14 DAY TRIAL // The latest issue of Vanity Fair comes with a cover story that shook the Church of Scientology to the core, while also delivering another major blow to Tom Cruise’s image, about how the Church “auditioned” for a wife for the star before he met Katie Holmes. It’s now threatening legal action against the publication.
As we also informed you at the time, the expose cites well-placed sources within Scientology on countless aspects, including how David Miscavige, the leader of the Church, played an essential part in Tom’s choice of a wife.
He even held “auditions” to find the perfect, Scientology-approved partner for the star, who also happens to be “the face” of the Church in Hollywood, and vetoed those he did not like.
The Church of Scientology is now taking an official stand on the matter, by threatening legal action against the magazine, Radar Online reports, after getting hold of the cease and desist letter sent out to the editors.
Maureen Orth, who wrote the VF story, deliberately set out to paint Scientology in a negative light by repeatedly ignoring the truth and, instead, creating her own version of it.
Moreover, her story is nothing short of the crassest example of “religious bigotry,” the attorneys write.
“We are writing regarding your, your editor’s and reporter’s shoddy journalism, religious bigotry and potential legal liability arising out of Vanity Fair’s upcoming story about the Tom Cruise divorce,” states the letter.
“Significantly, while Maureen Orth was preparing her story, Vanity Fair ignored its staff and contributors who have firsthand knowledge of Mr. Cruise and of Mr. Miscavige and who would burden her story with the truth,” it adds.
Attorneys then proceed to explain how Miscavige could have never played such an important part in Cruise’s life for the simple reason that both are too busy with their commitments to be physically able to do that.
“Ms. Orth shows no sensitivity to Scientology’s religious beliefs as she apparently hasn’t a clue what those beliefs are,” the attorneys claim, adding that she’s guilty of “total ignorance and lack of respect for the beliefs of Scientologists.”
Should Vanity Fair stand by its story and continue putting out issues with it, editors should expect legal action.
“The sting of the jury verdict will last longer still; far longer than any pleasure from racing to publish a poorly researched and sourced story,” Scientology warns.
Vanity Fair has already issued a statement to say that they’re sticking with the story and, for the record, that they never have and never will pay for sources.