Just six years ago, Tom Cruise was infamously jumping up and down on Oprah’s couch on the Oprah Winfrey show, publicly declaring his undying love for then-girlfriend, Katie Holmes. Meanwhile, Katie was just as joyous publicly announcing that her dream as a little girl was to one day marry Tom Cruise. The whirlwind romance blossomed and soon the two were married. Now with one child that they have together, it looks like the two haven’t had the fairytale ending they had once anticipated.

Just two weeks ago, Holmes filed for divorce from Cruise after their five year marriage, while Cruise was filming a movie in Iceland. Reports have speculated that Cruise was shocked by Holmes’ filing.

Now the main concern is their six-year-old daughter Suri and a custody battle, as well as raising eyebrows that wonder if Scientology played a role in Holmes’ decision.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Holmes used a disposable cell phone to keep in touch with her attorneys, and she has hired three different law firms in three separate states. Last week, a settlement was reached regarding custody, and Holmes was granted primary custody of the little girl while Cruise was given generous visitation rights. Holmes also was granted the leading role in how to raise their daughter. She can decide whether to raise her with the beliefs and ideals of Catholicism— which is how Holmes was raised— or with Scientology— which Cruise is extremely devout to.

On Monday, “the former Hollywood power couple requested privacy and said they have “respect for each other’s commitment to each of our respective beliefs and support each other’s roles as parents,” according to the Los Angeles Times.

Cruise’s attorney, Bret Fields, denies that Scientology played a role in the couple’s divorce. And even though the former couple has publicly announced that they are going to work together to raise Suri, many are questioning how this can be done with their conflicting beliefs. According to reporter Mark Rathbun of The Daily News, “It’s a very coded statement, especially when they say they are going to respect each other’s beliefs. That is not allowed in Scientology. He’s prohibited from respecting others’ beliefs if he’s going to raise Suri in Scientology. There’s no neutral ground.”

Additionally, an unknown source close to Holmes, told E! News, that the 33-year-old was “never truly comfortable” with the religion. It was additionally stated, “It was something she accepted and put up with for many years because it was important to Tom,” the source said, adding, “It wasn’t that she was against Scientology… but she also didn’t want it to be her everything, and for Tom, in some ways, it was.”

In Holmes’ efforts not to confuse Suri with their different beliefs, Holmes has requested that her staff accompany their daughter while she is visiting Cruise.

Image Courtesy of  s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

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About the author

Elizabeth Lowry
Elizabeth graduated from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University with her specialization in Broadcast News as well as a minor in business and psychology. She enjoys writing, reading and researching about humanitarian affairs, health & fitness, fashion and sports. In her free time she enjoys working out, traveling and exploring different cultures, trying new things and spending time with her Chocolate Lab.