Paul Haggis Blasts Media for Not Grilling Tom Cruise on Scientology: 'Shame on You'

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Paul Haggis has weighed in on the Church of Scientology on numerous occasions, and now he has blasted the media for not pressing Tom Cruise to do the same during interviews promoting “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation.”

As TheWrap exclusively reported in July, the movie star’s PR people actually prohibited news outlets from asking questions about his personal life and Scientology during his worldwide promotional tour for the fifth installment of the blockbuster franchise.

“His PR people are very smart. But I don’t know how journalists can continue to call themselves journalists if they aren’t brave enough to ask a question,” Haggis told The Daily Beast. “I mean, how big does the elephant in the room have to be before you ask about it?”

Also Read: Scientology Slams Forthcoming Tell-All Book by Father of Church Head David Miscavige: 'Provable Bulls-t'

Haggis has not only written at length about his experience with Scientology — a religion he defected from in 2009 over the the Church’s endorsement of anti-LGBT legislation Proposition 8 — but appeared on camera to share the dark side of the tax-exempt organization in Alex Gibney’s documentary, “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief.”

The documentary was included in his PR team’s strict “no personal questions” caveat for access to the star, an individual with knowledge of the press tour told TheWrap.

Also Read: 'Going Clear' Director Demands IRS Repeal Scientology's Tax-Exempt Status

“Well, fine, but there are things called journalistic integrity, and there are things more important than promoting a movie sometimes,” Haggis said. “It was so glaringly obvious. There was this huge elephant there, and every journalist agreed not to address it. Why? You’re just a PR person at that point. Shame on you.”

Since the interview with Haggis was published, the Church of Scientology has released a statement to the media that accuses the former member of exploiting his connection to the organization in an effort to remain “relevant.”

Also Read: John Travolta Defends 'Beautiful' Scientology Against HBO Documentary 'Going Clear'

“The Church of Scientology has no interest in being exploited to publicize Paul Haggis’s next made-for-TV project or to convince his skeptics that he is relevant again,” the Church told the Huffington Post.

Haggis’ six-part HBO miniseries, written by David Simon (“The Wire”), wraps up with two more hour-long episodes debuting this Sunday.

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."

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