duo continued to speak out about the organization with their “Scientology: Fair Game” podcast.
Remini, 54, has yet to address Rinder’s death, but she spent the holidays with him and his family.
“Spreading a little holiday cheer in Florida with my @rindermike and his beautiful family,” she wrote via Instagram in December 2024. “I am so moved by the outpouring of love and care shown to Mike and his family.”
Remini urged her followers to send love to Rinder, adding, “As many of you know, Mike has been courageously battling cancer, and your messages of love truly lift his spirits. Please keep Mike, Christie, and their two boys in your prayers. Surround them with all the love and strength they so deserve.”
