Leah Remini Speaks Out About Leaving Scientology

Leah Remini's exit from Scientology has not been a smooth one.

The "King of Queens" star confirmed her split from the church, and recently told People, "I believe that people should be able to question things. I believe that people should value family, and value friendships, and hold those things sacrosanct. That for me is what I'm about. It wouldn't matter what it was, simply because no one is going to tell me how I need to think, no one is going to tell me who I can, and cannot, talk to."

Remini left the church after she was subjected to "years of interrogation and thought modification." She spoke out against church leader David Miscavige and was reportedly concerned about the strange disappearance of his wife, Shelly. But the actress received harsh criticism from other celebrity church-goers like Kirstie Alley. Scientologist expert and former Village Voice editor Tony Ortega wrote that Alley was "livid" with Remini.

The 43-year-old actress was a member of the Church of Scientology for three decades and in the past was one of its ardent defenders. Her tune has now changed. In the comment to People she said, "I'm not about to shut up."