A new Gen Z trend targeting Scientology buildings has been slammed by one of the religion’s most vocal critics.
‘Scientology Speedrun’ sees participants enter highly secure premises to see how far they can get inside before they’re stopped by staff or forcibly removed.
Several videos of young people, clad in hoodies rushing past hi-tech security to enter
notoriously gate-kept premises, are going viral, with many subsequently reshared and analysed by others.
The trend was kicked off by an 18-year-old TikTok creator who uses the name Swhileyy.
His video amassed 90 million views, but has since been deleted – however it hasn’t stopped it from spreading, with the clip continuing to be reshared across several corners of the internet.
In a video posted by creator Dylan Page, he said it’s quickly turning into “Subway Surfer Scientology edition”, connecting the trend to the popular iPhone game.
The creator explains the lengths people jumping on the trend have been going to.
“Guys, this has become so much more than just a joke because some people are going as far as to try and map out the entire layout of this building,” he said in the video.
His comment section paints a divided picture of how people are reacting.
“I love seeing kids playing outside again,” one commenter writes.
Another asks: “If they reach 100 per cent map completion, will they unlock Tom Cruise?”
“Making people’s jobs harder isn’t funny, by the way,” a third points out.
Another urges: “Guys, respect people’s religion.”
The joke seems to have quickly run its course, with even the pioneer of the trend, who has been labelled as holding the ‘deepest recorded Scientology run’, now condemning it.
“I do not condone what I did, even though I didn’t break any laws,” the creator told The Hollywood Reporter.
Even actress Leah Remini, who is a former member of the church and now one of the religion’s most vocal critics, has urged people not to participate.
“Please stop. What I’m seeing now—running into Scientology buildings, harassing staff, provoking reactions for TikTok is not really exposure. It feels like it’s about clicks, and it’s turning something serious into content,” she said.
“This trend creates chaos, it creates a spectacle and worst of all, it hands Scientology exactly what they want. The ability to position themselves as the victim.”
Many of her viewers agreed with her stance.
“TikTok clicks are hurting people trying to get the truth out and make a difference for the world,” one person remarked.
“I’m glad that someone who is respected is speaking up about this. My initial thought was exactly this (even if I enjoyed the initial video I saw).. Use your energy wisely,” another praised.
A third said, “Been waiting on your take on this. You said everything I felt about it.”
The actress left the religion in 2013 after 30 years due to clashes with leaders and policies.
She has produced the Emmy-award-winning documentary series, ‘Scientology and the Aftermath’, and the podcast Fair Game, dedicated to exposing the organisation.
Authorities in Los Angeles say there is now an investigation into the trend following the spike in attempts and numerous complaints from the organisation.
There have been instances where copycat attempts have led to arrests, such as a case in Florida where a 19-year-old armed with a B.B. gun was arrested.
It appears that the trend hasn’t yet been attempted at establishments in Australia where the Church of Scientology currently has operations in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra.
The Church of Scientology International declined news.com.au’s request for comment.