Scientology is a 'beautiful religion' says famous Scientologist

In a rare public comment, Tom Cruise has called Scientology "a beautiful religion".

The comment was made to ITV News at the London premiere of his new movie, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.

“It’s something that has helped me incredibly in my life,” he said. “I’ve been a Scientologist for over 30 years. It’s something that is, you know … without it, I wouldn’t be where I am. So, it’s a beautiful religion. I’m incredibly proud.”

Cruise, 54, is arguably the most high-profile Scientologist who remains committed to its beliefs -- despite the controversy surrounding the religion.

After the negative publicity over his famous 2005 interview with Matt Lauer on NBC's Today show, Cruise has been reticent to talk about his beliefs in public.

In 2012, he defended his stance in an interview with Playboy.

“What’s interesting is, if I don’t talk about my religion, if I say I’m not discussing it or different humanitarian things I’m working on, they’re like, ‘He’s avoiding it.’

“If I do talk about it, it becomes, ‘Oh, he’s proselytising.’ Reviewing the whole thing and how things can be edited and misinterpreted, I decided … when I’m promoting a film, I’m not going to get caught up in anything else, and that includes all my personal things.”

Scientology is the subject of a new documentary by Louis Theroux. My Scientology Movie features young actors playing high-profile Scientology figures. They reenact alleged incidents of abuse involving senior members of the church, based on accounts from ex-members.

Scientology and its leader, David Miscavige, deny any involvement in the abuse.

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