Travolta Echoes Cruise on Psychiatry

[Janice]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D8PS9H3O0.html

Travolta Echoes Cruise on Psychiatry

NEW YORK (AP) - John Travolta says his thinking is in line with fellow Scientologist Tom Cruise, who has publicly defended the religion's stance against psychiatry and the pharmaceutical industry.

Cruise, during a famously heated debate on NBC's "Today" show in 2005, criticized Brooke Shields for taking anti-depression drugs and berated host Matt Lauer for suggesting that psychiatric treatment might help some patients.

"I don't disagree with anything Tom says," Travolta says in the July issue of W magazine, on newsstands Friday. "How would I have presented it? Maybe differently than how he did, but it doesn't matter. I still think that if you analyze most of the school shootings, it is not gun control. It is (psychotropic) drugs at the bottom of it."

"I don't want to create controversy; I just have an opinion on things, and there is nothing wrong with stating your opinion if you are asked," he continues. "Everyone wants that right, and because you are famous doesn't mean you have less of a right."

Travolta, who also talks of his habit of going to bed at 6 or 7 in the morning and waking in the early afternoon, says being famous has little impact on how he lives his life.

"I will tell you the things that would be the same, fame or no fame," he says. "Being up all night would be the same. Liking empty restaurants, liking empty movie theaters - unless I am starring in it."

Travolta, 53, portrays Ms. Edna Turnblad in "Hairspray," the adaptation of the stage musical that was spun from the 1988 John Waters film of the same name. The new film opens July 20. The role, in which he dons a fat suit and feminine garb, has added fuel to ongoing speculation about his sexuality.

"I have never been compelled to share with you my bathroom habits or share with you my bedroom habits," says the married father of two. "Everyone has a right to privacy, so I have never felt - even though I am famous - that I had to share that with anybody."

Do the rumors bother him? Does he think they've affected his career?

"No and no," he says. "What affects your career is the quality of the product. I don't think anyone can hurt me."

"Hairspray," a New Line release, also stars Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah.

[dawsongirl]

Of course he's going to agree with Tom. If he didn't, he'd probably be lashed with whips and chains or something. They're like mindless robots.

And to all who think playing the opposite sex or a gay person makes you gay. How naive.

[Janice]

I've never heard of gay rumors with Travolta. Other actors, but not him.

[TJL]

I've read quite often in the tabloids that one of Travolta's kids is autistic, and since Scientology frowns on psychiatry and drugs, the child has basically gone untreated.

Of course, don't quote me on this...

[TripperFan]

Originally Posted by TJL

I've read quite often in the tabloids that one of Travolta's kids is autistic, and since Scientology frowns on psychiatry and drugs, the child has basically gone untreated.

Of course, don't quote me on this...

I thought it was Stallone that had the autistic kid - Travolta too? Boy those two have a lot of similarities in their lives.

[TripperFan]

Originally Posted by Janice

I've never heard of gay rumors with Travolta. Other actors, but not him.

Oh there's been LOADS of them Janice. Just google "Travolta kissing man"

If ain't gay/bi, he's certainly a very friendly fella!!

[Mikado]

[AB]

Originally Posted by TripperFan

Oh there's been LOADS of them Janice. Just google "Travolta kissing man"

If ain't gay/bi, he's certainly a very friendly fella!!

Holy Cow!

[TJL]

Barbarino! Noooooooo!

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by Janice

I've never heard of gay rumors with Travolta. Other actors, but not him.

True. However, in the 70's, there were persistent rumors that he was gay, simply because he DATED ONE LADY AT A TIME, and it was thought that the studios were behind this (such as in the old movie days where studios hid gay actors/actresses by having them date fellow movie studio stars). John has always been forthright and not controversial. He is different from the rest of the pack.

I agree with his stance that it wasn't what was said abt medication and psychiatry, it was HOW IT WAS DONE. Tom Cruise lashed out at Matt Laurer, he basically made himself look like a fool as if he knew everything abt psychiatry and everyone else who takes meds is wrong for doing so.

John's approach in Scientology is much like how most people are abt their own religion, low-keyed and avoid conflicts. I respect all religions until it is used as an excuse to murder, maim, make fun of others and especially when it is being shoved down my throat like those jehova witnesses who come to my door.

I have always followed John's career. I adore him for how he lives his life and how he helps others. He adores his wife and kids and it shows. You don't see his life in the stupid weekly gossip magazines, now I guess we know why, HE AVOIDS THEM by living his life in the evening. KUDOS TO JOHN!!!!

[Janice]

There's no way Travolta is gay; however, he states that he agrees with Cruise's views on psychiatry and medication. That disappoints me. I thought he was more open-minded and logical than Cruise.

[Ireneparalegal]

I have read an interview where Travolta stated that his views are HIS VIEWS, and he would never push those on others. He just believes that for himself, his family and others, that there are alternatives to medication and psychiatry. Up until Cruise met with Brooke Shields, Cruise felt that all medications, all psychiatrists and any related to those two were wrong. Travolta's views have been "there are other alternatives" and whatever works, is what you should do. Also his view has been don't readily accept the first thing you are told.

I know for a fact that I had accepted a psychiatrist's opinion abt my youngest daughter, she would be taking medications for Bipolar. I refuted his opinion after abt six months. I also came to learn that this doctor was readily issuing medications to many teens with "problems"...all of whom seemed to have been Bipolar. That was my red flag and I quickly stopped taking her to him and after a few visits with other specialists that my daughter is not Bipolar, but rather suffering from Depression due to her hiding the fact that she was gay. Once she came to me and told me her sexual orientation, she no longer needed meds, she felt open and free to be herself.

[Janice]

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

I have read an interview where Travolta stated that his views are HIS VIEWS, and he would never push those on others. He just believes that for himself, his family and others, that there are alternatives to medication and psychiatry. Up until Cruise met with Brooke Shields, Cruise felt that all medications, all psychiatrists and any related to those two were wrong. Travolta's views have been "there are other alternatives" and whatever works, is what you should do. Also his view has been don't readily accept the first thing you are told.

I think Travolta has crossed over to the dark side Irene. In this latest interview, he's on board with everything Cruise says.

"I don't disagree with anything Tom says," Travolta says in the July issue of W magazine, on newsstands Friday.

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by Janice

I think Travolta has crossed over to the dark side Irene. In this latest interview, he's on board with everything Cruise says.

"I don't disagree with anything Tom says," Travolta says in the July issue of W magazine, on newsstands Friday.

Hmmmm, definitely going to have to get that magazine and read the interview. You are scaring me Janice!

[Janice]

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Hmmmm, definitely going to have to get that magazine and read the interview. You are scaring me Janice!

I don't mean to, and I don't like it anymore than you. I'm a big fan of Travolta myself. There could be more to the interview that adds context. Let's hope, lol.