Elisabeth Moss has come out in defense of the Church of Scientology on Instagram.
"The Handmaid's Tale" actress joined the religion in 2012 but has rarely spoken about it. Her online defense came after she posted a photo of herself above the Hollywood Hills.
"Last Handmaids Tale season 1 event until the Emmys!" she wrote in the caption. "Thank you for coming out everyone last night, your love and support of the show means more to us than I'll ever be able to express in words. Truly. And now we get to go work on bringing you season 2!!! Which by the way is going to blow your minds…"
One of her 282,000 Instagram followers decided to ask her about the difference between Gilead — a totalitarian society ruled by a fictional fundamentalist regime — and Scientology. "Love this adaptation so much," the fan wrote. "Question though, does it make you think twice about Scientology? Both Gilead and Scientology both believe that all outside sources (aka news) are wrong or evil… it's just very interesting."
The actress wrote back, "That's actually not true at all about Scientology. Religious freedom and tolerance and understanding the truth and equal rights for every race, religion and creed are extremely important to me. The most important things to me probably. And so Gilead and THT hit me on a very personal level. Thanks for the interesting question!"
E! News has published a screen grab of the conversation, which surprised many, as Elisabeth typically keeps her opinions on religious matters private.
Recently, former Scientology member and vocal critic Leah Remini said Elisabeth won't speak to her because of the church.
"Elisabeth Moss believes that she can't talk to me," Leah told The Hollywood Reporter. "She believes that I'm an antisocial personality — because I've spoken out against Scientology. So she isn't allowed to talk to me. And me knowing that, I wouldn't put her in the awkward position."
"I don't hold anything against Elisabeth Moss other than she's continuing to support a group that is abusive and destroying families," she added. "That's for her to learn — just as I needed to learn it."
The church has denied essentially all of Leah's accusations.