John Travolta, who features prominently in “Going Clear,” Alex Gibney’s incendiary HBO documentary about the Church of Scientology, addressed the controversy around his church in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times on Monday. The film details numerous abuses committed by the church, including compiling damaging personal data about Travolta to use against him should he threaten to defect.
"I haven't experienced anything that the hearsay has (claimed), so why would I communicate something that wasn't true for me?" said Travolta, who says he has not seen the film and does not care to. "It wouldn't make sense, nor would it for Tom [Cruise], I imagine."
Calling “Going Clear” a product of "people who were disgruntled with their experiences” in the church, Travolta said that he has been happy with his 40 years in Scientology, and has nothing 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,” continued Travolta, who credits Scientology with helping him get through his son, Jett’s, death in 2009.
He also referenced his experiences using Scientology to help others, saying:
"I've helped so many people through hard times. Loss of children, loved ones, physical illnesses. Through many tough, tough life situations I've used the technology to support them and help them. It's always worked. So, why would I even approach a negative perspective? That would be a crime to me, personally, to do that."
Tom Cruise, arguably Scientology's most high-profile adherent, has yet to weigh in.
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