Tom Cruise felt 'persecuted' for his Scientology beliefs

Tom Cruise was reportedly previously frightened to be open about his Scientology practices for fear of a backlash.

The actor, who has previously said the religion is ‘beautiful’, is said to be fearful of the consequences of discussing too much about his beliefs.

A top Hollywood exec says that the star was ‘rabidly’ defensive of his religion during a past heated conversation.

Tom was intervening in the divorce of a high profile Hollywood couple when he came to blows about his lifestyle.

The actor was said to be infuriated when John Goldwyn, the studio’s then-president of production, mentioned Scientology in his divorce papers.

Author Stephen Galloway writes in his new book Leading Lady about former CEO of Paramount Pictures Sherry Lansing: “Only once did Cruise’s beliefs affect his professional relationships: during a confrontation with Goldwyn.”

Goldwyn told Page Six that he had said in the court papers that he believed that Scientology was “being applied to alienate the affection” of his child of whom custody was to be decided.

Speaking to Page Six, Goldwyn candidly said: “Tom got very upset because he thought I was launching a campaign against Scientology, and he felt I was persecuting him for his religion.”

“Tom was rabid about it and said, ”It’s because of people like you that I have to ride in a bulletproof car and why I cannot practice my faith openly.”

The conversation is reported to have taken place back in 2003.