
You probably haven't spent too much time thinking about Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's marriage lately, but a new documentary is about to change that. Going Clear, Alex Gibney's exposé on the Church of Scientology, makes some shocking claims about Cruise, one of the church's most famous (and infamous) members.
The film suggests that the Church of Scientology intimidated Cruise into breaking up with Kidman because they were suspicious of her father, a prominent psychologist. In fact, her dad's position put Kidman on the "Potential Trouble Source" list, which the church says is for people "who are in some way connected to and being adversely affected by a suppressive person."
Going Clear also claims that between 1992 and 2001, Kidman pressured Cruise into distancing himself from the Church of Scientology. When Cruise went MIA from the organization, his silence allegedly made Church head David Miscavige so angry that he tasked second-in-command Marty Rathbun with "facilitating the breakup between Tom and Nicole," Rathbun says in the film.
According to Rathbun, the church started a task force to get Cruise to dump Kidman, which included wiretapping her phone—Cruise's suggestion—and sending the tapes to Miscavige.
The Church also "audited" Cruise by gathering every bit of personal intel they could dig up. This information was purportedly given to Miscavige, who later shamed Cruise for his "perverted" sexual fetishes.
And what's worse than having "perverted" sexual fetishes (whatever that means in this context), the Church attempted to turn Cruise and Kidman's adopted children—Connor and Isabella—against their mother so Cruise could take custody.
In 2001, Miscavige got his wish. The couple divorced and Cruise, who became more active in the Church, went on to receive their Freedom Medal of Valor, which is given to a person who "brings greater freedom to mankind."
Going Clear also suggests that the Church of Scientology goes out of its way to please Cruise by buying him limos, airplanes, and once, they even created a meadow for Cruise and Kidman to frolic in, which was apparently one of Cruise's greatest fantasies.
This is all particularly interesting in light of the rumors that cropped up during Katie Holmes's divorce from Cruise in 2012, which also claimed that Scientology got in the way. Add these to the Maybe Don't Date a Scientologist file...
Here, a video recap made by our friends at Splash:
You should also check out:
Jennifer Lopez Makes a Heart-Breaking Confession About Her Divorce
Nicole Kidman Says She Would Totally Quit Acting if Her Husband Asked
As deputy editor, Brie oversees OprahDaily.com's lifestyle content including beauty, style, health, and relationships. When she's not helping to answer your google queries, you can likely find her watching Christmas movies, no matter the season.
-
The 14 Must-Haves Marie Claire Editors Are Buying During Nordstrom's Enormous Sale
Thousands of cult products are discounted during Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale—but they're going fast.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
I Went to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour—Here's My Guide to Eras Dressing
Broken down by Era, duh.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
Lindsay Lohan Just Shared a Photo of Her Baby Bump While Soaking Up the Sun in a Black Swimsuit
Baby coming soon!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors