Abandoning The Mothership? Tom Cruise ‘Conspicuously Absent’ At Scientology Event
Nov. 23 2016, Updated 10:08 a.m. ET
RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned that Tom Cruise sensationally snubbed Scientology's high-profile opening of their new location in San Diego at the weekend.
Tom Cruise Absent from Scientology San Diego church opening
The no-show has fueled rumors Cruise is privately taking a step back from the increasingly under-fire cult, even though he described it in London recently as "a beautiful religion."
Tom Cruise Absent from Scientology San Diego church opening
Devotees of the wacko church from across California and beyond crammed into a closed off street in downtown San Diego in anticipation of the opening of the new super-center, a so-called 'Ideal Org' in their terminology.
Tom Cruise Absent from Scientology San Diego church opening
Non-Scientologists were barred from the exclusive private event, but one insider, a prominent Scientology member who has become jaded, provided RadarOnline.com with unprecedented exclusive access to the event.
Tom Cruise Absent from Scientology San Diego church opening
"There had been lots of internal hype about the event, with teams ringing church members for weeks asking them to come, promising it would be of the highest profile," said the source.
Tom Cruise Absent from Scientology San Diego church opening
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"Even the Church leader, David Miscavige, appeared and was greeted with huge cheers throughout his speech. However, his former right hand man, Tom, was conspicuously absent."
Tom Cruise Absent from Scientology San Diego church opening
While Miscavige put on a brave face and promoted the virtues of the pseudo-religion, boasting of its "millions" of members across the globe, many of the crowd held their breath waiting for Cruise.
Tom Cruise Absent from Scientology San Diego church opening
Just ten years previously, Cruise had been an almost constant companion to the church leader at openings of Scientology facilities around the world.
Tom Cruise Absent from Scientology San Diego church opening
The last high-profile church event attended by the Jack Reacher star was the International Association of Scientologists gala in England in October 2015.
Tom Cruise Absent from Scientology San Diego church opening
Cruise was also conspicuously absent when the church unveiled its new $50 million movie studio in Hollywood this June.