John Travolta said he hasnt seen HBOs scathing Scientology documentary, Going Clear,and has no intention of watching Alex Gibneys film, which expands on the churchs numerous abuses detailed in Lawrence Wrights similarly titled book.
Speaking with the Tampa Bay Times, Travolta said, Ive been so happy with my [Scientology] experience in the last 40 years, that I really dont have anything to say that would shed light on [a documentary] so decidedly negative. Ive been brought through storms that were insurmountable, and [Scientology has] been so beautiful for me, that I cant even imagine attacking it.
Along with digging into the churchs history and its battle for tax-exempt status, Going Clear centers around the traumatic experiences of a number of ex-Scientologists, including Travoltas former friend, Spanky Taylor, who said she was ordered to performforced labor while her newborn received inadequate care. The film also examines Travolta and fellow celebrity Scientologist Tom Cruises relationships with the church, especially how itprovides better treatment and services to members who can shell out large amounts of money.
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In regards to the claims of mistreatment and abuse, however, Travolta said: I havent experienced anything that the hearsay has [claimed], so why would I communicate something that wasnt true for me? It wouldnt make sense, nor would it for Tom, I imagine.
The actor went on to note how Scientology has helped him through a number of difficult moments in his life, especially the sudden death of his son, Jett, in 2009. Ive helped so many people through hard times, Travolta added. Loss of children, loved ones, physical illnesses. Through many tough, tough life situations Ive used the technology to support them and help them. Its always worked. So, why would I even approach a negative perspective? That would be a crime to me, personally, to do that.
While Going Clear is tough on Travolta, the film is even more critical of Cruise. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gibney said: For [Cruise] not to denounce, or at least investigate, whats going on seems appalling to me. He gets a lot of money and a lot of privilege from a lot of fans, and the idea that allows the vulnerable to be preyed upon in his name seems reprehensible.