John Travolta Defends Scientology

The actor stood by the Church of Scientology amid claims of bizarre and abusive treatment stemming from a recent documentary.

Despite a new documentary, Going Clear, slamming the practice, John Travolta stood by the Church of Scientology in a new interview with the Tampa Bay Times. Though he was promoting his personal work, the newspaper couldn’t help but ask about the newest claims. When asked whether or not he’s seen the eye-opening new film, Travolta said, “No, I haven’t, and I don’t really care to.”

“I’ve been so happy with my experience in the last 40 years that I really don’t have anything to say that would shed light on [a documentary] so decidedly negative,” Travolta told the reporter in the interview that happened only miles away from the Scientology headquarters. He explained that the film was made, in his opinion, by “people who were disgruntled with their experiences,” and added that the church “has been nothing but brilliant for me.”

Many of the complaints that ex-Scientologists have lobbied are addressed in Going Clear. Travolta’s former friend and Scientology associate, Spanky Taylor, discusses some of the poor treatment that many experience, including forced labor, poor care for newborn babies, and general mistreatment of women. There have even been accusations of changing women and their appearances to match what the church deems appropriate. In the past, Travolta has been taken to task for his treatment of his son’s health due, in part, to Scientology. His son died a few years ago after drowning.

Travolta and Tom Cruise, who also practices, have continually denied or ignored allegations of physical abuse, though many fans have pointed out that since Cruise’s ex-wife Katie Holmes and their daughter Suri have left the church, Cruise has barely seen either. The two actors remain Scientologists after decades with the religion.

“I’ve helped so many people through hard times — loss of children, loved ones, physical illnesses. Through many tough, tough life situations I’ve used the technology to support them and help them,” Travolta added to the Tampa Bay Times. “It’s always worked… So, why would I even approach a negative perspective? That would be a crime to me, personally, to do that.”