Art imitates life: In Tom Cruise’s 1993 film The Firm, we see blackmail used in the clip shown above. 

Scientology’s smear campaigns against those it deems enemies are proof that L. Ron Hubbard’s policy of Fair Game is still alive and well in the Church of Scientology.  Hubbard approved of both lying and retaliation when it came to attacking Scientology’s critics. L. Ron Hubbard labeled those who criticize the Church Suppressive Persons, or SP’s, and ordered they be Fair Gamed:

“This is the correct procedure: Spot who is attacking us. Start investigating them promptly for felonies or worse using our own professionals, not outside agencies. Double curve our reply by saying we welcome an investigation of them. Start feeding lurid, blood sex crime actual evidence on the attackers to the press. Don’t ever tamely submit to an investigation of us. Make it rough, rough on attackers all the way.” – L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 25 February 1966

“If attacked on some vulnerable point by anyone or anything or any organization, always find or manufacture enough threat against them to cause them to sue for peace.” — L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 15 August 1960, Dept. of Govt. Affairs

“People attack Scientology, I never forget it, always even the score. People attack auditors, or staff, or organisations, or me. I never forget until the slate is clear.” – L. Ron Hubbard, MANUAL OF JUSTICE, 1959

“A truly Suppressive Person or group has no rights of any kind and actions taken against them are not punishable.” – L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 1 March 1965, HCO (Division 1) “Ethics, Suppressive Acts, Suppression of Scientology and Scientologists”