Hollywood Undercover

The book takes a critical look at the Church of Scientology and its influence in Hollywood. Halperin posed as a gay man looking for a "cure" from Scientology, in order to expose what he felt were inherent prejudices in the organization. He investigates rumors that Scientology claims to have a cure for homosexuality through a special " auditing" process. Halperin interviews former Scientologist Michael Pattinson, who sued the Church of Scientology claiming fraudulent activities after spending US$500,000 over 18 years in attempts to cure his homosexuality.

Halperin states that he told a Scientology official he wanted to have a successful career in Hollywood but was afraid that if his homosexuality was revealed it would stymie his career. He states that the Scientology official said the organization would "cure him of his sexuality through auditing". According to Halperin the Scientology organization has arranged "cover" marriages as part of a "cure" for homosexuality, and notes that actor and Scientologist John Travolta married Kelly Preston two days after a a male porn star told the National Enquirer of an alleged relationship he had with Travolta. According to Halperin, Anna Nicole Smith had wanted to become a Scientologist, but decided against it after she was informed by a friend of the organization's stance on homosexuality.

Halperin concludes that the Scientology organization is more focused on money than on other issues: "I pretty much found that everything about the church is about making as much money as possible, which doesn't really make them much different from most other religions. I have to be honest and admit I also met some nice people in the church. It's just that I have a huge problem with their discriminatory attitude toward gays." Halperin disputes Andrew Morton's claim in his book Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography that actor Tom Cruise is second in command of the organization, instead asserting Cruise is actually in the top position of leadership.

Halperin also explores the pornography industry, the Oscars, and the travails of the casting couch phenomenon. Links to YouTube videos by Halperin are given throughout the book, to illustrate encounters he had with various entertainment personalities. Halperin meets with famous actors and celebrities including Barbra Streisand, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio, and asks them to share their advice with him about the workings of the entertainment industry. Halperin eventually lands a talent agent, and a role in the film The Aviator.

Reception