Leah Remini says Tom Cruise thinks she’s “literally the devil” for leaving Scientology, the actress said in an interview on “Larry King Now” on Friday.
During an appearance to promote her A&E docuseries “Scientology and the Aftermath,” Remini told King that given the chance, Tom Cruise, the most high-profile Scientologist, wouldn’t speak to her, the controversial church’s most outspoken critic.
“He wouldn’t say anything to me, because he thinks I’m the devil,” the “King of Queens” actress said. “He honestly believes … Tom and most Scientologists, all Scientologists are taught to believe that people like me are literally the devil, that we mean them harm.”
Remini also said that even though she believes Cruise is a true believer in the church’s teachings, he is “well-aware” of the negative impact it has on people’s lives.
“Tom is very well-aware of what is Scientology, truthfully,” she said. “He is very well-aware that it’s an organization that is defrauding people out of their lives. But in his heart, I believe he believes it.”
“Tom is a fully dedicated and loyal Scientologist. Absolutely, she continued. “I believe that he, like me, has been lied to.”
When asked if the “Mission Impossible” star could be described as “delusional,” Remini agreed, adding, “I could say that about myself at the time.”
“I didn’t want to look, I didn’t want to believe that what I’ve been involved in my whole life was a lie, that it was damaging and hurting people,” she said. “Yeah, you can say I was delusional.”
17 Hollywood Stars Who Dabbled in or Abandoned Scientology: From Leah Remini to Jerry Seinfeld (Photos)
Leah Remini left in 2013, citing her frustration with not being able to challenge the church's beliefs and before her daughter was of age to begin "the acclimation into the church."
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While married to Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes was reportedly uncomfortable with Scientology's teachings and didn't want their daughter raised in the religion, especially in light of her own Catholic upbringing.
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Nicole Kidman severed ties from the church when she divorced Tom Cruise in 2001.
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In 2009, Paul Haggis left the church after 35 years in protest of their support of California's Prop. 8, which banned gay marriage in the state.
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Lisa Marie Presley left Scientology sometime around 2012 after being raised in the church by her mother, Priscilla Presley.
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In 1997 divorce papers, Tom Berenger cited his soon-to-be-ex-wife Lisa's deep-rooted Scientology beliefs as a reason for the dissolution of their marriage.
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Christopher Reeve said in his autobiography that he became disillusioned with the religion when auditing failed to detect blatant lies he was telling.
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Mimi Rogers is often credited with introducing Tom Cruise to Scientology, but after their marriage ended, so did her relationship with the church -- though he remains the Church's most active famous member.
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A child actor who was introduced to the church by an acting coach, Jason Beghe laughed off Scientology with friend David Duchovny after he left. While he was an active member, their friendship was strained, and Duchovny was labeled a "suppresive person" by the church.
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Jerry Seinfeld never officially joined the church, but has attributed his success partly to some Scientology courses he took in his 20s.
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Brad Pitt took a few courses -- and was a high-level target for the church -- while dating Scientologist Juliette Lewis, but lost interest after the relationship ended.
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Candice Bergen was briefly involved with the church in the 1960s before its financial rise.
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"Transparent" actor Jeffery Tambor took Scientology classes and studied the religion for a short time, but no longer participates with the organization.
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Patrick Swayze tried out Scientology while practicing many world faiths, including Buddhism and transcendental meditation.
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Russell Crowe read L. Ron Hubbard's book"Dianetics" and watched a few videos before deciding the church wasn't for him.
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Sonny Bono flirted with Scientology while married to Cher, who herself never understood its appeal.
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"Top Gun" Producer Don Simpson spent more than $25,000 dollars on Scientology before leaving without the life improvement he was hoping to achieve.
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These notable figures attended the church, but ultimately decided they couldn’t stay
Leah Remini left in 2013, citing her frustration with not being able to challenge the church's beliefs and before her daughter was of age to begin "the acclimation into the church."