Scientology Loses a Billionaire
Filed under: Australiastic > Tom Cruise
One of Tom Cruise's Scientology buddies, Australian billionaire James Packer, is reportedly over the 'religion'. Packer was recently listed as Scientology's richest member.
Cruise introduced Packer to Scientology in 2002.
Packer's closest friends have revealed that he's quietly distanced himself from Scientology, was no longer undertaking Scientology courses and has told them he no longer "needs it".
The religion entered Packer's life at one of the lowest points. He was overweight and depressed, his marriage to his first wife, Jodhi Meares, had ended and he was reeling from the humiliating and very public collapse of business, One.Tel, in which he lost about $350 million.
Packer spilled about his association with Scientology only once, telling The Australian Financial Review Magazine in 2006 that he spent an hour or so "every couple of days" practicing the religion. "I think it has been very good for me," he said. "It has been helpful. I have some friends in Scientology that have been very supportive. But I think it's just helped me have a better outlook on life."
However, looks like Packer's distancing from the church could be money-motivated. The report points to observers who've suggested that Packer's expanding casino empire has presented issues difficult to reconcile with Scientologist beliefs.
Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, denounced gambling. "An obsessive gambler is a psychotic just like a drug addict or an alcoholic," Hubbard wrote in 1977.
Packer's office did not respond to calls for comments.
This is a big glow for the "church." Packer - as all Scientologists do - give a big portion of their annual income to the house of Xenu.
That's a lot of money Scientology's no longer getting!
[Image via WENN.]
F**KING FANTASTIC NEWS!!!!! EPIC WIN!!!!
LOL…pathetic,the man chooses to drop the ooo scary church and the oo scary church crazies try and turn it around and make it sound like THEY'VE choosen to drop him….losers…..crazies…ooo scary peeps…lololol…sorry….hehehe…okk now i'm done…hee.
WTF….soo don't friggin' post my comments!
GREAT TO HEAR !.!.!.!.!.!!!
You fucking rock Perez!
Can you feel the walls closing in Cult of Scientology?
Fin Review is a newspaper you lardarse
Re: takes one to know one –
Not disagreeing with you. Just adding some points. Did you know that purple is actually the colour of sexual tension?
I'd also like to point out that an expert in body language talked about Tom and Katie's behaviour. She said the way Tom leads Katie around everywhere (grabbing her arm) is commanding (like we couldn't tell). But she also added that it shows sexual disinterest!
Also, Tom and Katie have different bedrooms.
And….. why did David Miscavige go on the honeymoon with Tom and Katie?
My opinion is that Tom probably isn't gay…. he's probably asexual, or just too tense to enjoy sex. I think however, David Miscavige is actually gay, and is obsessed with Tom. This is what inside sources say.
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!
Why nobody liek my cult?
Tax the cult!
Fuck some people are stupid. They'll believe any stupid promises they're told. "We have the answer! We can solve all of life's problems!"
You should run away as soon as they offer you their fucking stress test. Really…. who would join an organization that charges you nearly $400,000 just to read their Bible?
I'd rather become a Catholic - at least then I can CHOOSE to give them money if I want without fear of being stalked and harassed by the Church Mafia and being disconnected from my family.
I can't believe they operate as a pyramid scheme, dodgy mafia business, but still enjoy TAX FREE STATUS like any other religion.
Boycott all Scientologist movie stars!
Re: Yo – thankyou!! I'm a aussie and i get so sick of him doing this all the time. I have commented on him doing this before, can you believe the guy is even getting Famous now? And how? By ripping other reporter's storys off, and not even crediting Them. He makes me sick.
doesn't even put on a link. As for packer, Maybe it's because erica's prego and there rules to child birth may be effed up! (who know's)
Re: Grey – The Catholic Church is the richest church in the world because they've had centuries to rip people off with their doctrines of repression, while Hubbard's only been at it since the 1950s. Surely no church should be rich. Shouldn't they be distributing the money to where it is needed instead of sitting on it? I went to the Vatican and was absolutely appalled by the hypocrisy of the Catholic Church. It is no coincidence that the Roman Catholic Church is at its strongest in countries where poverty and ignorance abounds.
Hey guys, am I first?
Re: aussie – I'm an Aussie too, and I just can't get over how blatant the plagiarism is! He should be really ashamed of himself. How hard is it to credit/reference someone? Does he think no-one notices his incompetence?
Re: Rev Jesse Jackson –
That is the most hilarious thing I have ever read! lol
thank you!
Re: edumacated –
Er, it's "grammatical"… Let he who is without sin throw the first stone.
POT - KETTLE - BLACK.
Welcome back to the real world, Mr. Packer.
Because Packard has left according to the rules of the cult, he now becomes an "SP" - a supressive person - in other words an enemy of the cult. According to the cults same rules, an "SP" has therefore to be avoided and is open to "Fair Game" (ruthless methods used to take an "SP" down). Also an "SP" must be avoided and shunned.
Will Tom Cruise follow these rules and shun his once best friend? I suspect not. This will lead to making Tom hypocritical in his preaching about this cult. Saying one thing and doing another - but thats nothing new for crazy Tom.
The cults days of being seen as a good thing are over.
The world has woken up to the real truth.
The world is seeing the evil methods of this cult and is hearing more and more daily from the thousands of victims that is coming forward and telling of the abuses they suffered while in this cult.
Well done to James Packard for getting out.
Who can blame him? The man came to his senses and saw the truth.
I hope he uses his media empire to spread that truth!
Re: Biggins – It's PackER. PackER
Scientology is NOT a religion, it's a philosophy.
.
When is our government going to wake up and take their tax exempt status away?
.
It's truly sad that there are so many idiot zombies out there that are so totally and hopelessly drawn to the fake scientology philosophy.
.
Then again, isn't "idiot zombie" a prerequisite for being a Hollywood actress or actor? These morons are nothing more than overpaid liars who are paid to read scripts written by someone else as they pretend to be characters that they are not. But what else are they to do? When you don't even have enough brain power to get a job at McDonald's or Burger King, what's left for you to do besides acting?
.
It must be really tough for all those Hollywood actresses and actors who never learned to read and write and depend on others to read them their scripts out loud. These morons make perfect fodder for the scientology Pyramid Schemers.
Wow, Perez, serious deja vu - didn't I read that EXACT article in the Sydney Morning Herald this Saturday morning? Iiiiinteresting. X
Good! Now we need more big-name and recognizable American stars who are Scientologists to wake up and realize they are being brain-washed by a cult. This Packer dude and Jason Beghe (?) the guy who had the YouTube video up, need to team up and do an anti-Scientology speaking tour. Ol' Tommy Boy is quaking in his boots! And his next movie WILL bomb, guaranteed!
About time!!! TC has brought this so called way of life under the spot light, but he has made it turn people to hate it and question it… jump on a couch and say he does it because it was a moment? I have never seen anyone do that because it was a moment. Oh, as for the next MIP movie… I am laughing now… what a loser film…
Re: Shades of grey – You can feel any way you want, but are not thinking it through to the results. Within the Catholic church or most Christian churches, donations are totally voluntary, and parishioners make them willingly and in good conscience. You don't have to give a nickle if you don't want to, but you can still go to the church any. time. you. want., plus be an active part of the community without intimidating pressure upon yourself or your family. Compare that to the Scientology premise of 'fair game', which is a horrific concept. Monetary payment is mandatory within Scientology for continuation of their 'doctrine.' Much trouble seems to come to those who leave and/or dissent. Good Christians of any faith do not condone coruption or sin within their churches, but support the premise and continuation of the christian doctrine through their donations. Following the doctrine supports mass charitable works through thousands of ministries, and creates contributing, civilized members of society. Of course there's hypocrisy and greed, in all churches. (Celibate men are involved, for heavens sake) , but it doesn't take away from the validity and value of the missions or the centuries old doctrine for an intelligent person.
I think Cruise is losing his hair in the front and is wearing a piece. Of course he would have the best hair care money can buy, but occasionally it looks like there are two kinds of hair being blended.
OLOLOLOLOLOL Why my cult no werk?
Why my cult no werk?
Why my cult no werk?
Why my cult no werk?
Why my cult no werk?
Why my cult no werk?
Why my cult no werk?
Why my cult no werk?
Why my cult no werk?
Why my cult no werk?
LOLOLOL Tom Cruise supports child abuse LOLOLOL
Ahhhhh..They're all FARKING CRAZY. scientology..shitology ..lol
Perez u should join scientology?
BAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA.
nahserious…wouldu?
lol
Tom Cruise is a fucking freak ! Who the hell belives in aliens comming from outer space and then getting killed by a hydrogen bomb. my source is wikipedia.com. fucking tards.
Tom Cruise is a sellout whore. Bono is a sellout too. And Wayne Gretzky is a sellout who married a Z-listed slutty American actress with a gambling problem. The entertainment industry is full of sellouts. You should post something about the new Narnia movie. That guy who plays Prince Caspian is so hot—he's on fire. You'd need 10 fire trucks to put out that one. LOL
Purple is a general term for the range of shades of color occurring between red and blue. It is formed (in both subtractive pigment and additive light combinations) by mixing the primary colors red and blue in varying proportions, with possibly a very small quantity of the third primary color (green for light or yellow for pigment). There is disagreement over exactly which shades can be described as purple, some people preferring more precise terms such as magenta or heliotrope for particular shades.
In human color psychology, purple is associated with royalty, regalness, and nobility (stemming from its use in heraldry to denote gentry).
Awww. He will always be a good-looking kook.
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I'm loving watching this CULT come down, little by little!!!
Freakin awesome news!!!
Go Anonymous!!!
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Religion is SCARY!
Religion is SCARY!
Religion is SCARY!
Religion is SCARY!
Religion is SCARY!
Religion is SCARY!
Scientology is a nice IDEA but so is COMMUNISM!
FREE CUBA!!!
FREE CUBA!!!
FREE CUBA!!!
FREE CUBA!!!
FREE CUBA!!!
FREE CUBA!!!
Re: Narnian – Elisha Cuthbert is dating a hockey player too. Her 2nd one! Hope his shorts aren't too tight! LMAO
They'll probably hound him now until he returns. I bet Tom Cruise's next trip will be to Australia.
Some of the world's top celebrities are using these psychics :
www.psychic-vision.net
Re: Narnian – Wow. If, as you say, Bono is a 'sellout whore', we should all look into the profession. His charitable work often calls for compromise to get anything at all for the poor and disenfranchised, so something is always better than nothing; and you make the deal you can. You have to be on the inside to understand the big picture. Tom Cruise may be associated with a questioned group, but his movies and spinoff employment would equal many small corporations. I don't care for Scientology, but must say I've thoroughly enjoyed most of his movies. I really take umbrage with anyone slagging Gretzky, though - gambling scandal or no, and he was never charged personally with anything, and his wife was never charged; you'd better accuse most of your guy friends who play the lotto or put down small sport bets weekly year after year - the woman has given him 5 beautiful, healthy children, and he is quoted as saying he loves her to death. D-list makes a better, more appreciative wife who will actually give you a family and actually look after them herself, whereas A list or career women might give you one or two, if at all if it's convenient for them.
It was rumored he left his long time girlfriend (before Janet), as he wanted a family but she wanted to further her career, which is alright too, and simply comes down to timing. Janet Jones was/is an athletic knockout. You can look at your cup as half empty, or you can view it as half full. Pffft.
Dion Phaneuf is an amazing hockey player in his own right. He plays for my home team, and is a well rounded defenceman who hits, scores goals and assists, and has mad skills. Cuthbert has good taste, IMHO. Gretzky played for our rivals, but he was an elite player, incredible to watch, and earned every award he ever notched.
Good. I'm glad they lost someone. Whoo whoo. Keep an eye on it. Another ex moron shows up dead - would equal questions…..
Hopefully this one will last a little longer then the rest….
O.J. Simpson is becoming a Scientologist, that should tell you everything.
Side note cause I forgot to add this - good. I'm happy they are losing more money. It's a cult based on false ideals like any other religion. Way I see it Xenu… *smirks… chuckles*……Anyone who eats any or all that sheeeeet up needs to find a better way to invest money…..
Okay. I'm done. I can't wait another second on Xenu fantasy BS monbo jombo BS.
I bet the tiny terror, David Miscavige is crying in his corn flakes right about now and Tom Thumb will be the next PTS going to Scientology Boot Camp for losing such an important "client". Since when has Scientology cared about how they get their money? They've cleaned out as many victims' bank accounts as possible…..their worker drones live below the poverty level. They use "fair game" to get what they want and real ethics don't matter. For example…..Scientology is anti-gay and yet they let Tom Cruise into the fold! So the gambling aspect of this means NOTHING! Just like Madonna, they're all about the money. Bloody wankers! Run, Packer, run!
Well what do you expect. How many have jumped on the band wagon, and a billion more have jumped on and off before him, big deal.
Thank you for reporting this Perez. It's importantant to root out hucksters like Miscavige and Cruise who prey on public trust. This cult not only fleeces people, but also causes harm and hardship for adherents and their families.
xenu must be getting strapped as we speak!
Re: Grey – At least Christians know what they're donating to. Christian doctrine and philosophy are public knowledge. Scientologist keep THEIR doctrine, or theories, a 'secret.' Why? Would academia poke giant sized holes in their theories and methodology should it be made known? One or two double blind studies and they might be totally debunked.
HAHA poor scientology. he must have given BILLIONS too that religion……. how much must he have spend to come out of it?
LET'S HOPE THAT THE REST OF THE CULTHEADS WAKE UP, TOO!!! DOWN WITH SCIENTOLOCULT!!!
Re: Grey – Amen to that!
Re: Grey – Re: Grey – They've certainly got you hooked. I watched a documentary where a catholic priest in South America was instructed by those in Rome to stop distributing condoms. His reason for doing so was to prevent the spread of AIDS. The program also showed the same thing happening in Africa. The journalist interviewed a representative of the World Health Organization who confirmed that condoms were an effective means of preventing the spread of the AIDS virus. He then interviewed a senior cardinal in Rome who disputed this and claimed that the virus is able to get through latex. This is a blatant lie. The journalist also interviewed a 28 year old woman in the Philipines with 8 children, some of whom were infected with tuberculosis. They lived in absolute poverty. When asked, she said she wanted no more children, but would not use contraception because it is "wrong" in the eyes of the catholic church. Do educated people in affluent countries accept these doctrines? Of course not. An intelligent person is able to see the hypocrisy of the church and realize that century old doctrines are largely irrelevant to the way we live today. The catholic church in many ways is so far away from the teachings of Jesus that to call them Christian is a joke.
James packer is actually gay, I know this for a fact, the reason his ex got so much alimony is cause she was paid off to be quiet. Latest marriage? Sham, he still loves his clubs………bless
WHy are some people so completely obsessed with other peoples religions. Let me help you out for those obsessed. Tell yourself this: WHO GIVES A SHIT!!!!
hahah beautiful
great news…great reporting perez 
Re: Why so Obsessed? – I wouldn't say that, but the guy put it out there for all the world to see, and he treats everyone like dog shit who disagrees with the acceptance of his religion. I will never accept a religion that was invented by a sci-fi writer!!! Never!
A smart decision.