We've heard arguments in the past about separating artists from their art. But how much is too much to overlook?
Some believe who a person is outside of their art should not be considered when looking at their art. Others believe all must be considered before supporting them.
This weekend, with his biggest box office opening to date, viewers discussed whether or not to separate Tom Cruise and Top Gun: Maverick from the actor's promotion of Scientology.
The belief system has been under extreme scrutiny in the public eye for years, as many have found Scientology to be harmful as well as more money grabbing cult-like than a religion.
Aquaman and Practical Magic actress Nicole Kidman previously came forward about how Cruise changed as a partner due to his involvement. King of Queens lead actress, Leah Remini, also came forward about what happened to her when she tried to leave what she considered to be a cult.
The latest conversation arose after the theater release of Top Gun: Maverick, after actors from the film were interviewed by People magazine and praised Cruise for his involvement in the film.
One such actor was Divergent and Thank You for Your Service actor Miles Teller who passionately spoke of the actor's assistance on the set.
Teller boasted:
"Work with Tom [Cruise]. I don't care what your profession is."
"Having Tom there is just the ultimate motivating factor. He really cares so much."
"He cares more about your performance maybe even than you do."
"He really just is so invested in the storyline, and he wants the best for everybody."
Clips of praise for Cruise were shared in an edited video by People on TikTok, where it quickly garnered attention.
But one TikToker, @skchgo, would not accept the praise quietly. She responded with criticism toward the actor's background.
She captioned her response video:
"Amazing how we forget that Tom Cruise is in a very well-known cult called Scientology, but go ahead praise the psycho."
In the video, she described Cruise's involvement in Scientology as well as the problematic nature of the praise he was receiving.
"Oh is this what we're doing now? We just completely forgot about the fact that he's in Scientology?"
"We're going to leave out all the things that Scientology has done to people. We're going to play that game because Tom Cruise gave you a little bit of attention and made you feel special."
"Oh, sweetie, that's called grooming. Yeah. He's in a cult. And he's just trying to groom."
"He's trying to make you feel like he's normal. And he's not. And you fell for it. And this is so f**king typical of f**king Hollywood."
"Seriously, when are you people gonna wake the f**k up?"
Actress Leah Remini shared the video, as well, and captioned it:
"I couldn't have said it better myself."
You can watch the video here:
@leahremini I couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you @skchgo @Tom Cruise #scientology #cult #totalitarian #1984 #topgun #topgunmaverick #tomcruise
Remini was previously involved in Scientology but decided it was not for her. She was inducted at the age of nine with her parents and left in 2013, but not without consequences.
Remini published a memoir called Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology, which became a New York Times bestseller. The book was later adapted into an Emmy-award-winning television show, but after extensive criticism from the Scientology collective, the show was ended with a two-hour finale.
Remini has since distanced herself from the spotlight.
But she spoke up in the midst of Top Gun: Maverick garnering attention and took to Twitter to discuss it.
She called out Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger for praising the film.
Twitter was divided about the argument regarding Top Gun: Maverick and Scientology.
Some didn't want to support Scientology indirectly by supporting a Tom Cruise film.
But others weren't concerned, as they didn't see the two subjects as connected.
Whether viewers see the film as problematic because Tom Cruise is in it and choose not to support the actor, the film is still Cruise's biggest box office hit to date.
