HE AIN'T XENU, HE'S MY PARTNER

The current attacks on Tom Cruise are the result of religious prejudice, claims Paula Wagner, who just happens to be co-owner (with Tom) of the United Artists Studio. She believes that it is time for the attacks to stop and that everyone should be able to practice their religion freely and without censure.

"I am not a Scientologist, nor are most of the people Tom and I work with, but that doesn't mean I can sit by silently while he is attacked for his religious beliefs," said Wagner, putting special emphasis on the 'I am not a Scientologist' bit in case anyone starts giving her funny looks.

"As a film-maker and an American, I feel strongly that an individual's religion should have no bearing on their professional life." So far so reasonable. So his 'religion' is a bit odd. Aren't all religions? Aren't most religions based on superstition, fear and targeting the needy?

Unfortunately, most religions don't claim to be descended from alien warriors or that atomic bombs were set off in volcanoes millennia ago. Tom Cruise opined in the leaked video that if there were a car crash then only a passing Scientologist could help, not something I've heard priests, rabbis or imans claim. Personally, I'd prefer a fireman or an ambulance driver to be driving past.

Here's a deal, Tom. The world will leave you and your views alone the minute you stop trying to force them down our throats.