Tom Cruise Olympics Stand: Tom Cruise added a Hollywood twist to the Closing Ceremony of the Paris Olympics by rappelling down from the top of Stade de France and landing among the athletes. It felt like a cinematic ending to the European games as they passed the baton to Los Angeles for 2028, promising more Hollywood flair. However, not everyone was happy to see the A-list actor at the event.
On social media, people brought up Cruise’s controversial connection to Scientology, a group that many in France consider a cult. One user questioned on x, “How does Tom Cruise remain so respected when he’s a leading figure in Scientology? I don’t get it.” Another pointed out, “It’s like America pretends Tom Cruise isn’t the face of Scientology.” There were also mentions of his troubled past with ex-wives Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes.
Critics online expressed their concerns, saying, “Tom Cruise took his adopted kids from Nicole Kidman because she rejected Scientology, and his second wife had to escape their marriage to protect her child from the group. Is this who we want representing the LA 2028 Olympics?” While they didn’t mention Cruise’s first wife Mimi Rogers, who he didn’t have children.
Despite the controversy, Cruise was a major figure during the Paris Games. Yet, the athletes didn’t seem to mind; many were excited to see him, taking pictures and cheering.
There were signs all along that the Church of Scientology was becoming more visible during the games. According to Le Parisien, they even opened a new headquarters near Stade de France and launched a major publicity campaign during the Olympics. This has led some to speculate whether Cruise’s Closing Ceremony stunt was more than just his idea, perhaps influenced by Scientology.
