Scientology Speed-Running Protests Spread Globally: Legal Warnings & TikTok Censorship

A bizarre and fast-spreading social media trend—dubbed “Scientology speedrunning”—has seen groups of young people race through Church of Scientology buildings in Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, and even abroad, despite the church’s efforts to halt the practice. The trend, which began in late March, has prompted the organization to issue legal warnings, remove door handles from its properties, and see some viral videos taken down from platforms like TikTok. Security concerns have escalated as incidents, some involving minors, have drawn the attention of law enforcement and raised questions about the motives behind the chaotic stunts.

The phenomenon involves participants—often young, sometimes in costumes—filming themselves as they sprint through Scientology buildings, aiming to map out the facilities and document as much as possible. The term “speedrunning” originates from video games, where players race through levels as quickly as possible. In this case, the “level” is a Scientology building, and the “objective” appears to be sheer viral entertainment, with little regard for the church’s stated mission or the safety of its staff.

Ericka Buensuceso, a Los Angeles resident, witnessed one such incident firsthand on Hollywood Boulevard in late April. She described seeing a group of young people, some dressed as aliens, hot dogs, or Jesus, force their way into a Scientology information center. “I felt an adrenaline rush because I was like, ‘No way this is happening right now for me,’” she said. Buensuceso posted a video of the chaotic scene on TikTok, capturing the moment as more than a dozen individuals attempted to enter the building. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed it had responded to multiple incidents, including one investigated as a potential hate crime.

The Church of Scientology has condemned the trend, calling it “trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious facilities.” In a statement, spokesperson David Bloomberg noted that a staff member was injured during one of the incidents and required medical attention. The church has taken physical steps to secure its properties, removing external door handles from its Hollywood Boulevard locations. Bloomberg emphasized that these spaces are designed to be peaceful and welcoming, not targets for viral stunts.

While the trend has slowed in Los Angeles, it has spread to other major cities and countries, with participants continuing to post videos online. Some commenters on social media have described the trend as “brain rot” content, a term used to describe nonsensical or chaotic online challenges that gain traction for their sheer absurdity. When asked why people engage in speedrunning, one TikTok user simply replied, “because it’s fun.”

The Church of Scientology has issued legal warnings to online content creators accused of promoting the practice, and some videos have been taken down from platforms. However, the trend persists, reflecting the challenges faced by organizations and institutions in controlling viral social media movements. As the phenomenon continues to unfold, it raises broader questions about the boundaries of online behavior, the role of social media in shaping public perception, and the impact of such trends on religious and public spaces.