Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Tom Cruise

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Tom Cruise.

Tom Cruise is a highly successful American actor and producer, considered a Hollywood icon. He has won numerous awards, including three Golden Globes and an Honorary Palme d'Or, and has been nominated for four Academy Awards. Cruise's films have grossed over $13.3 billion worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing and highest-paid actors in history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1986: Cruise converts to Scientology

In 1986, Tom Cruise was converted to Scientology by his first wife, Mimi Rogers.

1990: Cruise's Scientology involvement leaked

In 1990, Tom Cruise's involvement in Scientology was leaked by the tabloid Star.

1992: Cruise publicly announces he follows Scientology

In 1992, Tom Cruise publicly announced he followed Scientology in an interview with Barbara Walters.

1998: Cruise sues Daily Express

In 1998, Tom Cruise successfully sued the Daily Express, a British tabloid, which alleged that his marriage to Nicole Kidman was a sham designed to cover up his homosexuality.

1999: Miscavige sends Rathbun to convince Cruise to return to the Church

In 1999, Marty Rathbun was sent by David Miscavige to convince Tom Cruise to return to the Church of Scientology and continue his studies.

May 2001: Cruise sues Chad Slater

In May 2001, Tom Cruise filed a lawsuit against gay porn actor Chad Slater after Slater claimed to have had an affair with him. Cruise strongly denied the claims.

January 2003: Judge rules against Slater in Cruise lawsuit

In January 2003, a Los Angeles judge decided against Chad Slater, in the lawsuit filed by Tom Cruise, after Slater admitted that his claims were false.

January 2004: Cruise states psychiatry should be outlawed

In January 2004, Tom Cruise stated that "I think psychiatry should be outlawed."

2004: Cruise receives Scientology Freedom Medal of Valor

In late 2004, David Miscavige created the Scientology Freedom Medal of Valor and awarded it to Tom Cruise for his work with Downtown Medical, offering "detoxification therapy" to New York City rescue workers in the aftermath of 9/11.

June 24, 2005: Cruise and Lauer heated argument on NBC's Today

On June 24, 2005, Tom Cruise had a heated argument with Matt Lauer on NBC's Today, regarding Cruise's views on psychiatry and his criticism of Brooke Shields' use of antidepressants.

2005: Cruise lobbies French officials to recognize Scientology as a religion

In 2005, Tom Cruise lobbied French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy and Senate President Jean-Claude Gaudin to recognize Scientology as a religion in Europe. The Council of Paris described Cruise as a militant spokesman for Scientology and barred any further dealings with him.

August 2006: Cruise apologizes to Shields

In late August 2006, Tom Cruise apologized in person to Brooke Shields for his earlier comments criticizing her use of antidepressants.

August 22, 2006: End of Paramount Relationship

On August 22, 2006, Paramount Pictures announced the end of its 14-year relationship with Tom Cruise, citing economic damage from his controversial public behavior. Cruise/Wagner Productions claimed it was due to their successful pursuit of alternative financing.

January 15, 2008: Cruise Scientology video posted on YouTube

On January 15, 2008, a video produced by the Church of Scientology featuring an interview with Tom Cruise was posted on YouTube by Project Chanology. YouTube removed the video but later reinstated it.

2008: Cruise restricts interviewers from asking about Scientology

Since 2008, Tom Cruise has restricted interviewers from asking him about Scientology.

2009: Lawsuit against Cruise dismissed

In 2009, a suit filed by magazine editor Michael Davis Sapir, charging that his phone had been wiretapped at Tom Cruise's behest, was dismissed due to the statute of limitations expiring.

2011: Inside Scientology book published

In 2011, Janet Reitman's book Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion, mentioned that Tom Cruise took a step back from the Church to work on the film Eyes Wide Shut.

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Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion

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June 29, 2012: Holmes files for divorce from Cruise

On June 29, 2012, Katie Holmes filed for divorce from Tom Cruise, amidst speculation that the marriage was arranged by the Church of Scientology.

October 2012: Cruise sues In Touch and Life & Style magazines for defamation

In October 2012, Tom Cruise filed a lawsuit against In Touch and Life & Style magazines for defamation after they claimed that Cruise had "abandoned" his six-year-old daughter.

October 2012: Vanity Fair article on Cruise's relationships and Scientology

In October 2012, an article in Vanity Fair stated that Scientologist leaders launched a secret project to find Tom Cruise a new girlfriend after his breakup with Penélope Cruz. According to sources, a series of "auditions" of Scientologist actresses resulted in a short-lived relationship with Nazanin Boniadi, who subsequently left Scientology.

2013: Publication of Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief

Lawrence Wright's book, Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, was published in 2013, spotlighting Tom Cruise's role in Scientology.

Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief

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2015: Documentary adaptation of Going Clear released

In 2015, Alex Gibney's documentary adaptation of the book Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief was released, further exploring Tom Cruise's role in Scientology.

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May 2021: Protest Against Hollywood Foreign Press Association

In May 2021, Tom Cruise protested against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) by returning his three Golden Globe Awards, due to controversy surrounding the HFPA's lack of diversity and ethical concerns.