A strange TikTok craze that involves teenagers slipping into Church of Scientology buildings and then racing through them has prompted an angry reaction from the organization.
Nicknamed the “scientology speedrun,” the trend features people attempting to dash past security and see how far they can make it inside Scientology-owned properties. The clips have racked up millions of views, encouraging more users to try it themselves.
One Scientology location in California has reportedly responded by removing door handles and restricting entry to approved visitors, citing concerns about “trespassing, harassment and disruption of religious facilities.”
The church — which counts high-profile members such as Tom Cruise and Elizabeth Moss — has condemned the trend, saying it has turned what it considers “peaceful spaces” into “targets for viral stunts,” and describing the disruption it has caused.
“Over recent weeks, individuals have repeatedly forced their way into Church properties on Hollywood Boulevard, disrupted religious and public facilities, damaged Church property, and endangered staff, parishioners and visitors,” the official statement reads.
A major “speedrun” attempt took place last Saturday (April 25) on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, where dozens of people reportedly rushed into the L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition and a nearby information center.
The church’s strongest criticism focused on the incursion into an area dedicated to Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard — the science fiction author whose 1950s self-help work “Dianetics” later formed the basis of the religion.
“Staff members were knocked down in the chaos, and the Church is reviewing all available remedies to protect its personnel, visitors and property,” they said, adding that they would be referring the incident to law enforcement.
Footage shared on Instagram appears to show a group — many wearing disguises — pushing past the first layer of security at one of the buildings. The video includes people dressed as Jesus and Sonic the Hedgehog.
As the masked group runs through rooms and up stairwells, a security guard is seen pursuing them while warning: “You are trespassing, please leave! The police have been called!”
The Los Angeles Police Department said it is aware of the incident and is seeking two individuals in connection with alleged criminal acts — one related to vandalism and another involving battery with a hate crime enhancement. Even so, many participants have continued to defend the stunt.
One of the most viewed creators associated with the trend, Swhileyy — who is believed to have helped kick it off — told the Hollywood Reporter he didn’t believe he broke the law and said he wants people to stop.
He said: “I do not condone what I did, even though I didn’t break any laws. All I did was explore the building. I was never asked not to come back to the premises.
“I never once in any video or any comment section or anywhere promoted the idea of running through there or beating my record.”