Leah Remini Says Scientology Church Urged Her to Convert Kevin James

Actress Leah Remini, who’s come out as one of Scientology’s most vehement critics following her A&E docuseries “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” said that while she was with the church, she was asked to recruit some of her coworkers and best friends.

In a People cover story, the “King of Queens” star said that she was asked to convert her costar and friend Kevin James into the church, but she refused, saying that he had religious obligations of his own.

“They always tried to get me to, [asking] ‘Why is he not in? Why have you not promoted it to him?’ I was like, ‘Because he’s Catholic. He doesn’t want anything to do with it,'” Remini said. “They let it go after a while, but usually you’d be expected to recruit, especially with somebody you work with for nine years.”

Also Read: Elisabeth Moss Defends Scientology in Rare Comment About the Church

The church denied Remini’s claims. In a statement sent to TheWrap, a spokesperson said that it never asked Remini to recruit James.

“We had nothing to do with Kevin James and never attempted to ‘recruit’ him to the Church,” the statement read. “Leah Remini never made this claim in her book so now fabricates it to garner more tabloid press. The only thing we know about Kevin James is what Remini repeatedly told the Church–that he was a bully. We counseled her to be more open and communicate with him so they could get along better.”

A Scientology statement previously obtained by People sought to discredit her claims.

“It is Remini who is the attacker,” a Scientology spokesperson said. “Her whole anti-Scientology shtick was scripted and choreographed by her, casting herself in her drama as the ‘victim’ so she could cash in on her false narrative while savaging her friends and those who helped her most of her life.”

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Remini joined the Church of Scientology when she was a child, along with her parents. She left in 2013, soon publishing a memoir “Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology.” The first season, which details the history of the Church and shows Remini speaking with people who have left, of her A&E series was nominated for two Emmy awards. The second season premiered on Aug. 15.

Remini will also be reuniting with James in the second season of “Kevin Can Wait,” where she has signed on as a series regular.

17 Hollywood Stars Who Dabbled in or Abandoned Scientology: From Leah Remini to Jerry Seinfeld (Photos)

Leah Remini left in 2013, citing her frustration with not being able to challenge the church's beliefs and before her daughter was of age to begin "the acclimation into the church."
TLC
While married to Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes was reportedly uncomfortable with Scientology's teachings and didn't want their daughter raised in the religion, especially in light of her own Catholic upbringing.
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Nicole Kidman severed ties from the church when she divorced Tom Cruise in 2001.
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In 2009, Paul Haggis left the church after 35 years in protest of their support of California's Prop. 8, which banned gay marriage in the state.
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Lisa Marie Presley left Scientology sometime around 2012 after being raised in the church by her mother, Priscilla Presley.
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In 1997 divorce papers, Tom Berenger cited his soon-to-be-ex-wife Lisa's deep-rooted Scientology beliefs as a reason for the dissolution of their marriage.
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Christopher Reeve said in his autobiography that he became disillusioned with the religion when auditing failed to detect blatant lies he was telling.
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Mimi Rogers is often credited with introducing Tom Cruise to Scientology, but after their marriage ended, so did her relationship with the church -- though he remains the Church's most active famous member.
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A child actor who was introduced to the church by an acting coach, Jason Beghe laughed off Scientology with friend David Duchovny after he left. While he was an active member, their friendship was strained, and Duchovny was labeled a "suppresive person" by the church.
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Jerry Seinfeld never officially joined the church, but has attributed his success partly to some Scientology courses he took in his 20s.
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Brad Pitt took a few courses -- and was a high-level target for the church -- while dating Scientologist Juliette Lewis, but lost interest after the relationship ended.
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Candice Bergen was briefly involved with the church in the 1960s before its financial rise.
Getty
"Transparent" actor Jeffery Tambor took Scientology classes and studied the religion for a short time, but no longer participates with the organization.
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Patrick Swayze tried out Scientology while practicing many world faiths, including Buddhism and transcendental meditation.
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Russell Crowe read L. Ron Hubbard's book"Dianetics" and watched a few videos before deciding the church wasn't for him.
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Sonny Bono flirted with Scientology while married to Cher, who herself never understood its appeal.
Columbia Broadcasting Network
"Top Gun" Producer Don Simpson spent more than $25,000 dollars on Scientology before leaving without the life improvement he was hoping to achieve.
The British Broadcasting Network

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These notable figures attended the church, but ultimately decided they couldn’t stay

Leah Remini left in 2013, citing her frustration with not being able to challenge the church's beliefs and before her daughter was of age to begin "the acclimation into the church."

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17 Hollywood Stars Who Dabbled in or Abandoned Scientology: From Leah Remini to Jerry Seinfeld (Photos)

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