Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Tom Cruise

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

Tom Cruise, an iconic American actor and producer, is one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. His films have grossed over $12 billion worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing actors. He has received numerous accolades, including an Honorary Palme d'Or and three Golden Globe Awards, alongside four Academy Award nominations. Cruise is consistently among the world's highest-paid actors.

Sections (5)

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

1990: Involvement Leaked

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

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.

May 2001: Lawsuit against 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 Cruise.

January 2003: Judge rules against Slater

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

January 2004: Cruise says psychiatry should be outlawed

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

June 24, 2005: Argument on Today Show

On June 24, 2005, Tom Cruise had a heated argument with Matt Lauer on NBC's Today show regarding his views on psychiatry.

2005: Cruise Lobbies French Officials

In 2005, The Council of Paris revealed that Tom Cruise had lobbied French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy and Senate President Jean-Claude Gaudin regarding the recognition of Scientology as a religion.

August 2006: Apology to Brooke Shields

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

August 22, 2006: Paramount Ends Relationship with Cruise

On August 22, 2006, Paramount Pictures announced the end of its 14-year relationship with Tom Cruise, citing economic damage due to his controversial public behavior.

January 15, 2008: Scientology Video Posted on YouTube

On January 15, 2008, a video produced by the Church of Scientology featuring an interview with Tom Cruise discussing what being a Scientologist means to him was posted on YouTube.

2008: Restrictions on Scientology Questions

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

2009: Dismissal of Sapir's Suit

In 2009, a Central Civil West court judge in Los Angeles dismissed Michael Davis Sapir's suit charging that his phone had been wiretapped at Tom Cruise's behest because the statute of limitations had expired.

2011: Publication of 'Inside Scientology'

In 2011, Janet Reitman's book, Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion, was published, detailing Tom Cruise's reaction to Scientology secrets.

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

Check it on Amazon

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 that he had "abandoned" his six-year-old daughter, Suri.

October 2012: Vanity Fair Article on Cruise and Scientology

In October 2012, an article in Vanity Fair reported on a secret project by Scientologist leaders to find Tom Cruise a new girlfriend after his breakup with Penélope Cruz.

2013: 'Going Clear' Book Published

Lawrence Wright's 2013 book Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, cast a spotlight on Tom Cruise's role in Scientology.

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

Check it on Amazon

2015: 'Going Clear' Documentary

Alex Gibney's 2015 television documentary adaptation of the book Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief cast a spotlight on Tom Cruise's role in Scientology.

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May 2021: Cruise Protests HFPA by Returning Golden Globe Awards

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