Elisabeth Moss reportedly stayed true to her Scientology roots with that Emmys f-bomb

Swearing is Scientological tradition.
 By 
Proma Khosla
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Few religions sanction swearing on the reg, but Scientology apparently does.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Elisabeth Moss's Emmys speech, which started with a loud f-bomb, was true to her status as a scientologist -- in fact, it's "almost a sacrament."

"Scientologists are urged to communicate with 'average people,' and to do so effectively you have to 'go down the tone scale,'" former Scientologist and friend of Moss's from the church TIziano Lugli told THR.

"So they all use 'fuck, fuck, fuck' every time they talk. It’s fascinating. The quote-unquote philosophy behind it is you match the tone level in order to communicate on the same level of the people with whom you’re communicating. If you’re too 'high-tone,' people will not understand you."

In other words, Moss threw out those f-bombs partly due to shock and adrenaline, and partly to communicate with normals like us. (Moss' rep had no comment.)

"There's no question that Scientology has this kind of throwback, hard-smoking, curse-language culture that dates to Hubbard being a Navy guy," journalist Tony Ortega said in the article. "Cursing in Scientology is almost a sacrament."

Scientologists, according to Ortega, curse like sailors -- because it came out of the Sea Org, a class of clergy literally composed of sailors.

Yet even within former Scientologists, the swearing is so ingrained that few are clear as to why it's so pervasive. The tone scale isn't immediate, common knowledge, and most just assume prominent scientologists like Tom Cruise swear for fun.

And here we thought Moss was just trying to prove the Eyes wrong.

Mashable Image
Proma Khosla

Proma Khosla is a Senior Entertainment Reporter writing about all things TV, from ranking Bridgerton crushes to composer interviews and leading Mashable's stateside coverage of Bollywood and South Asian representation. You might also catch her hosting video explainers or on Mashable's TikTok and Reels, or tweeting silly thoughts from @promawhatup.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Everything we know about Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington's 'Imperfect Women'
Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, and Kate Mara in "Imperfect Women."


'Imperfect Women' teaser has huge 'Big Little Lies' vibes
Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, and Kate Mara in "Imperfect Women."

'Cornbread Mafia' review: True crime meets stoner comedy in this outrageous documentary
American marijuana farmers sit at the center of "Cornbread Mafia."


Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!