Anti-cult activists have fiercely condemned the likely appearance of Hollywood action star and prominent Scientologist Cruise at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics this Sunday.

Although Cruise's presence has not been officially confirmed, it's a well-known secret in Paris that the "Mission: Impossible" star is expected to be part of the grand finale. Contrary to the excitement of many fans, there has been a growing backlash against Cruise’s anticipated participation.

“The mere discussion of his presence is an affront to the victims,” stated Catherine Katz, a former judge and current leader of UNADFI, an organisation dedicated to supporting victims of cults. “It sends a really bad message,” she insisted.

Charline Delporte, president of the victims’ association Caffes, was less restrained, labeling the star’s potential appearance as a “shame.” “They are very present at major sports events and will undoubtedly reach many young people. I am very concerned,” she said, clearly alarmed.

These anti-cult activists have recently accused Scientologists of recruiting outside Olympic venues, including the Stade de France, where the closing ceremony will take place. Many people, however, might not fully grasp the connection between this religious movement and the Paris 2024 Games.

“The Church of Scientology in Paris has established its celebrity center in a prime location, just a stone’s throw from the Stade de France and one of the country’s busiest highways, which sees a daily traffic of 250,000 vehicles,” the controversial organisation boasted on its website. The $36 million (€32.9m) building in Saint-Denis, near the Olympic Village, was purchased to serve as a promotional tool during the Games, leveraging the event to boost their propaganda.

Founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology has faced numerous controversies, including allegations of abuse and corruption. These issues led to its ban in countries like England and Germany in the 1970s. Nevertheless, the organisation has continued its global expansion, partly due to the support of influential figures from various fields, including arts and politics.

While some celebrities, such as Brad Pitt, Demi Moore, Leah Remini, and Paul Haggis, have distanced themselves from the Church after initial involvement, Cruise remains one of its most prominent faces. His first connection to Scientology dates back to the 1990s, thanks to his first wife, Mimi Rogers.

It is worth noting that two major branches of the movement in France were convicted of fraud, extortion, and organised crime in 2013. Despite this, their global expansion has persisted, fuelled largely by investments from powerful individuals across different sectors.

During the Paris Olympics, Scientologists have intensified their visibility efforts, distributing flyers throughout the city and often involving children in their anti-drug campaigns. 

For this particular Church, the focus is on “controlling human emotions and seeking spirituality through the mind, promising to achieve a supposed complete wisdom,” according to their social media. What they often fail to mention is the ongoing and substantial financial cost required for disciples to access their courses.