In a deposition related to the $50 million lawsuit, Tom acknowledged that his association with Scientology had strained his relationship with Suri. When questioned about whether Katie left him “in part to protect Suri from Scientology,” Tom responded that he believed that was the case.
The Church of Scientology’s rules, which prohibit members from associating with nonbelievers, reportedly contributed to the strained relationship between Tom and his now-teenage daughter, according to the Daily Mail.
Tom Cruise has “no role” in Suri’s life
Former Scientologist Leah Remini told the New York Post that Scientology considered Katie a “suppressive person,” an enemy, leading to Tom’s belief that he couldn’t be connected to Suri.
Remini speculated that Tom’s plan might be to wait until Suri is older to try to draw her into Scientology and away from her mother. But, as of now, sources say the actor does “not have a part in [Suri’s] life”.
Despite the ongoing drama involving her father, Suri appears to lead a relatively normal life with her mother in New York City. Over the years, she has been photographed casually strolling in the city and spending time with a small group of friends.
In 2017, Holmes expressed her desire to provide Suri with a “stable” childhood, telling Town & Country: “My child is the most important person to me, and her upbringing is paramount to my work right now.”
She continued: “It’s very important that I’m present and she has a stable, innocent childhood. I feel so blessed to do what I do, but there’s nothing in the world better than watching your child succeed.”