Summary
- Tom Cruise shuts down rumors of leaving the Church of Scientology, arriving at the headquarters via a black helicopter amidst protests.
- Protesters criticize the religion's controversial practices and question Tom's control over his own life.
- Speculation about Tom's strained relationship with his daughter and previous divorces fueled rumors of his departure, but his recent appearance suggests he remains committed to Scientology.
There’s been speculation for years that Tom Cruise is leaving the Church of Scientology, but it appears the actor is officially shutting down the rumors, as he was recently spotted arriving at Scientology Headquarters despite protests from ex-members.
According to a report by Daily Mail, Tom was spotted arriving at the Church of Scientology Continental Liaison Office & Commodore's Messenger Organisation in East Grinstead, Sussex via a black helicopter, which seemed like a scene out of one of his Mission: Impossible movies.
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Below the helicopter, protesters stood outside of the headquarters critiquing the religion’s controversial (and mysterious) techniques. Some protestors held signs calling out Scientology’s alleged isolation practices.
“When was the last time you saw your family? They love you and so do we,” some signs read. “Who is really at cause over your life?” other signs read.
Daily Mail reports that Tom was still present at the headquarter when protestors dispersed around 6:30 pm.
Tom’s high-profile appearance at the headquarters seems to be in direct response to a report released by The Mirror earlier this year, which suggested the actor is distancing himself from the church, as he hadn’t been pictured at key Scientology locations in years.
The Mirror’s allegation came several years after a 2021 report claimed Tom was becoming disillusioned with the church, alleging that he was experiencing a “religious crisis.”
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There’s been speculation that Tom’s strained relationship with his teen daughter Suri, 18, may have prompted him to distance himself from Scientology. The religion apparently fuelled his divorce with Suri’s mother, Katie Holmes, who’s been raising their daughter catholic since their 2012 divorce.
Not only was their divorce finalized in weeks, with Tom agreeing to a big pay out to Katie (including $40,000 in monthly child support), but he handed over full custody. He’s allegedly not had any contact with their daughter in recent years, though part of their divorce settlement stipulates he’ll continue paying for Suri’s expenses when she attends University.
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Scientology also apparently contributed to Tom’s earlier divorce from Nicole Kidman, whom he was married to from 1990 to 2001. Then exes share two adult children, who went to live with Tom primarily after their split. Isabella and Connor Cruise are known to be practicing Scientologists, like their famous dad. Isabella eve revealed in 2019 during a rare life update that she’d been promoted to the role of an auditor within the church.
“It’s a few meltdowns and running to the bathroom to have a mini episode, but it is worth everything because you will get through,” Isabella said in a video endorsing the church. “This is a gift to yourself and so many others. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t going to be an auditor or aren’t going to join staff. If you are going to make it as a being for the long run you NEED this. That’s the truth… so stop messing around and get going.”
Given Tom’s recent appearance at Scientology headquarters, it appears the actor isn’t distancing himself from the mysterious religion at all.
