Tom Cruise feared practising Scientology "openly".

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise

The 'Mission: Impossible' actor may be the most high-profile member of the controversial religion but feels he is "persecuted" for his beliefs and, as a result has to drive around in a "bulletproof" car.

'Leading Lady', a new book profiling former Paramount Pictures CEO Sherry Lansing, recalls how the executive had to intervene following a clash between the 'Jack Reacher' star and the studio's former president of production, John Goldwyn, in 2003.

At the time, the producer had come out as gay and was divorcing his Scientologist wife Colleen Camp - who passed her documents on to church leaders, including Tom - and fighting for custody of their daughter, telling the court he felt the faith was

"being applied to alienate the affection."

Tom then requested a meeting with John, who recalled to the New York Post newspaper's 'Page Six column: "Tom got very upset because he thought I was launching a campaign against Scientology, and he felt I was persecuting him for his religion.

"Tom was rabid about it and said, 'It's because of people like you that I have to ride in a bulletproof car and why I cannot practice my faith openly.' "

Sherry then stepped in to try and resolve their row as both men were important to the studio.

John added: "Sherry was amazing as an executive and a friend.

"She stepped in and saved the situation by saying, 'I've known John for years, and he isn't a bigot. This is about his daughter.' Tom immediately calmed down."

And in the end, 54-year-old Tom - who has children Isabella, 24, and Connor, 22, with ex-wife Nicole Kidman and Suri, 10, with former spouse Katie Holmes - even helped finalise the couple's divorce.

After learning they hadn't reached a settlement, Tom told John: "Hold tight."

The producer added: "And within 24 hours we were done. Tom Cruise was responsible for bringing my divorce to a close. It is a great Hollywood story."

And despite not seeing eye-to-eye initially, the 'Top Gun' actor remained friends with John and he and his husband, hotelier Jeff Klein, have been "warmly welcomed" into the star's home.

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