While headlines about Tom Cruise or John Travolta’s involvement in Scientology are nothing new, probably more than a few celeb watchers were surprised by today’s news that Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis ( “Crash”) is leaving Scientology. Ex-Scientologist Mark Rathbun posted a letter on his blog that is said to be written by Haggis (Rathbun cites confirmation from third parties that the letter is authentic). The letter is directed toward Scientology spokesperson Tommy Davis and explains that the cause of the split between the director and Scientology has to do with Scientology’s refusal to protest California’s Proposition 8 which banned gay marriage. He also describes a rift that Scientology caused with his wife’s family as another reason he longer wishes to be affliated with the religion.
Assuming that the words in the letter is, in fact, Haggis’s, the letter is a pretty scathing indictment of the religion’s practices and contains a considerable amount of specificity, particularly in relation to how he and his wife were asked to severe relational ties with her parents when her parents left Scientology. But if Haggis is worried about repercussions from Scientologists for his strong words, it didn’t show in the letter, closing the letter by expressing regret that he did not leave the “morally reprehensible” organization sooner.
The thought that crossed my mind, however, when I saw this headline is whether or not this is going to become a Hollywood trend. There were rumors over the summer that John Travolta has become unhappy with Scientology and has considered leaving.I even reported last week the – unlikely, in my opinion -rumors that Katie Holmes might be distancing herself from Scientology as well. But for an organization that has been connected to celebrity status and money almost from its beginning, such rumblings of dissent certainly indicate to me Scientology does not hold the power and luster that it once did in Tinseltown.
posted October 27, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Good for him. When a respected film director like Haggis severs his ties with Scientology, this may actually have some influence on other celebrities.
I certainly hope it does. I’m rooting for Travolta and Katie Holmes to leave next.
posted October 27, 2009 at 5:11 pm
There should be more leaving thei cult. As soon as people get out from under the brainwashers, then they will be in a better state of mind. Of course, they will miss the ride in the space ship when their divine leader comes to collect the cash hollywood has been shelling out for the past couple of dedcades.
posted October 28, 2009 at 10:25 am
“The thought that crossed my mind, however, when I saw this headline is whether or not this is going to become a Hollywood trend.”
Odd. One would have thought that what should have crossed your mind was the support for the injustice of Prop 8 that was supported by this “church”.
Idole chatter? Nope. Idle chatter is way more appropriate. Howzabout some actual ‘thought’, not promulgation of “Hollywood trend” gossip?
posted October 30, 2009 at 4:38 am
I am so glad to hear that people are waking up and leaving this organization that apparently tears people and families apart. what this world does not need is another “religion” with such negative actions. I must admit that knowing Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and John Travolta was involved in such a thing changed my opinion of them as any sort of role models, or to even see a film they participated in. I would assume my money for the show would benefit an organization such as Scientology and i want no part of it, directly or indirectly. With the tragedy that Mr. Travolta recently went through with his son, i automatically put his beliefs on trial in my mind. This is no “religion” and they will one day all answer to the one and only Jesus Christ. And Greed is not taken lightly. Honor parents, not dishonor!! Thou shall not lie!! even the CEO does not practice this simple principle. I feel sorry for all involved with this cause.