Journalist Dodge Landesman covered the hearing today in the case of Scientologist Philip Campus v. free speech protester Danny Villeda.

Campus was seeking a permanent restraining order against Villeda and was represented by long-time Scientology attorney Ken Moxon.

Judge Scully denied Campus’ motion for a permanent restraining order.  Moxon lost in court; his OT VIII powers did not help him confront and shatter anything. All Moxon did was to confirm Scientology’s use of litigation in an attempt to censor free speech.  

Los Angeles Attorney Dorothy Gibbons-White represented Villeda and has fought Scientology in court many times. She mentions that she and her colleague are seeking $175,000 in legal fees from Scientology when they won William “Streets LA” Gude’s case.

Gibbons-White noted in her press conference (see below) that Scientologist Philip Campus spoke in open court about the sidewalks around L. Ron Hubbard Way beings “his sidewalks” or his “Church’s sidewalks.” She emphasized that public sidewalks belong to everyone and noted the Supreme Court’s ruling that sidewalks are a place for robust public debate. 

In our view, the Scientologists made a blatantly racist stereotype attack against Villeda by characterizing him a “gang member” without offering any evidence.  Scientology Los Angeles did this even as it has courted every Hispanic community in Hollywood and used them as pawns to keep LRH Way closed by staging “cultural celebrations” of these communities.

In Scientology’s hypocritical logic, it seems Hispanic protesters are gang members whereas Hispanics that attend their phony PR events are to be celebrated. Scientology even pays the thousands of dollars for the street closure permits, food, and entertainment for these bogus celebrations. The people attending do not even realize they are being used for Scientology publicity photos and videos and to keep a public roadway closed for as long as possible. 

Gibbons-White’s press conference after court today was covered by Dodge Landesman. Gibbons-White makes an strong case for the rights of free speech and protest: