Leah Remini has spoken for the first time about her decision to leave the Church of Scientology. The former King of Queens actress announced her decision earlier this month (11th July) and it was rumoured she had left due to a disagreement with the church's management.

Leah Remini
Leah Remini at 2010 CBS, CW and Showtime summer press tour, L.A.

She appears to have confirmed this rumour, whilst speaking to People at a DesignCare event in Malibu. She said: "I believe that people should be able to question things. I believe that people should value family, and value friendships, and hold those things sacrosanct." She went on to say "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".

Remini may not have directly addressed her remarks to the Church of Scientology but rumours regarding their particular policies have spread particularly the complete excommunication of former members. David Miscavige, the church's mysterious leader, is certainly a strange figure. His wife, Shelly Miscavige, has not been seen in public since 2007 which has triggered speculation as to her whereabouts.

Leah Remini
Leah Remini at Disney ABC Television Group Party in Beverly Hills.

According to sources speaking to People, it was due to Remini's curiosity about Shelly Miscavige's whereabouts at the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, when her disillusionment with the church began. 

Remini had been a member of the Church of Scientologists since the 70's after she joined with her mother. Her initial fear that her family would suffer following her decision to leave the church have been laid to rest. On the subject she said "we stand united, my family and I, and I think that says a lot about who we are, and what we're about." 

 Leah Remini
Leah Remini at 13th Annual Design Care Benefiting the HollyRod Foundation, Hollywood.