Sophia Michaels
Scientology is one of the most controversial religions out there today. It happens to draw in a lot of celebrities.
There are many famous Scientologists — too many to name. Tom Cruise is probably the first that comes to mind, but other big actors like John Travolta and Jenna Elfman have been linked to the church.
The church also has famous opponents. Actress Leah Remini is constantly speaking out against Scientology. She used to practice, and she wrote a book about why she left. She’s since made a documentary about Scientology.
Now, the church has lost another member.
Beck is no longer a Scientologist
Grammy award-winning singer Beck comes from a family of Scientologists. He’s been vocal about being part of the church before, but now he is distancing himself.
In fact, he’s making it seem like he was never really part of the church, to begin with, despite what he’s said in the past. While promoting his new album, Beck said: “I think there’s a misconception that I am a Scientologist. I’m not a Scientologist. I don’t have any connection or affiliation with it.”
It’s interesting to hear, and somewhat contradictory to other things Beck has said in the past.
Beck has said the exact opposite before
Beck’s father is a Scientologist, and so was his ex-wife. It’s possible that his recent divorce has led him to distance himself from the faith.
Beck was married to Marissa Ribisi for 15 years. She and her family are heavily involved in the Church of Scientology. During their marriage, Beck said he was too.
In 2005, Beck declared himself part of the church, saying: “Yeah, I’m a Scientologist. My father has been a Scientologist for about 35 years, so I grew up in and around it and stuff.”
That statement seems like a pretty clear contradiction to what Beck is saying today. It certainly seems like he was only involved with the church because of his family, and that now he’s trying to distance himself.
It’s possible that the controversy surrounding the Church of Scientology became too much for Beck. He was often asked to defend the church, and if he doesn’t really believe it’s teachings that might have been difficult for him.
Interviewers ask Beck about Scientology a lot
Since Scientology is such a controversial religion, stars involved in it often get asked about some of the more disturbing rumors surrounding the institution. Beck is no exception.
He has defended the church readily in the past, and his answers to questions regarding the controversies suggest more than just a passing relationship with the institution. He’s mentioned the church’s programs specifically, saying: “It’s unbelievable the stuff they are doing. Education — they have free centers all over the place for poor kids. They have the number one drug rehabilitation program in the entire world. … When you look at the actual facts and not what’s conjured in people’s minds that’s all bullshit to me because I’ve actually seen stuff firsthand.”
If he’s seen those programs first hand, it’s likely he was heavily involved in the church. He was at least dedicated enough to the religion to defend it on more than one occasion. In 2003 he bashed the church’s critics, saying: “There’s that kind of intolerance, which to me is kind of insidious. To make a judgment about something you know nothing about.”
Now that he’s not part of the church, we’ll see if he still defends it, or if he will criticize it like other former members. Even though Beck is not a member of the church, he still has family ties to it. That may make speaking out against it difficult.
Written by: CheatSheet
