Leah Remini breaks her silence on late Scientology whistleblower Mike Rinder

Leah Remini passing by broke her silence Mike Rindera former Scientology leader turned whistleblower who played a key role in exposing the inner workings of the controversial organization.

Mike Rinder, who won an Emmy for his courageous work with Remini, died recently after a battle with esophageal cancer.

Following the news, Lea Remini paid tribute to her close friend on Instagram.

Remini and Rinder were close collaborators, co-hosting the groundbreaking A&E docu-series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath and the podcast Fair Game. Together, they uncovered countless stories of alleged abuse, manipulation and trauma within the Church of Scientology.

After his death, Remini called Rinder her “trusted partner” and revealed the profound impact he had on her life.

“We lost a giant on Sunday and I lost a man who was more than a friend — he was family,” she wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post shared Tuesday. “It's impossible to imagine the last 13 years of my life without Mike Rinder. He was my anchor, my trusted partner and my closest confidant. It's impossible to imagine the last 13 years of my life without Mike Rinder.”

Her mother, Leah Remini, introduced her to Scientology as a child, and she spent more than 30 years as a devoted member of the church. During her time in Scientology, she became a high-profile advocate, often publicly defending the organization in interviews.

However, in 2013, Leah made the decision to leave the Church of Scientology, citing concerns about its leadership, financial practices and treatment of its members. After making her decision, she turned to Rinder for advice.

“He was my trusted partner and my closest confidant,” the actress wrote in her Instagram post. “When I left Scientology, Mike was one of the first people I turned to. From that moment on, he became my lifeline. Together we embarked on an incredible journey that included The Aftermath and our podcast Fair Game. But Mike in this fight was much more than my partner – he was my brother, father and best friend.

In his heartfelt tribute to Rinder, Remini said: “Mike saved my life and my daughter's” because “he stood by me through what seemed like insurmountable battles”.

“I haven't come to terms with the reality that I can't call him and hear his voice anymore. I'm devastated in ways I never thought possible. I've cried endlessly and can't seem to get out of bed since I got home,” she added.

The actress then spoke about Rinder's life after Scientology, calling him a “transformed man” as he “worked tirelessly to right the wrongs of his past.”

“There wasn't a call Mike didn't take; there wasn't a person Mike didn't try to help, despite the many heartbreaks he endured from those who needed him,” Remini added. “Mike also became a wonderful husband and attentive, loving dad to Jack and his stepson, Shane. One of the many heartbreaks Mike endured was the loss of his older children, who disengaged from his Scientology policies after he bravely avoided its abuses.Mike adored Jack, who is only 12 years old.

The “King Of Queens” actress didn't stop there. She then asked her fans and followers to “join me in contributing to Jack's college fund, ensuring that Mike's dreams for his son can still come true.”

“Please keep Mike's wife Christy, Jack and Mike's stepson Shane in your thoughts and prayers,” she added. “They have lost a husband and a father whose love knew no bounds, and I have lost someone whose presence in my life was irreplaceable.”

Remini then concluded, “Mikey, I'm going to miss you every day and I just don't know how to do it without you.”

After leaving the Church of Scientology, Leah Remini became one of its most vocal critics, raising concerns about several of the organization's practices. She has spoken especially openly about the head of the church, David Miscavige, accusing him of abusive behavior and authoritarian leadership.

Leah also decries the church's “disconnection” policy, which allegedly forces members to cut ties with family and friends who leave or criticize Scientology. In addition, she has pointed to financial exploitation within the organization, claiming that members are forced to invest excessive amounts of money in courses, audits and donations. Lea has also supported former members who have shared allegations of physical, emotional and psychological abuse.

In addition, she criticizes the church for using its status as a religious organization to avoid legal scrutiny and accountability.