The Golden Globes inexplicably skewered Cruise during its opening monologue. The Jan. 10 soiree found host Jerrod Carmichael mocking the actor for his Scientology ties. Cruise has been a Scientologist for decades but hasn’t spoken on the subject for many years.
“Backstage I found the awards that Tom Cruise returned,” Carmichael said, recalling how the actor turned in his previous Globe statuettes to protest the group’s lack of diversity.
“I think, maybe, we take these three things and exchange them for the safe return of Shelly Miscavige.” That line drew audible gasps from the crowd as it referenced the wife of the leader of Scientology, David Miscavige. Shelly Miscavige was last seen publicly in 2007, and many have speculated as to her whereabouts. …
The industry should be grateful for Cruise’s handiwork, luring audiences back to theaters with an all-American sequel. Cruise did more than that, though. He personally thanked audiences for supporting his work, the kind of personal touch rarely seen in La La Land these days.
Hollywood should be taking copious notes, not thinking of ways to belittle someone many dub the last movie star.
[I have mixed feelings about this. Cruise has abetted Miscavige and Scientology’s recruitment into what is arguably a cult, and he should expect some accountability. Frankly, I’m surprised the pushback has been as bold as it has been, given Miscavige’s efforts to woo Hollywood over the last few decades. But Christian also has a point about Cruise’s efforts to woo viewers back to the cinema and his success in doing so. Like everything else in life and politics, it’s complicated. — Ed]
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