Scientology uses media blackmail to suppress exposés on major networks

What was said

"Tom Cruise not doing interviews with certain networks that are running anti-Scientology programs or exposés. So they had a thing with Anderson Cooper at CNN. Hey, if you want David Miscavige to come on and you, and you to be able to interview him, or Tom Cruise, which both of them would be a huge get for Anderson Cooper. If you run this story that's being worked on that talks about Scientology, that's done."

Former Scientology executives reveal internal documents showing the organization systematically threatens major media networks with losing access to Tom Cruise and David Miscavige interviews if they air critical exposés. This blackmail tactic was deployed against CNN, CBS, NBC, and Fox, with networks being strung along for years with promises of exclusive interviews. Anderson Cooper ultimately defied the threats and aired his Scientology investigation, but the practice reveals how entertainment industry access is weaponized to suppress journalism.