James Packer, an Australian billionaire recruited to Scientology by Tom Cruise, has reportedly left the controversial pseudo-religion.
Friends of Packer's quote him as saying he just doesn't "need" Scientology anymore. But speculation is that Packer became leery of being associated with the cult in the wake of recent controversies, especially the ones involving Tom and his wacked-out videos.
It has also been pointed out that Packer's wife Erica is about to give birth, and may have been less-than-enthusiastic about the whole not screaming thing.
Packer first became involved with Scientology in the wake of a divorce and some horrible business failures. "I think it has been very good for me," Packer said at the time. "It has been helpful. I have some friends in Scientology that have been very supportive. But I think it's just helped me have a better outlook on life."
And now his outlook has changed. But, Packer and Cruise are said to still be friends.
Hold on a second...Tom is still allowed to hang out with Packer even after he quit the cult? You mean Packer hasn't been declared an SP? How come?
Oh right...the billions. If he were some common schlub he'd be black-balled, but Scientology doesn't want to take a chance that he could have more personal problems later and come crawling back, bringing his checkbook with him.
Hypocritical phonies.
