Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard and FBI Chief J. Edgar Hoover Were Pen Pals

Hubbard tried to convince the FBI that his wife was a Communist after failing to have her committed

Mar. 10, 2026 at 7:00pm

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In a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed that Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover were once pen pals. This revelation comes to light 75 years after Hubbard's failed attempt to have his wife committed, which led him to try and convince the FBI that she was a Communist.

Why it matters

This little-known piece of history sheds light on the complex and often controversial relationship between Scientology and government agencies like the FBI. It also highlights Hubbard's willingness to use any means necessary, including false accusations, to further his own agenda and maintain control over his followers.

The details

In the aftermath of his failed attempt to have his wife committed, Hubbard turned to the FBI in a desperate attempt to discredit her. He claimed that she was a Communist, hoping to leverage the FBI's anti-Communist stance to have her arrested or otherwise neutralized. However, the FBI ultimately saw through Hubbard's ploy and did not take any action against his wife.

  • In the summer of 1951, Hubbard tried to have his wife committed to a mental institution.
  • After his failed attempt, Hubbard wrote to the FBI in an effort to have his wife labeled as a Communist.

The players

L. Ron Hubbard

The founder of the Church of Scientology, who attempted to have his wife committed and then accused her of being a Communist in an effort to discredit her.

J. Edgar Hoover

The long-serving Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who received Hubbard's accusations against his wife but ultimately did not take any action.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This case highlights the lengths Hubbard was willing to go to maintain control over his followers and discredit those who opposed him, even going so far as to make false accusations to government agencies. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of scrutinizing the claims of charismatic leaders.