Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Tom Cruise

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

Tom Cruise, a prominent American actor and producer, stands as a Hollywood icon. He has earned numerous accolades, including an Honorary Palme d'Or and three Golden Globe Awards, and has been nominated for four Academy Awards. His films have generated over $13.3 billion globally, making him one of the highest-grossing actors. Cruise is consistently among the highest-paid actors globally and is considered one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.

Sections (5)

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

May 2001: Lawsuit Against Chad Slater

In May 2001, Tom Cruise filed a lawsuit against gay porn actor Chad Slater. Slater had told the celebrity magazine Actustar that he had been involved in an affair with Cruise. This claim was strongly denied by Cruise.

January 2003: Judge Decides Against Slater

In January 2003, a Los Angeles judge ruled against Chad Slater after Slater admitted his claims of an affair with Tom Cruise were false.

January 2004: Cruise's Statement on Psychiatry

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

June 24, 2005: Argument with Matt Lauer

On June 24, 2005, Tom Cruise engaged in a heated argument with Matt Lauer on NBC's Today show.

2005: Cruise Lobbies French Officials

In 2005, Tom Cruise lobbied French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy and Senate President Jean-Claude Gaudin to have Scientology recognized as a religion in Europe. The Council of Paris barred further dealings with Cruise.

August 2006: Cruise Apologizes to Shields

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

January 15, 2008: Scientology Video Posted on YouTube

On January 15, 2008, a video featuring an interview with Tom Cruise discussing Scientology was posted on YouTube by the Anonymous-linked group Project Chanology.

2011: Publication of Inside Scientology Book

In 2011, Janet Reitman's book Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion was published. The book describes how Cruise "freaked out" after learning some Scientology secrets.

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

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October 2012: Cruise Files Defamation Lawsuit

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

October 2012: Vanity Fair Article on Cruise's Breakup and Scientology "Auditions"

In October 2012, Vanity Fair published an article stating that Scientologist leaders launched a secret project to find Tom Cruise a new girlfriend after his breakup with Penélope Cruz. The article detailed a series of "auditions" of Scientologist actresses, resulting in a short-lived relationship with Nazanin Boniadi. Scientology and Cruise's lawyers denied the claims, but journalist Roger Friedman reported receiving confirmation from Paul Haggis, an ex-Scientologist.

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

In 2013, Lawrence Wright's book Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief was published, shedding light on 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, highlighting Tom Cruise's involvement in Scientology.

May 2021: Protest Against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association

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