While Tom Cruise's appearance at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony isn't officially confirmed, various activist groups in France aren't happy about it .
The Mission Impossible star is rumored to appear at the closing ceremony on Sunday. He's reportedly been recruited to help pass the Olympic torch to Los Angeles, where the next games will happen in 2028.
Tom is reported to take part in a stunt where he rappels off the top of the Stade de France while holding the Olympic flag. However, some anti-cult activists in France have a problem with the star having the spotlight.
READ MORE: Tom Cruise set to appear at Olympics closing ceremony with epic Mission Impossible-style stunt
READ MORE: Snoop Dogg transforms into Team USA mascot at Paris Olympics alongside A'ja Wilson
Tom is a noted member of the Church of Scientology. It's a controversial religion that many people have deemed "cult-like" like former French judge Catherine Katz who's the head of UNADFI, a group that helps defend victims of cults.
"The simple fact that we are talking about his presence is an insult to victims," Catherine said, "It really is a bad message."
Charline Delporte, president of Caffes a victim's association, called Tom's appearance "a disgrace." She and Catherine have accused Scientology of recruiting people at the Olympic venues.
"They are very present at the big sporting events, they will no doubt reach many young people, I am very worried," Charline said. The Church of Scientology was founded by L Ron Hubbard in the 1950s and boasts a huge Hollywood following including Tom and John Travolta.
It's estimated that between 40,000 and 45,000 people in France are Scientologists. The country sentenced Hubbard to four years in prison for fraud in 1978.
Most of Tom's appearance in the closing ceremony appears to be pre-recorded. Back in March, photos of Tom climbing the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles emerged - leading people to think this was part of the prerecorded segment.
This will allegedly be part of a bit where the Top Gun actor jumps out of an airplane from Paris to Los Angeles. Tom will supposedly pass the Olympic flag to various Olympians, including a cyclist, skateboarder, and volleyball star, as they travel through Los Angeles as a way of turning the games over to the City of Angels.
Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.
Most Popular
Comments / 0