Do you notice anything odd about this image?
It looks like your bog standard family portrait from the 1980s – but this image has made headlines around the world.
Why? Because it has been offered up as “proof” Scientology leader David Miscavige’s wife Shelly – who hasn’t been seen in public since 2005 – is alive and well.
David’s father Ron unveiled the happy snap on Good Morning America on Monday, while promoting his new book about Scientology Ruthless.
It’s the first photo of Shelly since she vanished from the limelight 11 years ago, but many internet commentators just don’t believe it is a recent image.
Even Leah Remini – a high profile Scientology defector who officially reported former friend Shelly missing in 2013 – has her doubts about the photo.
“It’s obviously from when ‘The Love Boat’ was a big hit but I’m just guessing,” she told news.com.au when asked what she thought of the picture.
Leah first became concerned about Shelly when she failed to attend the Scientology wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in 2006. She claims she questioned church leaders about Shelly’s whereabouts and was abused for her impertinent questions.
She cites Shelly’s “disappearance” as one of the major factors that precipitated her departure from the religion. In 2013, she officially reported her friend missing to the LAPD, who subsequently closed their missing person’s case after allegedly speaking to Shelly herself.
