Church of Scientology blasts TikTok 'speed running' trend as viral videos circulate

A Church of Scientology building in the heart of Hollywood removed its door handles and restricted public entry this week amid a bizarre TikTok 'speed running' trend.

LOS ANGELES — A Church of Scientology building in the heart of Hollywood removed its door handles and restricted public entry this week after a bizarre social media trend prompted young people to rush inside and race through its halls.

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Videos of the trend, some of which have picked up millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, feature participants recording themselves “speed running,” as if in a video game, through Scientology’s buildings in Hollywood. They are often seen dodging screaming church members and security guards until they are ultimately escorted out.

Scientology is a fiercely private religious group that follows the teachings of founder L. Ron Hubbard and has celebrity adherent, including A-list stars like Tom Cruise and John Travolta.