It's a fact that the many relationships of Tom Cruise are shrouded in mystery and hearsay; particularly when it comes to the idea that Cruise's personal life has been influenced by Scientology. Cruise has always been an eccentric, if charismatic, figure, and his association with the controversial Church has led many to speculate that his past relationships with high-profile actresses (such as Katie Holmes and Nicole Kidman for example) have been PR stunts meant to give Scientology some much-needed good press.
Some have even made the bold claim that actresses looking to advance their careers have actually 'auditioned' to be Cruise's partner. Taking into account all the other strange accusations that have been levied against the religious movement, this charge does seem slightly more plausible than others.
One person who has helped perpetuate the 'Cruise audition' rumours is former Scientology member Brendan Tighe, who was a part of Cruise's security detail at Scientology's HQ in Clearwater, Florida, until he left the organisation in 2009. Tighe and his sister were born into Scientology; his parents were both high-ranking staff members. As part of Cruise's security team, Tighe claims he was afforded close access to the Top Gun star, and that a number of up-and-coming Hollywood actresses auditioned to be his partner. Among those he named was the Black Widow herself, Scarlett Johansson, who has long been rumoured to be attached to Cruise in some capacity.
Now Johansson herself has responded to Tighe's claims, stating that she finds the assertion insulting. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Johansson stated: "The very idea of any person auditioning to be in a relationship is so demeaning. I refuse for anyone to spread the idea that I lack the integrity to choose my own relationships. Only a man aka Brendan Tighe would come up with a crazy story like that."
The Church has also released a statement addressing Tighe's claims, reading: "Brendan Tighe was a Church of Scientology Flag Service Organisation security guard/night watchman from 2002 to 2009. The 'access' he boasts of having was largely limited to viewing security cameras from a guard booth. He was removed from that position for dereliction of duty."
Tighe also claims that Tom Cruise and John Travolta have been feuding for years, with each actor vying for the position of second-in-command under David Miscavige, and that Travolta was deeply jealous when Cruise was awarded the Freedom Medal of Valour in 2008. Tighe stated: "Cruise is the only celeb with a direct line to Miscavige. Travolta and Kirstie don't have that ... Travolta doesn't get anything free, no one is giving him absurd gifts like an airplane hangar, custom-made bikes, or over the top favours." We may never know whether or not Tighe's claims are substantial, but his words will only serve to incense those people who already have a beef with the religious order.
