Leah Remini talks about leaving Scientology

MALIBU, Calif., July 29 (UPI) -- U.S. actress and TV personality Leah Remini says she left the Church of Scientology because she didn't want to be told what to think or to whom she could speak.

Remini, 43, was the female lead in the long-running sitcom "King of Queens" and is a former co-host of "The Talk."

She released a statement this month confirming she had left the church after more than 20 years and thanking her friends for their support.

Although she didn't disclose her reasons for her departure, media reports said she had been interrogated and intimidated by church officials after she questioned their practices.

Remini spoke out about her decision to leave Scientology to People.com during this past weekend.

"I believe that people should be able to question things," Remini said.

"I believe that people should value family, and value friendships, and hold those things sacrosanct. That for me, that's what I'm about. It wouldn't matter what it was, simply because 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."