The Church of Scientology is often the subject of controversy due to its secretive and fairly extreme practices, as well as for being the home of many A-list celebrities, most famously the "Pulp Fiction" actor and Tom Cruise; now, as his religion is attacked following a popular documentary, John Travolta's Scientology stand was expected.
"Going Clear," a documentary on the institution that claims to delve deeper into many of its secrets (including many of John Travolta's Scientology ones), was first released in this year's Sundance Film Festival to a lot of controversy, including "That '70s Show" actor Danny Masterson speaking against the documentary - all while former Scientologist Leah Remini called Alex Gibney's effort "brave" for standing against the religion formed by L. Ron Hubbard.
According to Rolling Stone Magazine, John Travolta's Scientology defense came at a recent interview, as the actor was asked whether he'd seen the documentary, which premiered on HBO in late March after a small theater release.
The John Travolta Scientology interview, which appeared on Tampa Bay Times, when he was interviewed by phone to promote his appearance at Capitol Theater in Clearwater next April 18, where he'll attend the premiere of his latest film, "The Forger," during a fundraiser for the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
"I've been so happy with my (Scientology) experience in the last 40 years," the "Saturday Night Fever" actor told the paper "that I really don't have anything to say that would shed light on (a documentary) so decidedly negative. I've been brought through storms that were insurmountable, and (Scientology has) been so beautiful for me, that I can't even imagine attacking it."
According to Hollywood Reporter, John Travolta's Scientology defense isn't the only thing going on with the church in the midst of the controversy, as Gibney's now taking a new challenge: he's calling to end the Church's tax exempt status, writing an open letter on the Los Angeles Times.
There have been no further John Travolta Scientology comments besides him stating he will not be watching the documentary.
