Katie, Nicole and Now Leah: 7 Stars Who Quit Scientology
Founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, the Church of Scientology has fixed itself in American culture and beyond as a legitimate religion and belief system, gaining popularity through Hollywood endorsements -- though in recent years, a few celebrities have chosen to defect.
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Photo by: David Livingston/Getty ImagesKatie Holmes
The Dawson’s Creek actress married into the religion when she wed Tom Cruise in a Scientology ceremony. However, she divorced the mega movie star in 2012, citing increased intimidation by the Church. Holmes was awarded custody of their daughter, Suri, and now has zero affiliation with Scientology.
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Photo by: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty ImagesNicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman, like Holmes, also married Cruise and adopted his Scientology beliefs. Raised a Roman Catholic, the Australian actress has according to reports claimed that she never wanted her children to be raised Scientologists, a possible impetus for her divorcing Cruise in 2001.
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Photo by: Frederick M. Brown/Getty ImagesLeah Remini
Though there is still swirling speculation, it was reported on July 8 that the King of Queens actress had left the Church of Scientology after being a part of the Church for much of her life. She simultaneously remains loyal to Roman Catholicism.
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Photo by: Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesPaul Haggis
The Crash director left the Church in 2009 after being a member for 35 years. He took offense to one branch’s support of Prop 8, which bans gay marriage in California. After his departure, he spoke out against everything the Church stood for in a New Yorker profile by Lawrence WrIght, labeling his former religion a “cult.”
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Photo by: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for WonderwallLisa Marie Presley
Adopting the practices from her mother, Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley was a member of the Church of Scientology until 2012 when rumors surfaced that she had left. Presley has not confirmed the departure, possibly out of fear that she may lose contact with her still-practicing mother, as several defecting members have said is Church protocol.
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Photo by: Slaven Vlasic/Getty ImagesJason Beghe
Once known as the “poster boy for Scientology,” actor Jason Beghe left the Church in 2007 and immediately became the definitive whistleblower, publicly condemning the Church’s practices. Beghe called Scientology “very dangerous for your spiritual, psychological, mental, emotional health and evolution” and has repeatedly claimed to be a victim of the Church’s Internet surveillance.
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Photo by: Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesMimi Rogers
The Rapture actress’s father was a prominent Mission Holder in the Church and a friend of founder L. Ron Hubbard. Rogers became an auditor, or Scientology spiritual counselor, to many Hollywood celebrities, including her second husband, Tom Cruise. However, Rogers has since left the Church, citing oppressive and corrupt leadership.
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