Russell Brand rejected by the Church of Scientology because Tom Cruise 'thought he was too much of a troublemaker'
The actors appeared together in 2012 musical Rock of Ages
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Russell Brand has been vocal about his devotion to the Hare Krishna movement. But it seems Indian spirituality isn’t the only aspect of religion he’s pursued in the past.
The comedian said that he once attempted to join the Church of Scientology via his Rock of Ages co-star Tom Cruise, but was rejected because he didn’t think Brand was serious enough.
“He was not interested,” Brand said during an audioBoom podcast.
“He couldn’t give a monkey’s about trying to sign me up. I was gutted. They thought I was a troublemaker probably. I’m p***ed off about that.”
And Cruise might have had a point. Brand, 39, credits the transcendental meditation technique he learned in 2009 with helping him overcome his addiction to alcohol and drugs – a way of life he would now be hard pressed to part with for a religion developed by a science fiction writer.
“It changes consciousness,” he said. “It’s really good if you’ve had addiction issues. It’s highly psychological, and very beautiful, and overwhelming, and real, and trippy!”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments