There were some celebrities at the “Church” of Scientology’s 41st anniversary party in Hollywood over the weekend. Most notably a glowing and pregnant Kelly Preston was there along with her husband, John Travolta. Former DWTS contestant, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and his wife were in attendance, as were Jenna Elfman and Nancy Cartwright, best known as the voice of Bart Simpson. Parenthood star Erika Christensen was also at the event, which disappoints me because I love that show and really like her character. She’s a great actress. I remember seeing a photo of her at the 2002 Scientology anniversary with Tom Cruise and Jason Lee. I was hoping she was “out” of the cult now but I guess not.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were conspicuously absent, though. Tom has been doing promotion for Knight & Day overseas while Katie has been filming in Canada. Cruise owns a private jet (or three) and could easily have flown in. I wonder what kept him away and if there’s more than just busy schedules behind the fact that he didn’t attend. I’m hoping it has to do with a falling out he might have with the church, or maybe some kind of deliberate distancing. Scientology’s reputation has never been poorer. We’ve heard so much recently from defectors about the horrific conditions they suffered along with the abuses committed by head David Miscavige. The last time the Holmes-Cruises were spotted at a Scientology event was in October of last year. Are they going to make sure they’re no longer the defacto cult spokespeople?
I’ll say something nice – Kelly and John Travolta look really happy and I’m so happy for them that they’re expecting. Their daughter is a cutie, too. I hope she’s getting a secular education, but I doubt it.
Wasn’t Cartwright using Bart’s voice last year or so, to lure people to the COS? If I recall, the crazy nut got in trouble from Fox, and Matt Groening as the voice is not hers to use for that kind of promotion.
They appear to be such a nice, close family. Yet John is a bi/homosexual. ??
I ran into a guy a few weeks ago who had an interesting story about him..said John hit on him in a restaurant.
I’m always a little sad for these people, knowing how hard it is to leave Scientology But I also cannot watch thier movies, shows, read thier books or enjoy thier music, though. I’ll never forget the day Scientology took John Travolta from me 🙁
With Elfman’s involvement in the church it will surely do poorly in the ratings.
Also re:Travolta’s gayness, I know a few guys who go to a gym Barbarino worked out at in Toronto (he was up here doing a movie) and he was very aggressively soliciting buggery and other unnatural acts that would make Xenu blush.
who are those two freaks with the travoltas in the next to last picture?
I just read that Travolta has been with the COS for 35 yrs! That is a lot of programming to try to get out from under. I had no idea he was a Sciento that long!
Crazy Party! Hope the best for John and the wife though, I was really rooting for them hoping they would see the error in not giving their son the right medical treatment he needed, but I guess that wasn’t going to fly.
Also on the Cruises, they probably were not there because of all the wonderful publicity that cult brings to their movies.
I was always bummed about Jason Lee being in the cult too. It prevents me from finding him sexy as hell.
I know this is mean, but Travolta’s daughter, when she was a little girl, was stunning. Like, beyond beautiful. Now she is clearly entering an awkward phase. I hope she soldiers through that and ends up being pretty again.
So why aren’t people alloewd to uphold whatever belief they wish again???
Jason, I believe, is the dude that named his little dude Pilot Inspektor. These scientology people totally have a scary crazy look in their eyes except for the little dudette – run Ella run!
I think Travolta’s daughter is still stunning… some people are seriously dead inside… I hope she grows up to look however god made her to look and she feels really good about it… ffs…
I cant believe people fall for this bullcrap and join this cult.
The stories posted in the links of this story are disturbing to say the least.
I not only lose interest in any person/celeb who is in this cult but I think they’re batsh*t crazy. Even more so now that Ive read a few of those stories.
How do people fall for this crap?!?
@fizXgirl3114 Because there is allegations of abuse and even cases where people have died under the churches care because they refuse to allow the use of modern medicine. Also there are reports of complete control over people’s lives and refuse to let them leave without being harassed.
Such a pity that they’re scientologists.
@fizxgirl3114-thank you.
John and Kelly are the #1 power couple here in Ocala, FL. He just bought a building downtown and turned it into a Scientology center. Let’s just say he gets cut a lot of slack, here.
I’ve never seen anybody go in or out of the building.
Eh, people were killed for leaving Christianity back in the day too. It’s all relative. If people choose to be a member of this church, that’s wholly their business. If they are abused, take it to the police and let them sort it out. Other than that, people are free to worship as they please in this country. I don’t personally think COS is a healthy religion, but it’s not for me to judge.
Meme—Buzz Aldrin and his wife.
Oh there’s plenty of cultishness about christianity too, offshoots that don’t allow modern medicine to be used. Let people worship whatever they want and follow whatever religion they want, it’s all a load of hogwash.
I am not trying to be hateful here, and I am no fan of COS, but there are allegations of abuse in many religions and churches, as well as actual abuses going on. Sad to say, my church, the Catholic Church, being one of them.
I might also add that Christian Scientists do not believe in medicine either. My great Aunt was a member of that church. She fell, broke her hip, relied on the teachings of her church to help her, and she died. The COS, is not really any different, in my opinion, to any other religion. I do not share their beliefs, as they do not share mine. That does not mean they do not have a right to their beliefs.
Any religion can be considered a cult if you get right down to it.
This cult sucks. That is all.
“buggery and other unnatural acts”? Hahahahaha!!
Kelly looks really pretty and glowing and that daughter is still stunning. I think she is just entering a chubby phase and it works on her, but not on Bella.
I don’t understand either how people can fall prey to cults. I wonder if it has anything to do with life in Hollywood and needing guidance. I know I wouldn’t have survived, at least not the way I was in my early 20’s. I was very insecure and still searching. Now, that I am in my 30’s I could take it and not listen to any publicists bs about going out every night or whatever bs they try to feed me and people telling me how perfect I am.
Noone can tell me that Buzz Aldrin’s wife is’nt an alien.
@Pookie and FluffyKitten-you said it all. If you want to protest Scientology then be sure to protest the Catholic Church (which is guilty of much more atrocities) and Muslim extremism and Christian evangelicalism and basically every organized religion. At least be consistent in your discrimination or else have respect for peoples’ right to worship as they chose.
Re Erika Christensen, she was raised in this cult, her parents are Scientologists, she was talking about at home Scientology parties she hosts, because Scientologists prefer to keep themesleves seperated from normal people. She is actively promoting this cult, and I don’t like her as an Actress, she has that blank stare.
I think people who still believe there are groups getting away with murder and abuse and the law is somehow unable to prosecute them are scarier than people who uphold some strange religion… You people will apparently believe anything no matter how ridiculous… :-/
@kitten – trust me, i protest them all, them being all religions [and i especially protest the ones that get politically involved and try heavily influencing people to their beliefs and hate systems] and i also agree with Pookie and FluffyKitten… i rarely hear people come down on christianity, which has many different branches of belief systems, many of which operate as cultish or worse than CoS…
i believe that adults should be able to choose whatever ridiculous thing they want to believe in… the only problem i have is the inevitable indoctrination most of their children get through their parents choice of religion
you know this Scientology bashing is wholly ridiculous… just replace the word “Scientology” with “judaism” or “Islam” and you will see how screwed up some of these comments are. I can’t believe that people in this day and age cannot uphold a religious belief without it effecting their careers, reputation, livelihood and having the entire group be accused of illegal activity. Even if some members have had bad experiences, that doesn’t mean the entirety of the religion or all their members are guilty… Lots of people do effed up things and have done effed up things in the name of religion and will continue to do so. That doesn’t render the entire philosophy to be faltered. Lots of people find lots of redeeming things in their religion and don’t use it for evil. In fact, the majority of people do… This is just so ridiculous and juvenile I have trouble wrapping my head around it :-/
Katie:
‘I know this is mean, but Travolta’s daughter, when she was a little girl, was stunning. Like, beyond beautiful. Now she is clearly entering an awkward phase. I hope she soldiers through that and ends up being pretty again’
Because her life is over if she’s not considered pretty, right?
Jesus.
“I think people who still believe there are groups getting away with murder and abuse and the law is somehow unable to prosecute them are scarier than people who uphold some strange religion”
______________
One word: Vatican
Anybody willing to bet that bump under Kelly’s dress is a prosthetic? Seriously, even Xenu couldn’t unbarren that ancient field.
I’m just shocked how many of you really believe Kelly Preston is pregnant. And John Travolta still has all of his own hair…..and people in cults are sane. WTF?
Shut up, you mean Jenna Elfamn is a scientolotard, too?! No…just no.
You just killed me. I had such an admiration for that woman…
oh, and @pookie: you are aware that over 80% of sexaul abuses are generally committed by family memebres, followed by teachers and other “educators”, are you? These accusations towards one or more churches/religions just shows how little people want to face the truth.
@ xxodettexx: I protest them all as well but I’ll always defend peoples’ right to worship as they chose. What irks me is that a lot of the anti-Scientology comments seem to stem from a mentality of “my religion is better than your religion”. And yes, this is intolerance and in my eyes, inexcusable.
I agree with you about the kids that get involved and without a choice/say in the matter. And yes, if it’s a cult, then there’s the potential for abuse. I also know that there are plenty of children in Scientology-based and other religious-based households that grow up with loving parents. Myself, I grew up in an atheist family and could not have asked for better or more caring parents.
@xxodettexx – the only problem i have is the inevitable indoctrination most of their children get through their parents choice of religion.
_______
Couldn’t agree more! I denounced Catholicism after I had my first communion, broke my poor mom’s Sicilian heart. I just didn’t find any connection with the church and didn’t want to be a part of it. Although my family remains partially practicing Catholics, I never had my son baptized (again to my mom’s extreme dismay!), because I don’t want to force a religion on him. A person’s spiritual path is their own to take, and I am happy to expose him to everything out there and let him make the choice for himself. He will decide which, if any, are right for him.
I personally think most religions are nothing more than fraternity/sorority attitudes hiding behind a bible. Very exclusionary and judgmental of all they see. I think John Lennon had it right – and no religion too?
@Merry – I have no idea what you are talking about. When did I say anything about sexual abuse?
not only is Elfman a $cientologist, she is an OUTSPOKEN one.
there was a story a while back about her and her husband walking down the street in CA, and they came across some guy wearing a t-shirt that said “Scientology is gay”, with a picture of Tom Cruise on the front, and Travolta on the back.
they verbally accosted the guy in the street, yelling things at him like “have you raped a baby?” which is apparently what $cientologists are asked by “church” leaders when they “misbehave”. yeah, that’s so much better than the standard “have you sinned?”
while I agree that other religions have had their fair share of violence, I don’t know of any “religion” outside of $cientology that harasses/threatens members when they want to leave.
I’ve read plenty of first hand accounts of people who have tried to leave that “church”, and have been essentially chased across the country and dragged back to be “re-programmed”. they’re kept against their will and, if they do manage to escape, their personal lives are made miserable by the “church”. friends, family, employers…all get harassed by the cult foot soldiers, and the former members’ personal secrets (that they’re made to “confess” to get into the cult) are used against them.
I’m not thrilled with organized religion in general, but THIS one is scary. it was invented by a drug-addict pedophile who wanted a way to get rich and not pay taxes.
@Merry-Well as far as abuse in religious institutions is concerned, we’ll never really have the full statistics on that right? Because the abuse cover-up and veil of secrecy has been in place since the inception of organized religion.
No one is making “accusations” against any particular religion, simply arguing that one is not better than the next. So yeah, you using the word “scientolotard” to disrespect someone else’s belief kind of illutrates my point about the “my religion is better than yours” mentality. It is precisely that perception of exclusive superiority that is so dangerous when it comes to religion.
Nice sprayed on hair John.
I just noticed. John and Tom, they have the same crazy eyes. wow really creepy…
Not all catholics abuse children just like I’m sure not all Scientologists kill people *eyeroll*
“So why aren’t people alloewd to uphold whatever belief they wish again???”
They are – no one here is demanding that they stop believing whatever they choose to believe, or demanding that the centers be shut down.
I agree that many religions can be cult-like, and there’s a history of violence and bad things in most of them. But I can’t think of many others besides COS that don’t let people walk away or try to ruin their life if they do, or that insist on you forking over LOTS of cash before you’re allowed to participate.
I don’t understand why an adult would willingly join a group like that, and it does make me think a little less of those who do and wonder why. But beyond that I don’t really care – until they try to push those beliefs on other people.
Seriously, does Buzz Aldrin just show up anywhere he’s invited these days?
lucy2, Scientology bashing goes above and beyond mere “complaing” and voicing of an opinion… I see peoples’ careers and livelihoods become jeopardized because of it… and until there is evidence that Tom Cruise or jenna elfman or john travolta have PERSONALLY commited an atrocity, I think this practice is just WRONG… and akin to McCarthyism…
@fizXgirl3114 – “I see peoples’ careers and livelihoods become jeopardized because of it…Tom Cruise or jenna elfman or john travolta”
Personally, you’ve seen theirs, or anyone elses careers, go into the dumpster over Scientology? Or is it speculation based on the same garbage we all read in the tabloids? And I don’t know, it really doesn’t seem like the three people you mentioned are hurting in any way – career, money or family wise.
I agree it’s unnecessary to bash someone else’s beliefs/groups/affiliations, etc. *BUT*, I gotta be honest, a church started by a fairly crazy science fiction writer, and based on something he made up while probably on an acid trip??…uhm, it kinda begs for public mockery. 🙂 *BUT*, that’s why I choose not be a scientologist. Anyone else, have at it and best of luck!
Kelly looks wonderful during her pregnancy…wow. Ella looks just like her Dad, doesn’t she?
Not loving the whole scientology gig, but whatever. That is their thing.
I’d be interested in CB’s take on the ever-growing rumors that the recent Travolta pregnancy is completely contrived. Check out this (and other) blind items on the subject. And please don’t forget to review the comments, they contain very interesting commentary and pics of the Travoltas:
http://gawker.com/5609132/which-glee-star-got-a-tween-queen-blind-drunk
I guess because this has only been discussed as blind items, CB can’t cover it as documented gossip, but it’s some of the juiciest stuff that has come about in recent memory.
And, also, why does John Travolta go the distance of spray-on hair when their is film footage of his receding/balding hairline? Especially because in most pictures, he doesn’t look that bad without a full head of hair; whereas most spray-ons/tupees are generally hideous.
@OMJ, damn right. Kelly doesn’t have that tell-tale prego-bloat. And even if all women don’t have that, I’d bet my house, my hair, my teeth, my boobs, and my two big toes that she’s not pregnant.
And JT is wearing a rug, we all know that 🙂
It was nice to see that travolta had some hair made in time for the event because 2 days prior he had damn all on his head
Any religion or organization (like AA) that tells the people involved that it is the “only way” or the “best way” and that it’s members are somehow special or unique or different than others and that others are less evolved or less likely to find enlightenment is in cult zone for me..
Oh and add onto that the dictates not to associate or accept fully those “others” or themselves if they don’t fit into the religions truths, unless they are attempting to convert or preach but never to marry or breed with them..
Jeez, it is the exact opposite of what the big selling point it..finding peace, love, enlightenment, truth etc…the hypocrisy blows my mind & it’s across the board, not just in Scientology..
Danger zone when there are threatened internal or external consequences if someone chooses to leave and pursue a different path.
So Scientology, just like other organized religions falls into the trap of needing to be superior in God’s or Xenu’s or Allah’s eyes & intercepts the bigger truths making it the same as the other organizations that they are trying to be better and different than.
Different sides of the exact same coin.
buzz aldrin’s wife looks like the love child of miss havisham & cruella deville.
@praise st.angie! – touche!!
I don’t buy it for a second that Kelly is really pregnant. There was a story a few weeks ago in blind item or whatever it is called about a hollywood couple that wanted a child so bad that they were adopting, but was going to wear a prosthetic baby bump so nobody knew it wasn’t actually thier baby. It also mentioned it was a Scientology high power couple and since Katie and Tom are not expecting the guess was Kelly and John.
I don’t think she is pregnant either. They said the same thing about Kidman but I DID think she was pregnant. This one, no. I can just look at her eyes and tell you no baby. Her hand isn’t right either. It’s not holding baby, it’s holding plastic.
The question I have though, is WHY would anyone do this? Why go through the charade, I mean, who cares if it’s her kid or not? To wear a prosthetic for nine months is just insane and very very weird.
@ pookie: I’m sorry, I probably did not express myself at best. I was trying to address your comment: ” One word: Vatican”; it seemed like a reference to recent reports of abuse in Vatican and in the Catholic Church. Just to clarify, the statistics I cited are not completely accurate (not all cases are denounced, no matter who the victim and the abuser are )but not so inaccurate either. Generally, there seems to be no connection between abuse or other acts of violence and any religion. One of the differences between a religion and a cult is this, in fact: cults are often linked to some kind of non acceptable behaviour. That is why I call Scientolotards people who are linked to Scientology without feeling too bad about it: that’s a pretty creepy cult.
Hope that explains,
love,
Merry.
IMO I don’t think AA is a cult, having worked with several cult survivors. AA doesn’t take your money, offers suggestions not doctrine, and how you pick a Higher Power is completely up to you. If people leave AA, no one harasses you or threatens you as in Scientology and other cults.
“Those who have doubts and those who have disagreements with AA dogma are normally ostracized if they express their opinions; and those who remain silent and sit on their doubts will normally be the objects of proselytization and dire warnings, and, if they continue to refuse to mouth accepted AA wisdom, will win, at best, grudging acceptance if they’re strong enough to stand up to the ridicule and condescension they’re sure to encounter.”
http://www.morerevealed.com/library/coc/chapter1.htm
Anyway, I’m not saying AA is a cult, just saying that it depends on that person’s perception.
A close friend of mine who is an atheist went to Narcanon (a scientology-based rehab program) for treatment. He has been sober for 5 years and counting. Anyway, he acknowledged some of the techniques (saunas etc) were definitely um…unique but he’s still a secular humanist. He didn’t get brainwashed into becoming a Scientologist by this “cult” and it worked for him so..?
I mean who are we to say what religion is right/wrong?
while I agree that other religions have had their fair share of violence, I don’t know of any “religion” outside of $cientology that harasses/threatens members when they want to leave.
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Exactly, that is the difference. All the former Catholics here are free to contact their families and continue friendships. They also haven’t spent the last thirty years working for no real pay. Scientology sets it up so the Sea Org people have no money or possessions, so they have a really hard time leaving.
Oh and the other religions don’t charge upwards of $10,000 and dole out sections of the bible at a time for thousands at a time.
I was also very sad the first time I heard that Dharma was a scientologist.
From http://www.dlisted.com
FauxBelly went to a big party last week. Prior to the event, a producer friend’s special effects team created a pregnancy prosthetic that wouldn’t require shoulder, chest, or waistline support. It was lifecast from a real pregnant woman, and actually glued directly to her torso. They had to experiment quite a bit, as the usual adhesives were smelly, highly chemical, or left a rash. They settled on a glue applied on top of a barrier cream. FauxBelly got a little overconfident, though, and started moving around too much. The bump started to peel off. In a panic, she raced to the restroom with her assistant and the FX expert, removed the belly, repositioned it, and glued it back in place. She barely moved the rest of the evening. (Blind Gossip)
SEE! Kelly!
Dislike of the Cult of Scientology is in NO WAY “akin to McCarthism”. What a thoroughly ridiculous suggestion. That statement IS AKIN to Oliver Stone blaming Jews for Hitler’s bad image. Perhaps a better understanding of history would help. And Yes, one is free to believe what one wants, however foolish or based on uneducated assumptions it may be. Do some more research about this cult before comparing Scientology to Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam or any other religion.
One word. Firebomb.
Too much?
Canucklehead: Yup, I heard that too, when I was living in TO.
Can’t help but feel he’s a bit ‘trapped’ by this pregnancy……
COS is not a religion. It’s a cult. An expensive one.
Isn’t Kelly Preston suppose to be carrying twins?
How in the world is she that small with twins?
Even if it is only one child, she is incredibly small and shows no sign of weight gain anywhere it normally shows up. And late in life babies will cause a girl to blow up in weight…
I was thinking she was around 6 months along. And all she has to show for it is some minor food bump?
Lucky b*tch. hahaha!
No, they came out with a statement right after the pregnancy announcement that she was NOT carrying twins as had been erroneously reported.
FauxBelly my behind. She’s noticeable fuller in her upper arms and breasts. Remember all the Katie Holmes pregnancy rumors? What is it about CO$ that initiates pregnancy conspiracy theories??
Cults are determined by a specific set of criteria, which COS meets. As do many off shoots of other religions. I’m too tired to look them up and post them tonight, but if I remember I will in the am. 🙂
Could this Blind be them?
FauxBelly went to a big party last week. Prior to the event, a producer friend’s special effects team created a pregnancy prosthetic that wouldn’t require shoulder, chest, or waistline support. It was lifecast from a real pregnant woman, and actually glued directly to her torso. They had to experiment quite a bit, as the usual adhesives were smelly, highly chemical, or left a rash. They settled on a glue applied on top of a barrier cream. FauxBelly got a little overconfident, though, and started moving around too much. The bump started to peel off. In a panic, she raced to the restroom with her assistant and the FX expert, removed the belly, repositioned it, and glued it back in place. She barely moved the rest of the evening.
Why are they having a party? Do other “religions” have them in Hollywood?
I love Jenna. She is so hot and beautiful.
AA is verified by research as one of the best practices for addictions recovery. While I agree there are jerks in any setting, I’ve known a lot of people who felt welcomed at AA whether they stayed or didn’t, and weren’t ridiculed. In their meetings and books, they are very clear that it’s not a doctrine and participation is optional. Though a person might get the side-eye for wearing a prosthetic pregnancy belly, LOL. I think it was prior CB posts where she mentioned how there are Sciento’s who come on blogs to refute people who think critically and question their dogmatic practices. While they are entitle to their beliefs, I smh at the perpetuation of this sci-fi bullpuckery they peddle for mega cash.
I really really really hope you’re not insinuating that I’m a poster here to refute “people who think critically” or “people who challenge the dogmatic practices of scientology”.
The only thing I’m challenging is religious people’s criticism of others’ religions. Just saying that “my religion is fantastic but yours sucks” is pretty close-minded, that’s all.