Scientology film director ‘surprised’ there hasn’t ‘been a reckoning’ for Tom Cruise
‘Going Clear’ filmmaker Alex Gibney claimed the ‘Top Gun’ star is ‘not the kind of ambassador for Scientology that he used to be’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The director of the Scientology documentary Going Clear has said he is “surprised” there hasn’t been a “reckoning” for Tom Cruise.
The Top Gun: Maverick star is one of the highest profile members of the Church of Scientology, having joined the controversial religion in the 1980s.
Alex Gibney is a filmmaker known for directing the 2015 film Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief.
The film, which was vehemently denounced by the Church of Scientology upon its release, made a number of shocking allegations about the organisation, involving claims of abuse inflicted upon members and misconduct among its leadership. Representatives of the church denied the allegations.
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine in a new interview, Gibney was asked what it was like to see Cruise endure as the “King of Hollywood”.
The interviewer begins by suggesting that Cruise “hasn’t had to answer a single question about [his involvement in Scientology] in the eight years since Going Clear”.
“I agree,” replied Gibney. “And I’m kind of surprised. I think he took a step away, so he’s not the kind of ambassador for Scientology that he used to be — not like he was back in the day when he was making [2005 blockbuster]War of the Worlds and had a Scientology tent on the set.
“Being a star is super important to him,” he continued. “I agree, there hasn’t been any reckoning for him. It’s surprised me.”
The Independent has contacted a representative of Cruise for comment.
Earlier this year, Judd Apatow took aim at Cruise’s links to Scientology in a series of jokes while hosting the the Directors Guild of America Awards.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
“Every time he does one of these new stunts, it does feel like an ad for Scientology,” joked the comedy mogul. “I mean, is that in Dianetics? Because there’s nothing about jumping off a cliff in the Torah.”
At the Golden Globes in January, Cruise was also roasted for his association with the Church, as host Jerrod Carmichael made reference to Shelly Miscavige, the wife of Scientology leader David Miscavige who has not been seen in public since 2007.
“Backstage, I found these three Golden Globe awards that Tom Cruise returned,” joked the comedian. “I think maybe we take these three things and exchange them for the safe return of Shelly Miscavige.”
The Church has denied that Miscavige is missing. Last year, the LAPD issued a statement confirming that officers had personally made contact with Shelly Miscavige in 2014, and they had subsequently closed the missing persons investigation.
Gibney’s latest project, Boom! Boom! The World vs Boris Becker, is out now on Apple TV+.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments