Leah Remini Hints At Why She Left the Church of Scientology

Leah Remini has offered the first hints about why she publically left the Church of Scientology, telling People magazine no one is going to tell her how to think or who she can speak to.

Remini - best known for starring in 'King of Queens' - split from the controversial church after three decades, thanking fans and colleagues for their support though giving no real indication as to the reasons for the departure. However, speaking to People magazine at an event in California on Saturday (July 27, 2013), the actress said: "I believe that people should value family, and value friendships, and hold those things sacrosanct. That for me, that's what I'm about."

"It wouldn't matter what it was, simply because no one is going to tell me how I need to think, no one is going to tell me who I can, and cannot, talk to," she added.

In a story at the time of her exit, the New York Post said the actress left the church after "being subjected to years of interrogations and thought modification" for questioning leader David Miscavige's rule.

When contacted by Contactmusic.com, representatives for the Church of Scientology made no comment.

"We stand united, my family and I, and I think that says a lot about who we are, and what we're about," added Remini over the weekend.

The Church of Scientology lists Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta amongst its members.

Leah Remini At The 2010 CBS, CW Summer Tour