Who is Alex Barnes-Ross?
Previously the Church of Scientology's Director of Public Book Sales in London, Alex Barnes-Ross (aka 'Apostate Alex') had signed his billion-year contract and was ready to dedicate his life to Scientology. However, before he could arrive at the notorious 'Sea Organization' headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, he was ultimately expelled and labelled a 'Source of Trouble'. He is now a leading figure, advocating for suvivors and campaigning for change.
Alex Barnes-Ross, known as Apostate Alex, is a journalist, activist, podcast host and one of the UK’s most prominent critics of the Church of Scientology. A former insider turned campaigner, he uses investigative reporting and public advocacy to expose the organisation’s practices, hold it to account and give survivors a voice.
Alex joined Scientology at 15 and became Director of Public Book Sales at the Church of Scientology in London. At 19, he was declared a Potential Trouble Source (PTS) and dismissed from his staff post. He has spoken about the intense interrogations he experienced, including intrusive questioning about his private life and being forcibly held against his will.
In 2023, Alex launched his YouTube channel, Apostate Alex, where he interviews former members, investigates Scientology’s activities and shares the experiences of those who have left. His videos have attracted more than 1.6 million views, helping bring survivors’ stories to a wider audience and connecting people with support.
That same year, Alex organised a major peaceful demonstration at Scientology’s UK headquarters in Saint Hill, East Grinstead, described by The Guardian as the largest UK protest against the organisation in 15 years. He continues to campaign for freedom of expression, greater accountability and support for people leaving high-control groups.
Barnes-Ross also advocates for stronger legal protections for those affected by coercive control and spiritual or religious abuse. In 2024, he took proposals for legislative reform to Westminster, calling for protections to address harmful dynamics beyond domestic relationships. In February 2025, he spoke at the National Working Group on Spiritual and Religious Abuse, contributing to discussions on policy and survivor support.
As editor of ScientologyBusiness.com, Alex examines Scientology’s financial, corporate and legal affairs in the UK and Europe. His work has attracted coverage from The Times, The Guardian, The Observer and the BBC. The Times has described him as “one of Scientology’s foremost critics”, while former senior Scientology executive Mike Rinder has called him “Scientology’s Public Enemy #1 in the UK” and “a one man wrecking crew”.
Alex has also spoken out about the online hostility he says he has faced as a result of his campaigning. He remains focused on investigating Scientology’s operations, challenging its influence and advocating for those who feel unable to speak out.
His mission is to expose abuse, hold powerful organisations to account and ensure that those who leave Scientology are heard, supported and understood.
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Photo by Richard Gosnold