Tom Cruise Upset Over Andrew Morton's Unauthorized Biography

Any book with a title that contains the words "Unauthorized Biography" should be taken with a grain of salt, and, in the case of Andrew Morton's latest work, an entire salt shaker might be necessary. The controversial writer, who caught some flak for his biography of the late Princess Diana, is back in the spotlight again for "Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography," which is slated for a United States release on Tuesday, January 15.

When doing a biography of someone famous, it's necessary for the writer to interview the subject of the biography (if they are still alive) plus any family members, friends and acquaintances who can offer insight's into the subject's character and personal history. In this way, the writer can paint a fair and accurate portrait of the subject.

According to Courtney Hazlett of MSNBC, however, representatives for Tom Cruise have said that Andrew Morton "never spoke to Cruise's business partners, directors, studio executives, friends or family, and the list can go on." From reports circulating on the web, it appears that Andrew Morton has based on biography on innuendo, rumor and some obvious falsehoods.

"Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography" Inconsistency No. 1: Tom Cruise's Best Man

Evidently, Andrew Morton doesn't fact check his work very well. Tom Cruise's representatives point out that Morton says Cruise's "Rain Man" co-star Dustin Hoffman was the Best Man at his wedding to Nicole Kidman, but Morton later writes that David Miscavige, Scientology leader and Cruise's friend, was Best Man.

"Tom Cruise: an Unauthorized Biography" Inconsistency No. 2: Tom Cruise's daughter, Suri

Passages in the book make allegations that Holmes was possibly impregnated with the frozen sperm of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Sources close to Cruise go on to say that Morton claims that Suri, Cruise's daughter with Holmes was "conceived like Rosemary's Baby, which is like calling her the devil." This is a prime example of Morton going so far over the line that it defies comprehension.

"Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography" Inconsistency No. 3: Tom Cruise Number Two in Scientology

James Tapper at the London Daily Mail reports that Andrew Morton's book alleges that Cruise is consulted by Scientology leader David Miscavige on "every aspect of planning and policy" and is tailoring his career to fit the aims of Scientology. Cruise denies these claims as does the Church of Scientology, who calls Cruise a well-respected parishioner, but not a Scientology leader.

"Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography": The Bottom Line

Based on all the news reports and responses from Tom Cruise's representatives, it looks like Andrew Morton's work is more fiction than fact. A legal storm also is brewing and Morton may find himself caught in a downpour.

Resources:

Daily Mail, "Diana author names Tom Cruise as 'World Number Two in Scientology," James Tapper

MSNBC,"Cruise's camp bashes Morton, unauthorized bio," Courtney Hazlett