Shelly Miscavige is the wife of David Miscavige, the leader of the Church of Scientology.
Shelly Miscavige got married to David Miscavige in December 1982, at the age of 21. She came to see Miscavige as Simón Bolvar’s reincarnation, and herself as his mistress Manuela Sáenz.
Shelly Miscavige later became an office assistant to her husband, the chairman of the board (COB) of Scientology’s Religious Technology Center.
According to author Lawrence Wright, she was a key figure in Scientology’s liaison with its most visible member, Tom Cruise. Shelly Miscavige has not been seen in public since August 2007.
Several allegations have been levelled against David Miscavige since assuming leadership. These include allegations of human trafficking, child abuse, slavery, forced family separation, coercive fundraising practices, harassment of journalists and Church of Scientology critics, and Miscavige’s emotional and physical abuse of subordinates.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into Miscavige in connection with allegations of criminal activity within the Scientology organisation.
The most recent lawsuit, filed in April 2022, alleges that senior Scientology officials in the Sea Org sexually abused children on multiple occasions while Miscavige was in charge.