Filmstar Tom Cruise sued by alleged gay lover
Hollywood film star Tom Cruise is being sued over allegations of wiretapping. Magazine editor, Michael Davis Sapir, claims that the actor hired private detective, Anthony Pellicano, to wiretap his phone.
In 2001 Sapir claimed to have a video in his possession that proved he was having a “homosexual relationship” with the star.
According to documents filed at Los Angeles’ County Superior Court, Sapir claims that Cruise hired Anthony Pellicano to spy on Sapir during the court case.
Eventually both parties acknowledged that the video did not exist and the $100m (£62m) case was settled out of court.
The actor, best known for roles in the Mission Impossible films and Top Gun, has been a controversial figure over recent years.
In addition to promoting various programs that introduce people to Scientology, Cruise has campaigned for Scientology to be fully recognized as a religion in Europe. He has lobbied politicians in France and Germany, where the legal systems regard Scientology as a cult.
In 2006 Paramount Pictures announced it was ending its 14-year relationship with Cruise.
In the Wall Street Journal, chairman of Viacom (Paramount’s parent company) Sumner Redstone cited the economic damage to Cruise’s value as an actor and producer from his controversial public behaviour and views.
During his marriage to actress Nicole Kidman, the couple endured public speculation about their sex life and rumors that Cruise was gay.
In 1998, he sued The Daily Express after they alledged that the marriage was a sham designed to cover up his homosexuality.
According to documents obtained by entertainment site Tmz.com, Sapir is asking for $5m (£3.1m).
