Helen Lewis

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The Church of Scientology, Vanity Fair and an astonishing lawyer's letter

"It is inconceivable (to the entire world) that Mr. Cruise would have difficulty getting a girlfriend," writes a lawyer for the Church.

By Helen Lewis Published 10 September 2012 16:04

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Photo: Getty Images

In its most recent issue, Vanity Fair published a piece by Maureen Orth on the Church of Scientology, which encompassed the relationship between its leader, David Miscavige, and its most famous adherent, Tom Cruise.

The magazine put 32 questions to the Church (and if you think that's a lot, remember the New Yorker asked it 1,000 queries for its mega-long profile of Paul Haggis, "The Apostate").

The questions elicited a furious response, delivered via Jeffrey K. Riffer, of the law firm Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside LLP. The Church has posted the missive on its media response site [PDF].

It is quite unlike any lawyer's letter I have ever seen before. Here are some extracts:

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. 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.

... Her request for an “interview” of Mr. Miscavige was a disingenuous sham, since she couldn’t possibly have thought that an “Oh, by the way” phone call to the Church’s Public Affairs office requesting an interview with the ecclesiastical leader of the religion could possibly be accommodated. If she were serious, she would have done at least a molecule of research in seeing that Mr. Miscavige travels across the country and around the world almost non-stop, unlike the anti-Scientologist apostate sources who form the basis of her already-written story and who are available on a moment’s notice at the press of “send” on any anti-Scientology hate-site blog. Is it usual for you to take over the editorial direction of Vanity Fair articles or is that reserved for hatchet-jobs of minority religions and its members?

Jeffrey K. Riffer did not like the thrust of the story:

Vanity Fair, which once had a reputation for journalistic integrity, is now reduced to asking the leader of a religion in its 32nd, and final question: “Would David Miscavige comment on the notion that he has been a kind of third wheel in Tom Cruise’s relationships and marriages?” Mr. Miscavige is the ecclesiastical leader of a worldwide religion; a man of impeccable character who is dedicated to his faith and to the service of its parishioners. He respects the institution of marriage and those who enter into it.

Jeffrey K. Riffer does not like people denigrating David Miscavige's achievements, which are monumental:

Mr. Miscavige is the leader of a dynamic global religion expanding across five continents. His duties are herculean and accomplishments monumental. He is not a “third wheel” to anything or anyone. Ms. Orth is apparently willing to besmirch Mr. Miscavige’s reputation based on unreliable sources to sell magazines, while ignoring the decades of his tireless service to advance the Scientology religion as well as its international humanitarian programs for all mankind, while also ignoring reliable sources available at her discretion, e.g., Vanity Fair employees who know Mr. Miscavige personally, including a Vanity Fair employee who works for Mr. Miscavige in a professional capacity.

Jeffrey K. Riffer thinks that the story amounts to bigotry:

Ms. Orth appears to have only gleaned her information from fringe hate sites and their webmasters. If she were writing a story about a Sikh religious leader, would she first latch onto the sites of white supremacists, then interview their most virulent and violent members and follow it up with mere “fact check” questions to the Sikhs themselves? At the eleventh hour? And refuse to give the names of her white supremacist sources?

The scenario is no different here. Scientology is a new religion and its beliefs not as well known as those of more ancient history. That does not excuse you or Ms. Orth for being ignorant. Rather, it demands you be even more sensitive to finding out what the true beliefs are of Scientology-which can only be told by the religion itself. Just because you don't think you are bigoted doesn't mean you aren't. Bigotry and ignorance go hand in hand and you are definitely and wilfully ignorant of the actual beliefs of Scientology and the activities of its Churches.

Jeffrey K. Riffer thinks it's ludicrous to suggest that Tom Cruise would have difficulty finding a girlfriend:

Mr. Miscavige has never had any involvement with the hiring of Mr. Cruise's professional staff or press agents, certainly has never spoken to Mr. Cruise's sister about them and allegations of joking around about Mr. Cruise's romantic relations are manifestly false since it is inconceivable (to the entire world) that Mr. Cruise would have difficulty getting a girlfriend. This goes beyond not wanting to dignify a question with a response, but goes to the credibility and ethics of your journalist.

Jeffrey K. Riffer feels really, really let down by Vanity Fair:

If Vanity Fair goes forward with publication of such defamatory allegations, now that it is on notice that the story is false, the stain on its reputation will last long after any reader even remembers the article. 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.

You can read the full letter here. Hat-tip to Hadley Freeman.

Tags: scientology

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32 comments

Thu, 2012-09-20 16:05 — InTheNameOfXenu (not verified)

This letter if not written by David Miscavige, it was totally approved by the evil midget. For a who stands at 5 foot 2 inches, he has the ego the size of the Statue of Liberty. He travels to deliver his Dan Sherman-written speeches to small crowds of Scientologists at Ideal Org openings. Other than that he's in his bunker hiding from the world and any non-Scientologist that might question him about his missing wife, Shelly Miscavige, and the brutal treatment he's dished out on the 100+ executives he's had incarcerated in the 'Hole' in Hemet, California.

Wed, 2012-09-19 10:46 — Curtis (not verified)

1.
Maybe David Miscavige was too busy to give an interview to Maureen Orth. But was there no one in the Church of Scientology who could given an interview for him?
2.
Why the lawyer’s letter? Asking for an interview is not a crime.

Wed, 2012-09-19 10:46 — Curtis (not verified)

Sun, 2012-09-16 21:27 — hugh markey (not verified)

Just so long as Tom does not get up on a soap-box.

Cruise Control

Sun, 2012-09-16 12:44 — Raven

I'm neither a Scientologist nor particularly a fan of Tom Cruise, but really, is there any known reason the head of the religion should be micromanaging one individual member's life? The Pope has more to do than follow one Catholic Hollywood star around and be his "third wheel". I expect the same of the current Mormon President/Prophet vis-a-vis, say, Mitt Romney. A lawyer's letter on behalf of either of those two religious leaders, saying much the same thing, might come off just as arrogant, but would very likely be true.

Sun, 2012-09-16 22:30 — Citizen Ruth (not verified)

Scientology has a steady stream of suicides, strange deaths, defectors and thousands of eye witness accounts of mental and emotional abuse to members recorded over decades of time.

Religions like Catholicism, Protestantism and Mormonism may have a number of silly beliefs (as pointed out by the Southpark writers of The Book of Mormon) but there are hardly a stream of damaged members crawling out of secret compounds with stories of forced abortions, beatings, child labor and disconnections between loved ones.

This is why Scientology is a dangerous cult, NOT a religion.

Sun, 2012-09-16 18:48 — Jeff West (not verified)

I agree about the Pope, but the Mormons are a small, ambitious and well-organized group, and I would think it very likely that Mormon leadership is closely involved with Mitt Romney's campaign.

Mon, 2012-09-17 13:54 — Raven

Jeff, I wouldn't be surprised if many Mormons (leaders and otherwise) vote for Mitt Romney, just as many American Catholics voted for JFK. But JFK took great care to distance himself and his campaign from church leadership precisely to avoid rousing fears that his administration would be church-guided. I expect Romney has taken the same precaution with regard to his campaign and Mormon leadership. If he hadn't, there'd have been headlines by now.

Sun, 2012-09-16 03:51 — kay dub (not verified)

this letter greatly reminds me of the stuff i've seen come out of that church when they've gone on the attack against the st. petersburg times (now the tampa bay times). very oddly familiar language and style.

i have to say this. the totally creep me out.

Sun, 2012-09-16 03:45 — Justin Reader (not verified)

Cruise is prettty short isn't he. Perhaps Mr Riffer doesn't know that a lot of women prefer taller men?

Fri, 2012-09-14 13:07 — R Larsson (not verified)

Dm is a very busy man in the building of boxes to his slaves.

Thu, 2012-09-13 22:58 — Porkchop Stevie (not verified)

Anyone who has had anything to do with Scientology can plainly see that David Miscavige wrote that letter.

Thu, 2012-09-13 12:47 — John Cheese (not verified)

Hubbard didn't forsee the informational resources of the internet...

Wed, 2012-09-12 03:16 — Aref (not verified)

It simply amazes me that anyone with even half a brain cell can't see straight through this utterly ridiculous excuse for a religion. It boggles my mind to think that there are actually people out there who are taken in by this fraudulent codswallop. How incredibly stupid must they be? How unmitigatedly thick as shit Tom Cruise must be! I understand that human stupidity knows no bounds, but this is just taking the micky!

Fri, 2012-09-21 02:07 — replier (not verified)

Ah but you are missing a crucial point here! Scientologists do not believe homosexuality exists (not that it's 'bad', it just does not exist!). If you were Tom Cruise, and wanted to stay in a closet, what better religion to choose...?!

Tue, 2012-09-11 03:49 — Zee chen (not verified)

Those wackos who work for the cult, are just this crazy and over the top as this letter. They do not even realize how ridiculous they sound because they are brainwashed to worship and revere David Miscavige. This crazy letter from their lawyer confirms what most of all ready think! Nice job lawyer for the cult.

Tue, 2012-09-11 01:56 — Huckleberry Muckelroy (not verified)

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Mon, 2012-09-10 23:50 — Piperi (not verified)

"There's an ass for every seat!" (P.T. Barnum) - The Only reasons Scientology addresses itself as a religion is the Tax breaks and Religious Freedom Protections it receives for covering it's crimes against it's members and society. The only similarity it has to a real religion is that it produces fanatics whom are blinded to common human decency, kindness, and love in the name of their baited goal of clearing the planet (while providing another Ferrari, perhaps, for their money motivated leader)
Scientology: one can find adequate reference for the following-file under and cross-ref with brainwashing, unusual punishment, false imprisonment, torture, scams, criminal activity, Theft of Government materials, lying under oath, felony endangerment, bribery, falsification of documents, destruction of evidence, perpetuation of a crime, RICO, forced abortion and destruction of life, running Ponzi schemes and false loan applications through it's members, filing false charges, human trafficking, perpetrating a fraud upon the public and government for financial gain, using the US Postal Service and government representatives to perpetrate a fraud, malicious prosecution, kidnapping, murder, failing to report income, failing to report wages and f.i.c.a, etc.

Mon, 2012-09-10 23:41 — Nile (not verified)

The phrase 'Ill-advised' springs to mind.

Mon, 2012-09-10 22:54 — Not Listening (not verified)

That letter is just laughable. No one is buying Tom Cruise or his Scientology crap anymore.

Mon, 2012-09-10 21:47 — Karen Jones (not verified)

I wonder why a scientology perfected human being such as Tom Cruise would be so imperfect at choosing a lifelong mate. He is supposed to be a homo nuvis like all others in scientology who've reached OTVIII and therefore can move in and out of his body, move matter around at will and be a perfect communicator with other beings. Remember his words "we are the authority". They are evidenced not to be authorities on relationships. Over the last 3 months I have read 100's of stories of divorce, discommunication, and defections by long time practicing scientologists. Shouldn't they be the ideal, the cleared the supreme? And please please could someone investigate where Shelly Miscavige (David Miscaviges' wife) is and not just by a letter from a lawyer. I've read of dozens of people in the upper echelons of scientology who've not been seen by their family members for years. No tue religion in this day and age hides away its members.

Mon, 2012-09-10 21:07 — jankaas (not verified)

"Mr. Miscavige is the leader of a dynamic global religion expanding across five continents."

really? i thought he was just the leader of that cult called Scientology..?

Mon, 2012-09-10 19:54 — Rajendran (not verified)

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Mon, 2012-09-10 19:46 — Still Laughing (not verified)

I wonder if Scientology paid Riffer enough to not care that everyone is laughing at him. A word to the wise: NEVER sign your name to a letter written by David Miscavige.

Mon, 2012-09-10 18:45 — Jens TINGLEFF (not verified)

Good find.

While it's easy to laugh at the combined pompousness and creepiness of " ignoring reliable sources ..., e.g., Vanity Fair employees who know Mr. Miscavige personally," the American TV station ABC announced a followup interview in the Sept 7th edition of 20/20 but replaced it at the last moment (with, ehrm. videos about or by cats or some-such earth-shattering story). So, the influence of the criminal organization known as the "church" of $cientology is perhaps not entirely a joking matter at the moment.
Remains to be seen why David Miscavige being referred to as a "third wheel" in Tom Cruise's marriage requires such strong reaction when new stories of deaths at narCONon occasion little more than simple lies.

Mon, 2012-09-10 18:26 — mutny (not verified)

Guys, let the religion aspect go. Focus on K.S.W. Up-heave Miscaviage. Demand more from Travolta. Get him to push out David and convince John to take over. Otherwise join the free-zone and practice the tech properly. It does work outside of R.T.C.'s degrades. Christopher Cloutier. (Original Flag Trained Word-clearer pushed out of post after demanding help and support from R.T.C. and R.T.R.C. (Dan Koon) . I placed Miscaviage in Treason before leaving during my 6th Committee of Evidence. 1998. Dan Koon has also left the Church. Great work Dan.
Clutes007@yahoo.com.

Mon, 2012-09-10 18:02 — sosr (not verified)

Just because Miscavige thinks his cult is a religion doesn't mean it is.

Also, "I'm going to hit you so hard your ancestors will feel it. Your momma etc etc".

Mon, 2012-09-10 17:46 — Irregular Shed (not verified)

Everytime I see someone from the Church of Scientology describe Scientology as a religion I experience a sudden realisation that they think they're somehow a religion.

Mon, 2012-09-10 17:22 — Gilamonster (not verified)

Somebody really needs to take the leading Scientologists aside and say to them: 'This kind of thing does not make you look less crazy'.

Mon, 2012-09-10 17:09 — Kornfeld (not verified)

Cruise seems to have difficulty keeping a wife. Why would it be surprising that he has trouble finding one? He wants a woman who will believe or totally buy into Scientology cuckoo. That takes a lot of careful screening.

Mimi Rogers was a Scientologist and Cruise's first wife. She no longer participates or believes in Scientology. Nicole and Katie both proved to be not brainwashable. Cruise is doing a great job at bringing his own cult down, and showing the impossibility of "clearing the planet" with L. Ron Hubbard's nutty scam.

Mon, 2012-09-10 16:48 — Des Demona (not verified)

When will you muggles realise that Scientology is not a money making cult but in fact a bona fide religion. The philosopher's stone was revealed to our founder JK Rowling many years ago. Scientology is also endorsed by some of the biggest companies in Britain, as witnessed by the the plaque in honour of platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross station.