Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Tom Cruise

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 9, 2026

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. He has garnered numerous awards, including an Honorary Palme d'Or and three Golden Globes. His films have collectively grossed over $13.3 billion worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing actors in history. Cruise is also consistently among the world's highest-paid actors, solidifying his status as a major figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

1990: Involvement Leaked

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

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1994: Interview with the Vampire Release and Initial Criticism

In 1994, Tom Cruise starred in Interview with the Vampire, initially facing criticism from Anne Rice before she praised his performance after seeing the film.

1998: Sued the Daily Express

In 1998, Tom Cruise successfully sued the Daily Express, a British tabloid, for alleging his marriage to Nicole Kidman was a sham.

1999: Return to Scientology

In 1999, after initially stepping back from Scientology, Marty Rathbun was sent by David Miscavige to convince Tom Cruise to return to the Church and continue his studies.

May 2001: Filed lawsuit against Chad Slater

In May 2001, Tom Cruise filed a lawsuit against gay porn actor Chad Slater for claiming they had an affair.

January 2003: Judgment against Chad Slater

In January 2003, a Los Angeles judge ruled against Chad Slater in the lawsuit filed by Tom Cruise after Slater admitted his claims were false and defaulted in defending himself. Slater was ordered to pay $10 million in damages.

January 2004: Comment on psychiatry

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

June 2005: Criticism of Brooke Shields

In June 2005, Tom Cruise criticized actress Brooke Shields for using the antidepressant Paxil to treat postpartum depression, leading to a heated exchange with interviewer Matt Lauer on NBC's Today.

2005: Lobbied French Officials

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 22, 2006: Paramount Pictures ends relationship with Cruise

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 success in finding alternative financing.

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 Project Chanology. YouTube initially removed the video but later reinstated it.

2008: Restricted Scientology questions in interviews

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

2009: Lawsuit Dismissal

In 2009, a lawsuit filed by magazine editor Michael Davis Sapir, who alleged his phone was wiretapped at Tom Cruise's request, was dismissed by a Central Civil West court judge in Los Angeles due to the statute of limitations expiring.

2011: Inside Scientology book release

In 2011, Janet Reitman's book, Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion, described Tom Cruise's reaction to Scientology secrets and his temporary 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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October 2012: Defamation Lawsuit

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

October 2012: Vanity Fair article about Scientology auditions

In October 2012, Vanity Fair published an article alleging that Scientologist leaders launched a secret project to find Tom Cruise a new girlfriend after his breakup with Penélope Cruz. The article claimed there were "auditions" of Scientologist actresses, resulting in a short-lived relationship with Nazanin Boniadi. Scientology and Cruise's lawyers denied the allegations.

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2013: Going Clear book release

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

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2015: Going Clear documentary adaptation

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

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May 2021: Protests against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association

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