Bass corrects explanation about Scientology event attendance, praise

Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) corrected her explanation for why she spoke enthusiastically during the opening of a Scientology church in Los Angeles a decade ago.

In a corrected statement on Twitter, Bass removed “in my district” from her response to the controversy, changing it to “in Los Angeles.” The change reportedly came after Politico inquired about the discrepancy. 

Correction: pic.twitter.com/hB9pYosio8

— Karen Bass (@KarenBassTweets) August 5, 2020

The resurgence of the video of Bass’s speech comes as she is believed to be one of the finalists in consideration to be presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden‘s running mate in November. Bass, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, has been in Congress since 2011. 

The recently circulated video shows Bass at a 2010 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles, which had just been fully renovated. The then-state legislator praised the church for its humanitarian efforts.

“This day and this new church of Scientology is an exciting moment because I know your goal and your commitment is truly to make a difference,” Bass said. “The Church of Scientology I know has made a difference because your creed is a universal creed and one that speaks to all people everywhere.”

In her response, Bass said she “attended the event knowing I was going to address a group of people with beliefs very different than my own.”

The church has since faced a number of allegations of sexual abuse and human trafficking. Bass noted that those allegations had not yet surfaced when she gave the speech. 

Bass said that “since then, published first-hand accounts in books, interviews and documentaries have exposed this group. Everyone is now aware of the allegations against Scientology.”