Will Smith Gives $122,500 To Scientology

Will Smith gives generously to many causes, and one of them is the Church of Scientology. A Fox News report on his charitable foundation's tax return shows that $122,500 was donated to Scientology causes, out of $1.3 million given overall.

He also gave a combined $122,500 to the Church of Scientology, broken into these donations: $67,500 to the New York Rescue Workers Detoxication Fund, $50,000 to the group's Celebrity Center in Hollywood and $5,000 to ABLE, another Scientology offshoot. Smith and his wife have also supported a private school called New Village Academy they opened this fall in suburban Los Angeles that uses Scientology learning concepts.

Smith has talked about his study of Scientology and also said he is not a Scientologist.

Comments

[ThanksForPlaying]

Hey Will - why not just use the money to build a fire? At least you'll get something for your money!

[falls1105]

why is this religion so secretive.­why cant you find everything about it without shelling $$$$$.what religion has a celebrity centre.

[Sungirl5]

I think that if you go to their (CoS) web site you can find out a lot. It doesn't sound so bad, maybe they are getting a bad rap like some people/celebs get in the tabloids. I just can't help thinking that someone as bright and intelligent as Will Smith would not get involved in something without fully checking it out. Maybe Scientology isn't as bad as some would paint it to be. Anyway, there is a guarantee of freedom of religion in our country, so he should be left alone to make that decision for himself. And it sounds like he is donating money to a number of good causes....­..I say Good for Him!

[roddyz]

The part that you don't know is that it's a difficult "religion" to check out. You MUST pay to play, basically. So you become financially invested in it, and have to keep paying to "move up".

It's not until much much later, after you have shelled out a ton of money and have become emotionally invested as well - only after you are deemed "ready" that you find out that the old damn thing is about aliens and volcanos.

By then you are waaay into it too far to look back.

And - like I said earlier - if at this point you call bullsh!t, you will be declared an SP and any other Scientologist you love - family or friends - must cut you out of their life.

[Clare53]

Sungirl5, you're skating on dangerous ice.

[Mattie]

is he a closet scientologist

[mapleaforever]

Not any more.

[ElBruce]

For $cientology, giving them money is worship. That's all their followers are to them - cash sources. It's fascinating like a train wreck to read about how many lives they intentionally destroy on a regular basis. Check out clambake.org or xenu.net for a lot more.

[roddyz]

My problem with Scientology isn't a "religion" judgement (I don't believe it qualifies as a religion anyway). I have a huge problem with the fact that they must declare someone an "SP" (suppressive person) that voices dissent against Scientology.

And, if you are a Scientologist that voices dissent - whoa be unto you.

This is not a nice "religion", this is an ugly cult that doesn't bat an eye to demand the break up families if someone doesn't agree with what they believe.

[changeishere08]

my perception of Will Smith has changed. The same thing happened when Cruise, Travolta, and other stars embrace "Scientology".

[redhead61]

I as well..wont pay a dime to see their movies anymore. That whole SP thing reminds me too much of the religion I left, which I consider a cult as well... I dont however consider Scientology a religion, I consider it a business and I think that the Government should not be giving them tax breaks as a religion.

[DeeW]

yeah, I agree - don't know how they got recognition as a religion, it is at best a business, and at worst a cult.

[hellifiknow]

i love him, but....aft­er seeing seven pounds, he should offer that money in refunds to anyone who paid to see it. thankfully, i didn't.

[Antifascist-08]

Will Smith, I used to like you. Until about 3 minutes ago.

I know it isn't fair to judge a man by who he gives $125k to, but I'll just have to live with it.

C U L T

I know because i have friends who have suffered because of them.

[Wiserone]

I'm sure the Salvation Army would have loved to receive those monies.

[Clare53]

And they would have used it for good.

[ThinkForYourself2]

I'm assuming that there are Scientologists who are policemen, firemen, teachers, grocery store clerks etc.. So what's the gameplan on that boycott?

[psybab]

Since non-celebrities don't openly say they are scientologists, it's hardly a matter for concern. When the CoS steals all their money, they'll learn for themselves, no?

[Notapathetic]

But you won't get infected or hypnotized or taken over somehow if a Scientology fireman saves your house or a Scientology 7/11 clerk serves you? I bought car insurance once from a Scientologist and had an accident.

[EndangeredJackalope]

c u l t

[lisakaz2]

Geez, Will, I can think of better uses of your money than that. Could I just have $5K?

[phinney]

You know for such a liberal web site, it's quite shocking to read all this hate about Will's choice in religion (which he denies). Is this the same group of people fighting for gay rights? You people are just confusing.

Will Smith rocks, I don't care if he worships trees, idols, or myths.

[pdxoutsider]

You're missing the point. Go to Xenu dot net and read up on this "Church". It's a gigantic scam designed to funnel money and power toward the top of the organization (yes, even more so than every other religion). They actually tried to infiltrate and subvert the U.S. federal government back in the 70s. It's a matter of public record; most of the materials Scientology critics rely on are trial transcripts. I suppose people are disappointed in Will Smith for falling for it; I couldn't care less about what some actor poisons his psychology with, but I am concerned about the COS's successfully recruiting another A-list representative to the public.

[Berkana]

It is not his religion that is the problem; it is the organization. They harass critics, and behave in a totalitarian manner towards their members. Look up the documentary "Missing in Happy Valley" for a real eye opener.

[postman606]

You think it's a religion?

[aweissnet]

You should care. I think we need to pick the people we support/patronize -- by principle.

And if he gives money and supports causes which I deem questionable or damaging, he loses my support. He loses me as his audience. And if we all did that with regard to everybody who is selling something, we'd have control as consumers, and money is control. We've given all our control away, and they've run amok and morally corrupt (many).

[JohnShank]

Scientology? We have to deal with yet ANOTHER fairytale? When will get a constitutional amendment outlawing religion? Soon, I hope.

[pdxoutsider]

NOT HELPFUL. If the objection to religion is that it enslaves minds, how can you justify outlawing a choice like that? Not that your little power fantasy has the least chance of success, but still, check yourself, for crying out loud.

[aweissnet]

Not in this country, just ain't gonna happen. These folks need fairytales, cuz we lack real hope and humanity here. So we have to make it up.

[Clare53]

Scientology is not a religion.

[Retro646]

I actually wanted to see 7 pounds..
Guess I will just wait to download it illegally online.

I refuse to support these people EVER

[psybab]

ditto.