The Church of Scientology building on Fountain Avenue in Hollywood has become the epicenter of a bizarre new social media trend known as the 'Scientology speedrun.' This craze, which involves individuals rushing into Scientology properties, has gone viral on TikTok and other platforms, racking up millions of views.
What is a 'Scientology speedrun'?
The term is deceptive. It is not about Tom Cruise in tight shorts, but rather a trend where content creators film themselves charging into Scientology buildings. The craze began in March when a user named Swhileyy filmed himself rushing the Church of Scientology on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. That video gained 90 million views before being deleted. Since then, groups of mostly young men have documented themselves storming the LA centre, pulling in millions of views on TikTok. The unofficial goal is to see how far inside the building they can get.
Escalation of the trend
The trend has escalated quickly. Some users have started mapping out blueprints of the building based on videos of the raids. Others have taken a more avant-garde approach, storming the lobby dressed as Jesus or Minions demanding to see Tom Cruise. To obscure their identities, speedrunners generally wear face coverings, cat masks, or even full dinosaur costumes.
Why are people doing this?
The motivation largely stems from a mix of public intrigue and the internet's appetite for absurdity. Scientology, founded by American author L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, has long drawn accusations of being a high-control group or cult, which the church has strenuously denied. Combining that with the reality that extreme public pranks practically guarantee social media engagement creates a recipe for virality.
Global expansion
The trend has expanded globally to the UK, where hundreds of teenagers attempted to rush Scientology buildings at various locations. Now, it has reached Australian shores. On Saturday, Sydney and Brisbane Scientology buildings were surrounded by a group of mostly young people demanding access. In Sydney, about 100 young people gathered outside the church on Castlereagh Street at around 1.30 pm, according to New South Wales police. Officers, including members of the riot squad, dispersed the group. A 19-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl were arrested for failing to comply with police directions. A similar crowd targeted the Brisbane Scientology building on George Street. According to Queensland police, one teenager jumped into the driver's side of a police car before quickly hopping out, while another rode a BMX bike over the roof of the same vehicle. Two teenagers, aged 15 and 18, were charged. Despite the disruption, neither group actually made it inside the buildings.
Is Scientology big in Australia?
In terms of presence, yes. In terms of actual numbers, it is unclear. Scientology has an outsized presence in Los Angeles with celebrity adherents including Tom Cruise and John Travolta, but its reach extends globally. In Australia, the church has established sprawling facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra. High-profile Australian members include singer Kate Ceberano, whose grandparents raised their family as Scientologists.
Reaction from former members
Defectors, including actress Leah Remini, have accused the church of fostering a culture of abuse. Remini weighed in on the social media trend, calling it 'unhelpful.' She wrote on X that 'running through a Scientology building' only confirms the church's narrative that the outside world is dangerous, leading members to double down on their beliefs. She urged people to focus on exposing the dangers of Scientology, not making a spectacle out of it. Alexander Barnes Ross, who has led protests against Scientology in the UK, expressed concern that the speedruns trivialise serious advocacy. 'There is nothing funny about Scientology. This is a dangerous, harmful organisation,' he said, adding that forced entries undermine legitimate protest efforts.
Church of Scientology's response
In a statement to Guardian Australia, the church said that 'individuals have repeatedly forced their way into Church properties, disrupted religious and public facilities, damaged Church property, and endangered staff, parishioners and visitors.' During one large-scale incident, dozens of individuals rushed into buildings without permission. Staff members were knocked down in the chaos, and the church is reviewing all available remedies to protect its personnel, visitors, and property. The statement emphasised that church facilities are peaceful spaces designed to welcome parishioners, visitors, and members of the public, and turning them into targets for viral stunts is not journalism, protest, or civic activity. The church has reported the incidents to law enforcement and increased security, stating that 'a house of worship and public information facilities have been repeatedly targeted by people seeking internet attention.' The church welcomes lawful visitors but does not welcome mobs forcing entry, damaging property, disrupting religious spaces, or endangering people for views.
