Will Smith Donates $70,000 To Scientology Groups

Showbiz 411:

Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, donated $70,000 to Scientology groups in 2008, according to a tax filing just obtained by this column.

The "Seven Pounds" actor contributed $60,000 to the World Literacy Crusade and $10,000 to ABLE International via his Will Smith Foundation. Each is a Scientology organization. In the past, he's denied being a member of the group.

Read the whole story: Showbiz 411

Comments

[SweetGirl2X2L]

This is why Virginia Gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell is somewhat worrisome. Can a Scientologist, or someone who accepts campaign donations from that organization, keep his religious views separate from his principles of governance?

I guess the answer lies at the Richmond Scientology "temple" on Carr Street. Though they apparently refuse to comment.

[hip dibler]

i have to hand it to will smith. never have i seen so much done with so little. its impressive.

[avam2009]

Agghhhh!! Noooooo Will Noooo. Oh man, I thought Mr. Smith had more sense than this. There are soo many worthwhile charities that need money.......and to give it to a cult/beyond wealthy/insane org founded by a criminal is just awful.

And he says Tom cruise is an 'inspirational guy' ..really? I mean, sure if they are friends of course they like each other, and that's all good....but c'mom Will if you like to 'excel' in all areas (as Mr Cruise says of himself as well..whether he has or not is debatable!) surely you can look beyond the cloistered hills of Hollywood to the great world beyond it and the amazing people that make up our planet? No, you can't? Ok - here's few pointers to get you started....... pediatric surgeons who work with sick kids, zoologists, marine biologists, writers, scientists, people that work with climate change, or poverty, or refugees, or, even the family next door who are raising kids and trying to get by as best they can in the middle of a recession -.to be just a tiny few of the many types of people that inspire Me anyway - before a rich hollywood actor).

C'mon Will, can't you be friends with someone without donating 70,000 to their looney cult?

[veritas88]

dammit, Will! why? why?? that $70,000 could have gone to so many more worthy causes (especially in this economy) instead of this "religion" which seems oddly compromised of only celebrities. i hope Jada knows about this....

[thundermummy]

More money than brains.

[SolarArray]

It is so sad to hear that Will Smith is stupid like Tom. Dammmm.

[ColoradoDan]

Tom Cruise on Scientolgy ... Will never had a chance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFBZ_uAbxS0

[ColoradoDan]

http://documentaryheaven.com/secret-lives-l-ron-hubbard/

They don't tell you this stuff.

[Blixa]

His statement that Scientology “is 98% like the Bible” is 100% untrue. And for those who encourage religious tolerance, I commend you. But you must know that Scientology is not like other religions. It is coercive, expensive, and physically and mentally harmful.

Indulge your intellectual curiosity and you will find there is more than meets the eye with this organization.

[trinity29]

I am not a fan of Scientology or any other organized religion for that manner. But Scientology's claims that it is a religion is not any more far fetched than Christianity or Islam where zombies rise to save the day. However, using this religious argument is exactly what Scientologists want us to do so that they can claim religious persecution. The better criticism here is that their practices are illegal and against human rights issues and their followers are so paralyzed with abuse and fear of destruction and litigation that they don't come forward. If any other organization religious or otherwise did this, it would be wrong as well and we should call them out on it. Will Smith's sponsoring of the Scientology agenda says to me that they have something on Will Smith and he is now committed to supporting Scientology. He can claim anything he wants to justify similarity with the Bible. However, it will be hard for me to believe that Will Smith is just donating his money without some felt need to support this group. Whatever this felt need is and the reasons behind this need, I find it hard to support Will's work if he continues to support an organization known for it's atrocities against it's members.

[ACMallet]

Anyone who criticizes Will Smith is a racist.

[thundermummy]

Did you survive childbirth?

[talkingdog]

He's funny looking!

Duh?

[trinity29]

As others have stated, Will Smith is free to donate his money to any cause he chooses to. He is also free to practice his beliefs in any way he likes to. That is his right. However, a basic googling in scientology will demonstrate the atrocious human rights violation in which the organization is involved, including child labor, illegal forms of harassment, separating family members from each other, regular and consistence physical, verbal, and emotional abuse of adults and children, and a consistent attack to destroy the lives of anyone who dares to question any of the ways in which business is conducted in scientology or tries to leave the organization. Does this mean that no other organization religious or otherwise are guilty of some or all of these misdeeds? Of course not. Just because others do it to some extent doesn't make it ok for ill-treatment of people. Wrong is wrong whether it wears the hat of Christianity or other organization claiming to be a religion. If Will Smith chooses to associate with such an organization, then we as public, can also choose to form an opinion about his values and decide if we want to support his work.

[cookmeyer1970]

well said.

[fabricnthreads]

IMO

Scientology is a cult that allows its members to mingle among us, rather than remain within the confines of an emcampment.

Its leadership focuses on bringing in members of high profile, people with resources, respect and position. Their membership in the cult gives it the appearance of normalcy and honor.

[newTheory]

It's his money, he can give it to whoever he wants.

What about the 1.3 million he gave away in 2008 alone to other causes. I guess that's OK because you folks 'approved' of these organizations.

[MountPanic]

It's not like I've paid to see a Will Smith movie since MIB anyway. I see no reason to interrupt this trend.

[ZimboChick]

To all you cry babies - r u not the ones who r sticklers for your Constitution? Does it not allow freedom of worship? Stop being so judgmental lest God judges you.

[ZimboChick]

Good for you Will. You will be blessed with more.