Tom Cruise stunned millions at the FIFA 2026 World Cup final by delivering a prominent, unexpected monologue. Critics and former celebrity members quickly claimed the speech subtly integrated coded Scientology concepts, triggering widespread internet debate over his influence. This controversy has drawn fresh attention to an old remark by Will Smith, raising renewed questions about whether The Pursuit of Happyness actor is a Scientologist or not. 

A look back at past celebrity statements highlights how Hollywood stars routinely navigated public scrutiny surrounding the organization.

In 2008, rumours circulated that Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith were joining the Church of Scientology alongside Kimora Lee Simmons. Media reports claimed church leaders actively sought Hollywood figures to expand their public reach. However, a quick denial was issued to clear up the growing confusion by Smith in an interview with the New York Daily News. Will Smith famously noted that being friends with Tom Cruise did not make him a church member.

"You do not have to be a Scientologist to be a friend of Tom Cruise," Smith clarified. Will Smith reaffirmed his personal identity as a Christian who respects all spiritual paths and diverse religious beliefs.

“I am a student of all religions. And I respect all people and all paths,” he added. Meanwhile, Kimora Lee Simmons denied rumours about distributing church literature to local school children. Despite celebrity denials in the New York Daily News back in 2008, people continued to assume close social circles shared religious alignment.

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The blockbuster star Tom Cruise on the other hand, occasionally breaks his silence to defend his decades of devotion to the organization.

At the 2016 London premiere of Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, the Hollywood star Tom Cruise made a rare public comment regarding his spiritual beliefs. Introduced to Scientology in 1986 by his former wife Mimi Rogers, Cruise praised the movement for guiding his successful career. He told ITV News about how it helped him.

"It is something that has helped me incredibly in my life," he said. Cruise noted that without his 30-year (now 40 years) involvement in the organization, he would not be where he is today. He described it as a beautiful religion and expressed immense pride in his long-standing affiliation.

 “So, it’s a beautiful religion. I’m incredibly proud,” he said. Tom Cruise noted that discussing his faith often led to unfair accusations of proselytizing, while avoiding it invited criticism of secrecy.

“What’s interesting is, if I don’t talk about my religion, if I say I’m not discussing it or different humanitarian things I’m working on, they’re like, ‘He’s avoiding it’,” said Cruise in 2012 Playboy magazine. Cruise concluded that he prefers to focus strictly on promoting his feature films during press appearances. In addition, Will Smith's past remarks remind fans that his friendship with Tom Cruise does not make someone a Scientologist.

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What do you think about people assuming Will Smith as Scientologist and his clarification? Let us know in the comments.