Jun
27

Will Smith: Attacks on Tom Cruise Were “Painful for Me to See”

Will Smith defends his pal Tom Cruise in a new interview with USA Today.

He said the criticism Cruise, 45, has received for his Scientology faith has been “painful for me to see. I’ve met very few people committed to goodness the way Tom is.”

The Hancock star, 39 — who was rumored to have converted to Scientology after speaking out about the controversial religion — was raised Baptist and said he remains Christian.

“We disagree on a lot of things,” added Smith, who attended Nelson Mandella’s 90th birthday in London on Wednesday. “But even with different faiths and different beliefs, at the end of the day, goodness is goodness.”

He said that their friendship thrives on rivalry.

They currently compete to see who can sign autographs longer.

“It’s hard to beat that dude,” Smith said. “He has another gear. He did two-and-a-half hours in France for Mission: Impossible on the red carpet. Now when I go to France, people will say, ‘You know, Tom was out here for two-and-a-half hours.’”

He also opened up about raising his children Willow, 7, and Jaden, 9 (whom he had with wife Jada Pinkett) and son Trey, 15, (from a previous marriage).

“The kids can do anything they want, as long as Daddy thinks it’s funny,” he says. “And artistically, that’s where you need to be, too. You have to find the humor in things.”

The same rule applies to tabloid rumors about his life.

“You have to let that roll off you,” he said. “There’s a natural narcotic my brain must pump, because negativity doesn’t last. It’s strange to play a guy like Hancock, who can’t find something to feel good about. That’s the opposite of who I am.” (Source: US Magazine)

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June 27, 2008   //   General   //   5 Comments   //  

5 Comments to “Will Smith: Attacks on Tom Cruise Were “Painful for Me to See””

• June 28, 2008 at 1:20 am
  Colleen Hippler says:

  I think Will Smith is a class act. He has just proved it!!! Tom’s close friends know who he really is not the tabloid goons!!! Good for Will Smith. Tom is a very great guy and it is time the world knew this!!
• June 28, 2008 at 9:00 am
  Deborah Moran says:

  Dear Tom Cruise fans,

  It is so affirming to hear a star like Will Smith maintain what we – “true” fans – of Tom Cruise have believed all along — our guy is genuine! He (Cruise) has such a wonderful gusto for life that others cannot fathom or seemingly tolerate it without dishing out their negative vibe! Thank God that Tom has such friends who will stand with and behind him!

  Deborah Moran
• June 29, 2008 at 9:57 am
  Melissa says:

  Those who have worked with Tom Cruise always say that it’s an exceptional experience. They are in awe of his work ethic, his respectfulness and his friendliness. That’s what the hateful media can’t stand and that’s why the media is ignored by all except those who crave lies.
• July 01, 2008 at 12:06 am
  sri says:

  I’ve been a long time fan of Tom and like Will I believe that Tom is a wonderful person who tries to do the right thing and be good to anybody.
  Yes indeed, Will is a true friend of Tom. I wish them a long lasting friendship.
• August 12, 2008 at 12:40 pm
  Valerie says:

  Hi,
  I was wondering if you guys knew what music was playing in the background of the “whats new” page of Tom’s official website. I have sent several emails directly to the website administrator asking this question but never get an answer. I think it is from one of his films but I can not figure out which one.
  Can you help me out???
  Thanks

  Note from Chantal: Hi Valerie, I know it’s music from one of Tom’s movies, but I can’t remember which one. I’ll try to think and remember! If anyone knows the answer, please feel free to let us know!