Inside John Stamos' Bizarre Encounter with Scientology: Shocking Revelations Unveiled in New Book

John Stamos. Amy Sussman/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

John Stamos had a brief encounter with the Church of Scientology during the 1980s, but ultimately decided against embracing the religious beliefs.

In his recently published book, "If You Would Have Told Me," the 60-year-old Stamos reminisces about a moment when his former acting teacher's assistant, Mia, discreetly slipped him a Scientology book after class. Stamos recollected the incident, stating, "As I made my way to my car, Mia hurried towards me and handed me my class materials. She slipped an additional book, resembling the weight of a brick, into my stack. Flashing a smile, she said, 'Start with this one. It might open your eyes to some extraordinary concepts.'"

Encouraged by Mia, Stamos agreed to meet her at an address in Hollywood, only to later realize it was actually Scientology's well-known Celebrity Centre. "While working my shift at Yellow Basket [restaurant]," Stamos recalled, "I started reading the book and noticed a strong emphasis on control: controlling your mind, energy, space, and time."

Intrigued, Stamos decided to go ahead with the invitation, but upon arriving at the Celebrity Centre's parking lot, he was immediately taken aback. He described it as "imposing, elaborate, and deeply unsettling—a bizarre combination of Chateau Marmont, Disney's Haunted Mansion, and a mental institution."

Inside the building, Stamos underwent a short auditing session with an E-meter, albeit without referring to it by Scientology's official name. (The church asserts that E-meter readings signify shifts in emotional states that enable the discernment of stored engrams, which are memories of distressing events from the past.)

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Stamos reminisced about the Wayback Machine, a remarkable time-travel device featured in The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. This ingenious contraption, managed by Mr. Peabody, a brilliant beagle, and his young human companion, Sherman, allowed them to journey through various dimensions. In this memory, Stamos vividly remembered being given two round objects resembling cans. He held one to his ear and the other to his mouth, playfully imitating a conversation into an old-fashioned telephone, saying "Hello, there."

During this encounter, Stamos recalled Mia's annoyance with him, while a peculiar individual overseeing the session unexpectedly pinched him on the hand.

"He starts interrogating me about engaging in criminal activities, inquiring if I harbor any negative sentiments towards Scientology or L. Ron Hubbard, and delving into uncomfortable sexual matters," Stamos recounted. "As I notice the Wayback Machine meter spike in the corner, Mia appears disheartened. It seems I am not considered suitable for Scientology. What a shame."

This marked the apparent termination of Stamos' affiliation with the renowned institution, known for its notable celebrity adherents such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Danny Masterson, and others. Noteworthy individuals who have since parted ways with the church include Leah Remini and Laura Prepon.

After departing the organization in 2013, Remini, aged 53, has emerged as a vocal opponent of the church. She penned the memoir Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology and was involved in the creation of the docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. On the other hand, the church has consistently refuted Remini's claims.

If You Would Have Told Me is available now wherever books are sold.