These celebrities are part of the Church of Scientology

Last week I already wrote about the grim relationship between Tom Cruise and his ex-wife and child, Katie Holmes and Suri. It has significantly deteriorated over the years, and there is actually one main reason for that: the Church of Scientology. Tom Cruise is, of course, a prominent member of that. In fact, if you believe the persistent rumors, he is very high up in the hierarchy.

What does that mean? Well, I am really incredibly glad that this church is not that big in the Netherlands, because you really don't want to get involved with them or have them work against you. The wife of David Miscavige (the current leader of Scientology), Shelly Miscavige, wanted to leave, for example. Where she is now? Nobody knows. She was last seen alive in 2007. Several people have reported her missing (like actress Leah Remini, who successfully left the church), but the police want nothing to do with it. Is it going so far that Scientology even has ties with the police? Well, many people think so.

In addition, the phone of several family members of Scientology members is tapped, especially when they suspect you want to leave the faith. Yes, it is really very grim. Especially in the city of Clearwater, Florida, where the aforementioned Miscavige lives and where the headquarters of Scientology is located. No, you don't want this cult against you.

The bizarre thing is — I think — that the church still has so many followers. Maybe that has to do with how hard it is to leave. Also because you have to ‘invest’ a lot of money, or simply pay to move up. People with debts are not quick to make an important decision. Clever tactic of theirs. But also rich celebrities are still members of the Church of Scientology. Yes, Tom Cruise of course, but also others. Many more others. Read at your own risk, because I have become quite disillusioned with a number of celebrities because of this.

Elisabeth Moss
Yes really, madame The Handmaid’s Tale is a member of Scientology. Very striking, playing the lead role in such a dystopian series while you are a member of the grimmest cult there is. ‘Small’ consolation: she grew up in it and therefore knows no better. By the way, she prefers not to talk about her involvement with the cult.

John Travolta
In 2015 he said in an interview that he had been a member of the church for forty years, and that he ‘enjoys it every minute’. And to top it off, he also says that the church has saved his life multiple times. Hm-hm.

Kirstie Alley
This actress has been a member of the church since 1979 and is convinced that this faith has helped her with her addictions. In recent years, she has mainly been in the spotlight because Scientology — and therefore she too — is vehemently against medication and does not believe in antidepressants and such things.

Laura Prepon
Homosexuality is generally not very accepted by the Church of Scientology (unless you are high up in the hierarchy), so the role of Alex Vause in Orange Is The New Black did not sit well with many viewers. Understandable.

Danny Masterson
This former colleague of Laura Prepon is also a member of the cult. I am not sure if you can still call him a real star, because he currently has quite a few lawsuits against him for rape. Like Elisabeth Moss, he also grew up with this faith.

Giovanni Ribsi
Yes, the dumb brother of Phoebe in Friends is also dumb in real life, as he is a proud member of the Church of Scientology.

Marisol Nichols
Better known as Hermione Lodge from Riverdale. Her husband is also a member and is so busy with it that he has started a group for young people interested in Scientology. Eh, no, thanks.

Jenna Elfman
The actress from Dharma & Greg joined the church after meeting her husband, who had been a member for a while. Apparently, this faith attracted her, as both are still members.

An honorable mention goes to Will Smith, who apparently was actively recruiting people for the church but claims to not be a member himself? A bit of a vague (and unbelievable) story, but according to the church itself, he is indeed not a member. But he does support them. Too bad.

And these celebrities have fortunately turned their lives around: they have successfully left the church. Yay for them.

• Leah Rimini
• Lisa Marie Presley
• Christopher Reeve
• Charles Manson (HAHA, this faith is even too grim for this guy)