Scientology is highly respectable

Starting in the late 1980s, David Miscavige made a radical change to Scientology's public relations posture.
Back in the '60s and '70s, they were thought of as counterculture types or authoritarian hippies.
Their revised and updated collection of static websites (now over a decade old) and the few heavily massaged media statements they deign to put out (to compliant mainstream media organs) now strive to make Scientology look like the most respectable organization on earth.
This content seeks to manipulate people into thinking that Scientology exists at a level above society. Even the elites are supposed to sense that Scientology operates at a higher level than them. Above the fray, certainly beyond all criticism.
That's a useful position to take, because it prevents discussion and debate, which is not allowed under Scientology.

Another way to appear respectable is to get politicians and authority figures to attend cult events. Current LA mayor and then representative Karen Bass did just that in 2010. It didn't hurt her campaign, which was driven more by identity politics than Miscavige's cultural manipulations:
* https://www.foxla.com/news/karen-bass-responds-to-new-ad-linking-her-to-church-of-scientology/
It's especially noticeable at the Flag Land Base in Clearwater, FL. Most of the local politicians act as if they have been bought by David Miscavige (though that may not be literally the case).

Captain Miscavige is helped by professional so-called "cult apologists" who are financially supported by Scientology. People like Italian "Catholic academic" Massimo Introvigne. He is famous for supporting old men "marrying" multiple young girls in Mormon offshoot groups, as well as speaking in support of Scientology's network of long-term work camps.
Massimo Introvigne has consistently opposed anyone trying to reveal what is really happening behind the scenes; especially sexual abuse, but also more run of the mill slavery and physical beatings/sleep deprivation and the like. He invented the use of the term "apostates" to condemn those who left Scientology.

In his court appearances supporting Scientology operations and practices, Massimo Introvigne did make it clear that he was not paid for giving his testimony:
* https://gerryarmstrong.ca/introvigne-big-beneficiary-in-the-pound-of-flesh-contract/
Which is true. But Scientology DID pay to help establish and maintain his simulated research center "CESNUR" that supports religious high-control groups. And CESNUR pays Massimo Introvigne's salary.

The thing is, these media control programs often seem to work. Most mainstream media reports are very shallow - and that's all it takes. Miscavige's and Massimo's real goal may just be to get casual observers to look away.