Scientology honcho Tom Cruise's silence over Kirstie Alley's death sparks rumors of bitter feud
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA: Kirstie Alley, 71, who died on December 5 after a long cancer battle, was a high-profile Scientologist like John Travolta and Tom Cruise. She was an Operating Thetan at the VII level, just one level shy from achieving the highest level. However, despite being a fellow Scientologist, Cruise has not paid any tributes to Alley publicly.
Leah Remini, in her tell-all memoir, 'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology', alleged that Tom Cruise hated Alley and Travolta, according to News.com.au. Remini wrote, "I had heard that Tom didn't like [Alley and Travolta]". While these claims remain unsubstantiated, the 'Mission: Impossible' star spoke nothing of it. Travolta and Alley were reportedly not invited to Cruise’s 2006 wedding to Katie Holmes.
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However, when the 'Top Gun: Maverick' star drew flak due to an unsupported claim, Alley reportedly had his back. When Vanity Fair claimed that Scientology auditioned Nazanin Boniadi to be Tom Cruise's partner who later ended up with Holmes, the star came under a lot of fire. But the 'Cheers' alum had no problem defending the 'Top Gun' star. She told Entertainment Tonight in an interview, "I think whenever you have articles written that are third and fourth parties' opinions, it's like the game Gossip and you don't get the truth. I think that a magazine of that caliber (VF) should have interviewed him, and then they would get the truth."
She then defended her practices and said, "I think that probably all religions sound bizarre to people who are not the practitioners of them. To me, it's so normal, and probably 90 percent of the crazy stuff I hear isn't true."
Many celebrities came forward to remember the late actress. Another high-profile Scientology follower, Travolta, who co-starred with the model in the 'Look Who's Talking' films, posted images of Alley on Instagram along with a moving remark. "Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again," he wrote.
As reported by MEAWW earlier, her co-star Kelsey Grammer said, "I think that probably all religions sound bizarre to people who are not the practitioners of them." Tim Allen also remembered Alley, saying, "A sweet soul pass on in Kristie Alley. Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family."
