Tom Cruise makes rare defence of Scientology

Tom Cruise has spoken about his devotion to Scientology, saying that he’s ‘incredibly proud’ of the controversial church.

Cruise rarely speaks about Scientology at all, but was asked about the his thoughts on Louis Theroux’s new documentary ‘My Scientology Movie’ while on the red carpet for his latest actioner ‘Jack Reacher: Never Go Back’.

– Seth Rogen animation Sausage Party hungry for Oscar glory
– Eddie Redmayne reveals he auditioned for Voldemort
– Moff Tarkin confirmed for Star Wars: Rogue One return?

“It’s something that has helped me incredibly in my life,” he told ITV News. “I’ve been a Scientologist for over 30 years.

“It’s something, you know, without it, I wouldn’t be where I am. So it’s a beautiful religion. I’m incredibly proud.”

The Wrap reported last year that journalists interviewing Cruise are banned from asking questions about scientology.

He’s said to be the second most important person in the church, after its leader David Miscavige (below), who was the best man at Cruise’s weddings to both Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes.

Cruise was introduced to Scientology, created by writer L. Ron Hubbard, by his first wife Mimi Rogers in 1986, and credits it with curing his dyslexia.

However, many former church members, including the director Paul Haggis and actress Leah Remini, have been fiercely critical of it.

Other famous scientologists included John Travolta, Juliette Lewis, Kirstie Alley, Elisabeth Moss, and Giovanni Ribisi.