One long weekend, two sort-of celebrities and three hours in jail - this is what happens when you put Tila Tequila with San Diego Chargers ball player, Shawne Merriman and toss in liquid refreshments.

Merriman was arrested over the weekend when Tila Tequila, reality star and whose real name is Tila Nguyen, pressed charges and accused Merriman of choking and assaulting her.  He was released three hours later and immediately spoke to the press. He has completely denied the charges and insists he was only trying to protect the woman because she was drunk and he didn’t want her to drive.

Meanwhile, Tequila released her own statement and insists she wasn’t drunk, and even goes so far as to tweet she’s allergic to alcohol. Ah, but the police say she was indeed drinking.  Classic “he said, she said and they said”, to be sure.

Late today, Nguyen tweeted, “If u or some1 u know is being abused or hit..Tell on em”.  Whatever happened to proper grammar?  FoxSports is reporting paramedics could find no injuries, marks or bruises on Nguyen.  So what happens now?  Unless formal charges are filed, nothing will happen and since Merriman was hauled in as a result of Nguyen filing a citizen’s arrest, that only makes it even more likely that nothing else will come of this.  Apparently there were many party goers nearby who witnessed what happened and more importantly, what didn’t happen.  Many interviewed by the media insist they’re ready to come forward and answer any questions the police may have that will provide an unbiased account of what transpired.

In the meantime, both sides have returned to their respective corners and with the exception of Nguyen, who apparently spends an incredible amount of time on her Twitter account, there has been no new information today. Merriman’s attorney insists his client did nothing wrong and expects the evidence will completely absolve him.

As the anniversary of the Jonestown massacre nears, we’re reminded of how cults remain the great mystery to many of us. We know they exist and we’re equally horrified and fascinated with those who find comfort in these social structures. Mostly, it’s hard to fathom the mindsets of those who not only dedicate themselves to their chosen lifestyles, but who will fight to death in their defenses of the group they believe is the only place they belong.

I was surprised, though, during my search for active cults that Scientology tends to be the leader in all search engine results. Honestly, any reference to Scientology has always evoked Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes images in my mind. What I discovered, though, had nothing to do with Hollywood glamour. Specifically, the RPF method that’s practiced within this group that has me wondering at what point someone agrees to prove his worth to any group through punishments that result in his loss of dignity and self respect. RPF stands for Rehabilitation Project Force and is designed to remind wayward members the importance of Scientology teachings. Some say it can easily take years for those who’ve broken the rules or have violated any part of the program to complete the RPF process and be reinstated to a “worthy” status. Those being punished aren’t allowed to spend time with their families until they begin to rehabilitate. What’s so insane to me is how one is deemed rehabilitated. Some of the ones sent to RPF include those who have hidden evil thoughts and who scored low on IQ tests that would lower the averages within the church itself. Somehow, though, I doubt any of the celebrities who are vocal members have been sent to RPF, regardless of their IQs or evil thoughts.

There are many criminal activities that Scientology as a whole has been accused of and some high members have been convicted for, including a Scientology minister who was convicted in Los Angeles for charities fraud. And even L. Ron Hubbard himself was convicted of fraud in France and was sentenced to four years in a French prison, although he never served any time nor made any financial restitution. He was, however, banned from the UK. There are many witnesses to his drug abuse, some say he took so many pills, it was a wonder he’d even lived as long as he did. This is a far cry from the infamous show of enraged behavior displayed by Tom Cruise, the face of Scientology, on the Today show. You remember - the one where he declares chemicals in general inappropriate for the treatment o f post-partum depression?

The supporters, and there are many, say there are no activities that could be deemed cult-like and every member is free to walk away at any point. Still, those who have left (they call it “escaping”) say they did so with threats of huge fines; and because they were taught to release all of their earthly shameful behaviors while they were members, they stand to be outed due to their confessions upon becoming members. Whether it’s crimes they committed or affairs they may have had prior to entering the church, anything that can be used against them upon their break from the church are all fair game.

Just as there are those who are loyal to the teachings and swear their lives have been changed, there are those who are no longer part of Scientology who say it was nothing but one of the worst cults our society has ever known.

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