Zeppelin Witheridge charged with public nuisance over ‘Scientology speedrun’ social media trend
A social media stunt that treats churches like video games has gone from TikTok to the dock, landing an alleged teenage “speedrunner” in court.
Zeppelin Witheridge, 18, has been accused of using a police car as a BMX ramp after a viral challenge went awry at the Church of Scientology in Brisbane’s CBD.
Chaotic scenes erupted after hundreds of people gathered at the church for a “Scientology speedrun” on 9 May.
The social media trend involves people racing into Scientology buildings to see how far they can get before security catches up, then uploading the footage for everyone to rate.
In gaming, a “speedrun” is about clearing a level as fast as humanly possible. A “Scientology speedrun” treats real-world buildings like maps, security guards as non-playable characters and doorways as checkpoints, with likes and shares as the prize.
But it was “game over” soon after about 200 self-styled speedrunners descended on the Brisbane church.
After discovering the front door was locked, their attention allegedly shifted to the next potential challenge – police who had gathered outside.
Witheridge is accused of launching his bike up and over a patrol car’s bonnet as onlookers whooped, filmed and posted while others jumped into the vehicle, sending the stunt viral.
No one was arrested at the time but the viral footage led to charges for Witheridge, who is part of the so-called Ween Crew, a Brisbane-based freestyle BMX group that posts its antics on social media.
The Brisbane stunt was part of a rolling global fad that started in Los Angeles and has since popped up in London, Edinburgh, New York and Vancouver.
Each time a local Scientology centre was targeted for a “speedrun”, with participants swapping tips online, trading building layouts like cheat sheets and masking up in hoodies and face coverings before dashing inside.
The Church of Scientology has labelled the behaviour “organised trespass” and harassment, saying some stunts have caused damage and minor injuries to staff.
Some centres have gone so far as to remove exterior door handles in a bid to curb the trend.
In Brisbane, the online challenge had very real consequences for Witheridge who appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.
He has been charged with public nuisance, driving a particular vehicle without due car and failure to wear a helmet riding a bike.
After arriving at court with his mother, Witheridge’s matter was briefly mentioned and adjourned to June 24.
Source: Guardian - World News
