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Leah Remini speaks out over Kirstie Alley’s death following Scientology feud-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro
Alley died aged 71.
Kirstie Alley died at the age of 71 after battling cancer (Picture: Reuters)
Leah Remini has paid tribute to Kirstie Alley following her death at 71.
The Cheers actress died after battling colon cancer, with her children confirming the sad news in a heartfelt statement on Monday.
In the wake of her death, Remini – who feuded with the late star over her belief in Scientology – extended her condolences to William True and Lillie Stevenson on their loss.
‘The news of Kirstie Alley’s passing is very sad,’ she said.
‘Although Scientologists don’t believe in prayers, my prayers do go out to her two children, who are now without their mom.’
‘I hope they can, one day, free themselves of this dangerous and toxic organization,’ she added to Rolling Stone.
Leah Remini spoke of her death after their feud on Scientology (Picture: Getty)
Remini had been a member of the Church of Scientology from childhood, but subsequently left in 2013.
Since then, she has been vocal about her feelings towards the church, accusing those in charge of isolating members from their loved ones, allowing mental illness to go untreated and covering up abuse – speaking out in her documentary, Scientology and the Aftermath.
She also claimed that she had ‘lost friends’ due to her decision to leave the religion, alleging that practicing Scientologists are not allowed to connect with those who have left.
Over the years, she has clashed with Alley, who she previously starred alongside in an episode of King of Queens in 2006.
Kirstie Alley’s children confirmed the news of her death (Picture: WireImage)
Alley slammed her comments regarding the religion during a 2013 interview with Howard Stern, telling the host: ‘First of all, I just want to everyone to know I have hundreds of friends and people that I know that have come into Scientology and left Scientology.
‘It is not true that you cannot [leave] … You’re not shunned, you’re not chased. All that stuff’s bulls**t.
‘The truth is, I don’t think I’ve seen Leah for seven or eight years, not for any reason other than I’m acting, and she’s acting.
‘I didn’t care if she was in or out.’
Remini later insisted that she ‘understood’ where her former co-star was coming from, due to the alleged ‘policy’ of the organization.
Alley’s loved ones shared the news of her death earlier this week, explaining that she was surrounded by her family at the time.
‘To all our friends, far and wide around the world….,’ they began. ‘We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered.
‘She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead.
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‘As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.’
‘We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care,’ they continued.
‘Our mother’s zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did.
‘We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.’
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