Scientology: Power, Lies, Corruption Part IV - Has Tom Cruise Helped Or Hurt The Church?
Celebrities have the power to influence our perceptions of almost anything.
A perfect example of this is super-celeb, Oprah Winfrey and her book club. One mention from Oprah and you are an instant best-seller. Of course this can backfire, as in the case of James Frey, author of “A Million Little Pieces” which was stated to be the riveting tale of a drug-addict turned criminal, who somehow managed to turn his life around. That was, until it turned out most of what he wrote was an exaggeration, or complete fabrication.
Once public opinion turned on Oprah, Oprah turned on James Frey. You don’t hear much from James anymore do we?
In 2005, we have another Oprah orchestrated event, when she invited the immensely popular actor, Tom Cruise, on her show and much to the amazement of the world, Tom’s appearance on that now infamous episode created a new term to define a person who has gone mental, off-the-deep-end, over-board, batsh*t crazy — and now, thanks be to Tom — we have “couch-jumping.”
Tom Cruise, in a moment of what seemed to be a deep and heartfelt affection for his new love, actress Katie Holmes, jumped on Oprah’s couch. Cruise didn’t just jump on the couch, he was all over the place: on the floor, on one knee, fists pumping in the air. Then suddenly, he announced to the screaming hordes of women who were in the audience, “I’m in love.”
The fallout since that moment has been legendary. It is not customary for celebrities to go on record about their deepest feelings for a love interest at such an early stage in the relationship (he and Katie had only been dating for a few months). As we’ve seen, far too many marriages, let alone romances, ever last beyond those first “couch-jumping” moments, especially in Hollywood. At first it’s all couch-jumping, then it’s “no comment” from some publicist as the once blissful couple are seen canoodling another.
The public were taken aback by his fervor and the raw displays of emotion. Some speculated it was a PR move to squash rumors about how his relationship with almost 20-years his junior Katie Holmes came about.
It has long since been suggested Tom and his minders at Scientology meticulously hand-picked Katie out of a dossier of eligible Hollywood women. They were looking for someone who was popular, but not too popular. Someone pretty, someone likable — and more importantly — someone they could mold and control. It didn’t hurt matters Katie Holmes had publicly claimed to having had a crush on Tom Cruise as a girl and wanting to marry him. It was too good to be true.
At this same time, Tom was promoting his latest film, the Steven Spielberg remake of H.G.Wells, War Of The Worlds. The budget on the film was quoted as $132mill, not small, but nowhere near the $198mill budget (the most costly film budget ever) of the huge block-buster hit, Titanic. At the time, there were rumors of a rift growing between Spielberg and Cruise, as Cruise was focusing more and more of his press junket time talking about Scientology and his burgeoning relationship with Holmes, than the film itself. Many within the industry feared this kind of “couch-jumping” weirdness would turn viewers away from the film. In the end the film got mostly positive reviews (I loved it and have watched it several times) and worldwide, the film grossed almost $600million.
In spite of the financial payoff, the bad blood remained. At the time of Cruise’s sudden “Scientology” awareness campaign, he had abruptly parted ways with his publicist of 14 years, Pat Kingsley, only to replace her with his sister Lee Anne Devette, a fellow Scientologist. It was at this time, Cruise’s public persona began to unravel. The rift between he and Spielberg was likely not helped by “Cruise’s installation of mini-Scientology centers on the set of War of the Worlds. (FoxNews 411, link below)
In the same Fox News article cited above, which gives great detail about the shocking break between Cruise and the mutually lucrative deal he had with Paramount Pictures back in 2006, some additional insight into how COS has affected Tom’s movie career:
But there’s more bad blood between Cruise and Viacom. The company took a PR hit earlier this spring over the “South Park” episode that lampooned Cruise for his Scientology beliefs.
If you recall, Cruise threatened to back out of his “Mission: Impossible III” promotional duties if Viacom didn’t pull a repeat of the episode, called “Trapped in the Closet,” off the schedule at their Comedy Central cable channel. Viacom complied.
But more recently, when “Trapped in the Closet” was restored to Comedy Central, maybe someone should have seen it as a subtle sign that Cruise’s “days of thunder” were numbered. The piece de resistance? Paramount signing new deals today with the creators of “South Park” for more movies.
The next questions will be about Cruise. Is he finished in Hollywood? Absolutely not. Wagner says there’s a $100 million deal in place with two hedge funds to start an independent production company.
No names were given, but you can be assured that all eyes will be on this deal to see if the money is coming from the Church of Scientology or anyone remotely associated with it.
I would love to show you the infamous South Park episode “Trapped In The Closet” which was nominated for an Emmy, but sadly, it is no longer available after YouTube caved into the litigious threats from those connected with Tom Cruise (read: COS).
Which brings us to the latest Tom Cruise/COS snafu, the leaked propaganda video showing Tom Cruise in another Scientology-fueld sermon on the merits of COS and its “tech”niques. It would be great to show that video as well, but the Church have deemed it so damaging to their reputation they’ve placed a cease and desist on any news outlet or video-hosting company (read: YouTube AGAIN) so you will have to go over to the courageous Gawker, who, despite being threatened with legal action have REFUSED to take it down. To watch infamous COS Tom Cruise video, click here.
What I find so intriguing (and this whole COS controversy is extremely intriguing) is why would COS be so upset about this video in the first place. Tom Cruise, described as the most powerful person in Hollywood by Forbes Magazine in 2006, is seen passionately extolling the virtues of the Church of Scientology. Tom describes how:
“It’s a privilege to call yourself a Scientologist, and it’s something you have to earn. He or she has the ability to create new or better realities and improve conditions. Being a Scientologist means you can look at a person and know absolutely you can help them, so for me it really is KSW (Keep Scientology Working), and I don’t mince words with that, or with anything.”
How can any of this be a bad thing for COS? Why suppress this glowing report on the virtues of COS and its plans to “clear the planet?” COS has TOM CRUISE as its greatest cheerleader, yet somehow this is a bad thing. Why? Seriously, this stuff sounds GREAT!
As it turns out, having the most well-known and arguably most popular celebrity on the planet as your spokesperson, who waxes poetic on your organization at every opportunity (no matter how inappropriate) has turned out to be a liability. Now, more than ever, the COS is under attack and scrutiny from not just the public, but the media, all because of a rallying battle-cry from its most public face.
I guess the real question then is, who miscalculated their affiliations, Tom Cruise or the Church of Scientology?
Video above link. Thanks Arnie.
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it does seem as if his public popularity went down after his “couch jumping” incident. i think the perception of his being this down to earth kind of guy shifted to unstable lunatic. maybe spielberg began to view him as a liability.
Comment by sillygrrl — February 1, 2008 @ 6:17 pm
Wouldn’t it be GREAT if the real truth were Tom Cruise is putting on his best performance ever to seem completely brainwashed and unhinged in a desperate bid to become so toxic in public view that the Scientologists throw him out?! What if this were the only way he could escape this craxy cult? Wouldn’t that make a great Hollywood script?!
Comment by massmom — February 1, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
that would be something to see. he probably gives them way too much money to be thrown out. i wonder how many secrets he can reveal?!
Comment by D-Bomb — February 1, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
There have been many critics of the “church” who have bravely withstood the worst that the OSA had to dish out. Heroes like Paulette Cooper, Richard Behar, Bob Minton, Mark Bunker, Tory Bezaian, Andreas Heldal-Lund, Keith Henson and too many others to mention here are all heroes to me for their courage in the face of this litigious cult. But I think they would all agree with me that nobody has done more harm to the cult than it’s very own posterboy, Tom Cruise.
When he fired Pat Kingsley, he fired his protector and crazy-filter and that’s when the Great Enturbulation Roadshow began. From the couch-jumping to the infamous “you’re glib Matt” interview, Cruise has delivered a double-barreled dose of “tech” to an unsuspecting public, and for the most part, the public is not buying any of it.
I salute you at GlossLip for doing your part to shine the light of day on this abusive, paranoid organization and the plight of those in its thrall, even the rich, famous ones . . . come to think of it, ESPECIALLY the rich famous ones, they’re the easiest prey.
Comment by Artoo45 — February 1, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
Actually, it’s Viacom who pulled out the South Park episode and all the episodes from the web.
Comment by dia — February 1, 2008 @ 10:01 pm
Does anyone else grow bored with the “molded and controlled” approach to news reporting? — Hello Miss Smith, have you been molded and controlled? Oh you say you have not? We’ll publish that: “Miss Smith alleges that she has not been molded and controlled.” –Thank you for the interview –
Comment by Terryeo — February 1, 2008 @ 10:24 pm
Yes, we do. So tell your Scientology friends to stop answering in that way.
kthxbai
Comment by k — February 1, 2008 @ 11:14 pm
dear mr. scientologist terryeo ; a quote for you from mork and mindy ” nanu nanu”. is that jibberish enough alien speak for you?
Comment by sillygrrl — February 2, 2008 @ 12:28 am
I’m not a scientologist and I wish I could
change this conversation to one about Christianity
but I went to several Scientology web sites
and think that what it has to offer is very much needed in our world.
They do a lot of good
things. I remember reading something in the Katrina news too
about Scientology crews there and John Travolta going around in
a boat to help. I have a lot of respect for John Travolta and
personally am moved by Tom Cruz’s passion for what he believes
in. I did notice that no matter how angry they become in their
subject of passion, they don’t lower themselves to the level you
have permitted yourselves to sink. But then that is likely normal
ops for you in daily life. You guys are a bunch of bored
computer nerds with too much time on your hands. I don’t care
how far fetched a religion seems or how passionate the
members. But what I read so far was positive and actually quiet
admirable. I found a personality test on one of the sites. I’m
tired tonight but I’m going to take it tomorrow. Interesting. Back
off and get a life okay
Comment by Grapnl-Lightfield-Arkaitz-Churilov-Luana-Chewyanbert — February 2, 2008 @ 8:08 am
Thank you for you articles on Scientology
I admit that I have read with amusement stories about Scientology “Celebrities” Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Kirsty Allie, Katie Holmes, Jenna Elfman, etc. and have been entertained by the snarky comments about them. But, over the past few weeks, as I have learned more about what Scientology leaders have done and how they conduct business it has become less of a joke. Now I view these Scientology “Celebrities” as glossy distraction mere distraction for the masses and media. We are looking at and discussing them instead of what we should really be seeing about Scientology. It is Scientology’s version of “Sleight of Hand.”
Sleight of hand depends on the use of psychology and misdirection in accomplishing a desired effect. Misdirection is perhaps the most important component of the art of sleight of hand. Scientology choreographs their actions so that even the critical and observant spectators are likely to look where Scientology wants them to. (More importantly, they do not look where they should not.)
Seek the information that Scientology does not want you to know. It is out there. It is no joking matter. Make up your own mind.
Comment by Seing The Truth — February 2, 2008 @ 11:40 am
Critics argue, “Scientology = harm.”
Adherents say, “It has a charm.”
Opinion is right, a human right!
Suppressing opinion is a fight!
Work Wikipedia, glosslip or website,
State your opinion without let or hinder.
Opinion is right, a human right!
But suppressing opinion is a fight!
Too late now and not yet in view.
Internet law becomes more restrictive yet.
For none shall suppress the opinion of others,
neither schoolyard bullies nor DDoS pet.
Comment by Terryeo — February 2, 2008 @ 11:42 am
Terryeo, you’re not fooling anyone. We know you’re a $cientologist. And for fuck’s sake, stop posting the same messages (”I’m not a …” and “Critics argue…” in multiple discussion threads.
Comment by Narcissus — February 2, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
Terryeo - I actually have tremendous sympathy for you.
Wake up.
You have been misled and are missing out on life and what could be yours: love, laughter, joy and most of all, freedom.
You don’t have to stay in the darkness forever. There are organizations and people who want to help you overcome what you’ve been through as a blinded member of COS.
I don’t condemn your beliefs, merely the criminal activities of those who manage your organization. You are in bondage, free yourself. Google “Free Zoners” and question what you know, have an open mind, and good luck. I will be wishing you good thoughts.
If you want help, just ask, we will help you.
Comment by D — February 2, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
Terryeo,
No-one denies you your opinion, your posts are published, are they not? They are not censored, they are there for all to read.
However, the Church of Scientology regularly denies people their opinions, if those opinions happen to conflict with the well-being of the church, going to extreme lengths to silence critics.
You speak of “schoolyard bullies” and “DDos pets”, without any apparent trace of irony, yet those are tactics which your church has deployed against critics time and time again.
Comment by harry — February 2, 2008 @ 5:40 pm
Good old predictable TERRYEO! Hi Buddy!
Terryeo can be found on numerous comment boards making hateful remarks against anyone who opposes the cult. He/she can be counted on to try and discredit the critic(s) or divert attention to the misdeeds of other institutions. Lately, he/she seems to be trying other tactics, such as playing the victim or as an innocent bystander. Google Terryeo - has quite a history with wikipedia and it’s scientology related pages too.
Are you no longer part of the “I’m not a scientologist and I wish I could change this conversation to one about Christianity” group, Terryeo? - Classic DIVERSION method BTW. Funny how clicking on the names for that comment takes you to the clambake site.
My advice to you if you wish to be taken a little more seriously as a religion is that you need to stop running off crying “waaahh, I’m gonna tell my lawyer on you!” anytime someone makes fun of you.
Comment by Anon — February 3, 2008 @ 9:58 am
In related Scientology news, I just saw John Travolta on the pregame show.
Jumping Zenu, was that is “John’s going bald gracefully” hairpiece? Or did homeboy get plugged? (take that any way you choose)
Comment by k — February 3, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
even thougt everybody knew that tom cruise is the most famous celebrity-member of scientolgy i was really shocked when i saw the scientology-video. in my opinion tms showed his second face in contast we only know him as the lovely, charmant and handsome sunny boy. for me he appears now in another light.
Comment by h. — February 4, 2008 @ 5:41 am
yes, i agree with your opinion 100%. this was a completely different character than nice mr. perfekt/mr. tom cruise. i think his perfekt, clean-image is damaged now.
Comment by steph — February 4, 2008 @ 6:10 am
In spite of all the noise about Scientology, it keeps on helping people who read its books and sign up for its courses. Not everybody continues in Scientology, as I didn’t continue in other religions I had dabbled in. But enough do continue so that it continues to grow. You might like to read its Creed:
http://www.scientologytoday.org/corp/creed.htm
Interestingly, its critics, paid and amateur, are reliably obnoxious, uncivilized, and fanatic compared to the reasoned posts I see from Scientologists:
- For over a decade, Scientology-haters have post names of Scientologists’ business online with words like “crime syndicate,” hoping to cost them sales.
- For over a decade, anti-Scientologists have published Scientologists’ home addresses, exposing them to further hate-crimes and vandalism.
- For over a decade, they posted Scientologists’ email addresses –resulting in my (previously) getting up to 1200 spams per day.
Why support such criminals by echoing their rant? Why not look into the NON-RELIGIOUS, NON-RECRUITING, FREE centers for literacy, criminal rehabilitation, drug education, and victim support that Scientologists set up and staff as volunteers.
Comment by TruthHere — February 4, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
TruthHere, All we really want is for the Church of Scientology to be thoroughly investigated to the satisfaction of the many people who are concerned about them. We want to know if they are really as harmless as they claim to be. We want to know if they truly do deserve the tax breaks that not even Catholics or Jewish get.
That shouldn’t hurt anybody. An organization with nothing to hide would more than welcome the chance to be investigated to clear up the “misunderstandings” we may have about them. Then everybody can coexist happily knowing that there isn’t something sinister amongst us. Would that be so bad?
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