Tom Cruise Viewed as ‘God’ in Scientology, Yet Some See Him as Its ‘Number One Victim’

Tom Cruise’s relationship with the Church of Scientology has long captivated the public, drawing insights from former members who highlight the complex dynamics between the actor and the organization. Amy Scobee, a former member who left the church in 2005, has stated that Cruise is “viewed as a complete god” within Scientology and that his influence within the organization is extraordinary.

Another prominent ex-member, Leah Remini, who left the church in 2013, shared further details about how Scientology staff are expected to interact with Cruise. “The amount of power they receive from this church is like nothing in Hollywood,” she explained, emphasizing that strict rules are enforced around him. Staff are reportedly not allowed to express opinions, make faces, or even sigh in his presence. Remini added, “If you step out of line, in any way, you are dealt with by the church.”

“Tom knows the abuses the organization perpetrates.” pic.twitter.com/QBxrwTbj2c

Recent commentary from Mitch Brisker, who served as senior director at Scientology’s Golden Era Studios until 2020, offers a new perspective on Cruise’s role within the church. Brisker describes Cruise as the “number one victim” of Scientology. “I know people will disagree with me about this but it’s like he is living in a distorted reality. He is fully in the matrix,” Brisker said in an interview with the Daily Mail.

Brisker also elaborated on the close relationship between Cruise and Scientology leader David Miscavige, describing them as “like separated at birth.” He recounted observing the two racing motorcycles around the church’s International Base, a camaraderie facilitated by church members who gifted them the bikes. told but Newsweek Brisker believes this close bond has had a lasting impact on Cruise’s personal life. “All of his marriages have been completely disintegrated by his ‘friend,’ the leader of the church, David Miscavige. All of his ex-wives have been declared enemies of the church,” he claimed.

40,000 pages of Scientology secret internal files are being leaked, and a bunch of them are about Tom Cruise! Dive into the world of Scientology’s PR tactics with our new episode on Tom Cruise’s media strategy. #ScientologyExposed #TomCruise pic.twitter.com/xT6Jzo1xsr

The control exerted by Miscavige over the organization is described by Brisker as absolute. Miscavige, he says, is an “absolute control freak,” involved in every detail of church operations, “right down to the soap they are going to use on their luxury cruise liner.”

Scientology’s public image is currently facing what Brisker calls its “biggest, most urgent crisis in living memory.” Following the high-profile conviction of actor Danny Masterson, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison for rape, the organization has come under increased scrutiny. Prosecutors in Masterson’s case accused the church of protecting its celebrity members and turning a blind eye to severe allegations, bringing a new wave of public criticism and legal challenges.

Masterson was handcuffed and taken into custody. His wife Bijou reportedly cried out as the 2 guilty verdicts were read. pic.twitter.com/wnCc6Wn7G1

As more former members come forward with insider perspectives, the spotlight on Scientology’s inner workings continues to intensify, raising questions about its influence over its members—and the cost of maintaining that power.