Author slams Cruise for Scientology beliefs

**buttmunch** · December 14th, 2005, 08:51 AM

Best-selling crime writer Patricia Cornwell has attacked Hollywood star Tom Cruise, claiming his Scientology beliefs are "dangerous" and could endanger the lives of impressionable young fans.

The author said she was horrified by Cruise's dismissal of psychiatry and his claim that mental disorders are imaginary and the medication to treat them is an attempt to suppress people.

Writing on her website, Cornwell, who has studied psychiatry while researching her books, said: "There are misconceptions about psychology, especially when people out there like Tom Cruise say there's no evidence of chemical imbalance and psychiatric disorders. There's going to be some girl or boy who worships this megastar, who decides,

'I'm not going to take my anti-depressants because Tom Cruise said I don't need drugs'."

One of the key principles of the wealthy cult is the condemnation of psychiatry.

The Scientology website explains it is the duty of all members to "expose and help abolish any and all physically damaging practices in the field of mental health".

Cruise has repeatedly added to the criticism. He has also railed against the use of drugs to control chemical imbalances in children.

This year he criticised Brooke Shields for her use of anti-depressants to treat post-natal depression.

Shields replied that Cruise "should stick to saving the world from aliens and let women [with] the condition decide what treatment options are best for them".

**dexter7** · December 14th, 2005, 09:33 AM

i question his ability to sway fans. i think most people realize that he is crazy, and that scientology people are embarrassed by him. i think the whole kabballah thing has been much more influential on young people.

**MrsDark** · December 14th, 2005, 09:44 AM

It'd serve him right if the parents of some kid who was a fan and went off his/her meds (and ended up committing suicide or doing something else horrific as a result) sued the shit out of him.

It probably wouldn't even go to court because of the money and power Tom and The Cult wield. But the press on that would still hurt him.

**RainbowSun** · December 14th, 2005, 10:05 AM

I have always liked Patricia Cornwell, and now even more so. She is a very intelligent lady.

**Dracko** · December 14th, 2005, 10:24 AM

Just another reason to buy her next book! Thanks Patricia!!!

**Bellatheball** · December 14th, 2005, 11:23 AM

Does it strike anyone else as interesting that no other faith concerns itself so much with mental health issues? I mean you don't hear Catholics, Protestants or Jews coming out and cracking down on psychiatry, do you? Of course, they must not know the historyof psychiatry like Tom does.

**darksithbunny** · December 14th, 2005, 02:35 PM

Tom is a crackpot. Or is he on a crackpipe?

**A*O** · December 14th, 2005, 06:59 PM

It's wonderfully ironic that Scientology has beliefs that are so wacko that only nutters with some kind of psychiatric problem would join in the first place.

**WhoAmI** · December 14th, 2005, 10:35 PM

Cornwell has apparently claimed to be bipolar, so Tom's remarks are cutting close to home.

**ourmaninBusan** · December 14th, 2005, 10:58 PM

I think we have a rough idea what happens when people
forget to take their medication in a country fighting the
War on Terror:

Passengers say they never heard man shot by air marshalls say the word 'bomb'

**A*O** · December 14th, 2005, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by WhoAmI

Cornwell has apparently claimed to be bipolar, so Tom's remarks are cutting close to home.

She is also gay - another subject Scientologists have a problem with. Apparently it can be 'cured' with vitamins. Maybe that's why Tom and John Travolta signed up.

**marvel** · December 14th, 2005, 11:23 PM

Yeah. I love Patricia Cornwell. Just finished reading Predator. Great book by the way and good for her. Maybe she will bring him down. She could probably beat the crap out of him with one arm tied behind her back.

**PlasticGirl** · December 15th, 2005, 12:30 AM

Patricia is my hero, thanks for the info - didnt know she was gay? Could explain the character in her book being lesbian. Busy reading Predator as we speak, have read ALL her books.

I think we all underestimate the power of low IQ, i think Tom Cruise has a profound effect on stupid people. The fact that we all laugh at Jerry Springer programs, and think nobody could possibly be entertained by it, yet people still WATCH them - its still being aired!!! It shows we are in the minority when it comes to brains. He He.