In a recently published memoir, Mike Rinder, a former high-ranking member of Scientology, unveils surprising details concerning the church’s efforts to protect John Travolta from rumors regarding his sexuality.
According to Rinder, he personally witnessed Travolta in a close and private moment with a male masseuse. These allegations have sparked significant conversation about the actor’s public versus private life.
To handle these situations, the Church of Scientology reportedly initiated vigorous PR campaigns and pursued legal means to squash the rumors, all in an effort to preserve John Travolta’s image as a straight family man, and to shield the church from negative publicity.
Throughout the years, Travolta—who was married to the late actress Kelly Preston—has consistently maintained a heteronormative public persona, despite ongoing whispers and allegations.
Insiders note that Kelly Preston might have been aware of these circulating rumors but may have opted to turn a blind eye, aligning with the church’s encouragement to disregard adverse media portrayals.
John Travolta’s firm commitment to Scientology, alongside Preston’s religious devotion and the support from the church, likely played roles in keeping aspects of his life under wraps for so long.
These new revelations serve to illustrate how Scientology exerts influence over its members, particularly individuals in the public eye like Travolta, and their proactive strategies in shaping public perception to safeguard the church’s reputation.
The tension between Travolta’s public image and reported personal experiences, coupled with Scientology’s protection efforts, reveals the intricate and sometimes conflicting dynamics within the organization as it strives to maintain a seamless public appearance.