Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood's most successful and polarizing figures, has had his share of celebrity feuds and public disputes. While he remains a major force in the entertainment industry, several high-profile personalities have expressed strong disapproval or animosity towards him over the years. Here’s a look at some of the most notable celebrities who have had contentious relationships with the actor.
1. Nicole Kidman
The breakup between Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman was one of Hollywood's most scrutinized divorces. Their 2001 split was publicly attributed to personal and professional differences. Kidman has largely maintained a respectful silence about Cruise, but in various interviews, it has been clear that their marriage was challenging. Although not necessarily a public “hatred,” the emotional fallout from their divorce left a lasting impact on both their lives.
2. Katie Holmes
Cruise’s relationship with Katie Holmes, his second wife, also ended on a contentious note. After five years of marriage, Holmes filed for divorce in 2012, leading to a high-profile and often acrimonious legal battle over custody of their daughter, Suri. Holmes' decision to leave Cruise was widely speculated to be driven by concerns about his intense involvement with Scientology, the church to which Cruise is a prominent advocate.
3. Leah Remini
Leah Remini, a former Scientologist, has been one of the most vocal critics of Tom Cruise, particularly regarding his association with the Church of Scientology. In her memoir Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology and her subsequent A&E series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, Remini has criticized Cruise’s role in the church and accused him of being a prominent figure who helps perpetuate its controversial practices. Her outspoken criticism has made her a notable adversary.
4. Matt Lauer
The former Today show host Matt Lauer had a notorious falling out with Tom Cruise during a 2005 interview. Cruise’s behavior during the interview, where he vehemently criticized psychiatry and questioned Lauer’s journalistic integrity, created a significant media stir. The interview became infamous for its heated exchanges, and Lauer later expressed his frustration with Cruise’s behavior and attitude.
5. John Travolta
Though John Travolta and Tom Cruise have shared a history of mutual admiration and have been connected through their association with Scientology, their relationship has not been without tension. Reports suggest that their friendship has faced strain over differing views and controversies surrounding the church. While not openly hostile, the relationship between the two actors has seen its share of difficulties.
6. Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow’s relationship with Cruise has had its ups and downs. In a 2010 interview, Paltrow criticized Cruise’s public persona, specifically mentioning his role in promoting Scientology. Her comments were interpreted as a subtle dig at Cruise, reflecting a level of animosity that has simmered under the surface.