The difference is probably that they spoke up about their friends and family joining. Scientology is incredibly petty and well-known for stalking and harassing critics. In particular, during Operation Freakout they tried to get their critics put in mental hospitals, so it’s kinda their SOP to make it look like their critics are having a mental breakdown. You might be safe criticizing Scientology anonymously online, but if you’re annoying them in a specific way (e.g. trying to convince specific people to leave), and they know who you are, I can absolutely see them messing with you.
The difference is probably that they spoke up about their friends and family joining. Scientology is incredibly petty and well-known for stalking and harassing critics. In particular, during Operation Freakout they tried to get their critics put in mental hospitals, so it’s kinda their SOP to make it look like their critics are having a mental breakdown. You might be safe criticizing Scientology anonymously online, but if you’re annoying them in a specific way (e.g. trying to convince specific people to leave), and they know who you are, I can absolutely see them messing with you.