Dr. Drew Comment Has Tom Cruise's Lawyer on Attack
I found this crazy story on VH1's blog while looking to see when the second season of Celebrity Rehab is set to begin. October, in case you are wondering. But I found the utter wackiness instead. Go read the whole piece, for the full effect.
The statement in question was made in a Playboy interview. Here is what he said:
“A lot of people in the public eye who behave strangely have mental illness we can learn from, and much of it is based on childhood trauma, without a doubt. Take a guy like Tom Cruise. Why would somebody be drawn into a cultish kind of environment like Scientology? To me, that’s a function of a very deep emptiness and suggests serious neglect in childhood - maybe some abuse, but mostly neglect.”
After Tom Cruise lawyer compared Dr. Drew to high level Nazi Joseph Goebbels, a representative for Dr. Drew issued an apology for any hurt feelings. I don't think he had any reason to take back what he said.
I understand Dr. Drew needing to publicly apologize. It's a better option than having fleets of high priced attorneys running to file ugly slander charges. Both offended parties have bottomless bank accounts and an ax to grind. But I don't have to like it.
First of all, Dr. Drew has the credentials to make the statement he made. To quote VH1's bio of the famous doctor, Dr. Drew co-authored the "first systematic, empirical scholarly study of celebrity personality and was based on a standardize test of narcissistic personality traits administered to 200 celebrities." His statement was opinion based on scientific data and vast clinical experience.
I don't have nearly as much to back up my thoughts on the topic of Scientology and Tom, but I do have every right to state it. I always knew someday I would blog my thoughts on L Ron Hubbard and Company. It was only a matter of time.
By all definitions, Scientology is at BEST a life philosophy created by a third-rate hack science fiction writer (exhibit a: Battlefield Earth, worse sci-fi movie ever). In most people's opinion, including mine, that it is a dangerous, soul sucking, money fleecing cult.
Any group (Scientology) or individual (Tom Cruise) that vocally opposes the use of any and all psychiatric medication and mainstream psychiatric care overall should be disputed at every opportunity. While they, too, have the right to put forth their views, I have a right to shout from the roof top how wrong they are.
As a culture, we denounce groups that decline other types of medical care. A church that prays rather than administering antibiotics is considered plain wrong. Psychiatric care and drugs save lives, too. Even if the mental illness doesn't cause death directly, living in mental illness for shame or fear of treatment is tragic in it's own right.
Having personally suffered major depression and anxiety, I can attest that medication works. Along with cognitive behavioral therapy, medication changed my life. I would not hesitate to take it again if I were to need them. With my personal and family history, it is a real possibility. For me, it is no different than treating my thyroid condition with medication or a teenager seeking out the best acne treatment. Medically necessary with no shame involved.
It breaks my heart to think even one person suffers with mental illness based on the ideals of Scientology. It is hard enough to seek treatment for these problems without Tom Cruise going on television to tell the world what he thinks about psychiatrists. We are making progress in thinking about mental health, but we can not afford setbacks. Even though he went back on Oprah to apologize, it doesn't change what he said or what the organization believes.
I am not qualified like Dr. Drew to state an opinion. Still, I'm going to toss my two cents in the ring. Tom Cruise's ego is over grown. He's a very devoted member of cult that targets famous people for publisity and money.
I am not apologizing.
To think I used to hang that man's picture on my wall!!!
In my opinion, crying to your lawyers kind of proves the point.
I agree that Scientology is somewhat scary. At least to me. I once read and do not know if it is true, that L Ron Hubbard was quoted saying something along the lines that if a person really wanted to get rich they should start a religion/church...
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I've read the quote of Hubbard's years ago myself. True, he said it. True and sad statement.
As crazy as it sounds, their is a South Park episode that explains the beliefs behind Scientology. The ideas are so far out that they flash "Not a joke. This is what Scientologists really believe" at the bottom of the screen. Even if the show isn't your cup of tea, I would recommend looking up the episode.
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Absolutely dead on girl! Nor should you take it back!
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Thanks. No word from the lawyers yet...
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