After the release of Risky Business and Top Gun, Tom Cruise’s career was soaring. He was at the peak of his career and had a good family life. But what did Chad Slater have on him?
In May 2001, Tom Cruise sued Chad Slater, the porn actor, after telling a magazine that he and Cruise were having an affair. Slater was required to pay $10 million in damages. Cruise also sued the publications for defamation.
Cruise and Lawsuits
Being famous does have its downsides. But, with the paparazzi constantly on your back and tabloids just waiting for stories to break, you better be ready to put up a fight.
In 1998, Tom Cruise sued the Daily Express for running a story about him and his former wife, Nicole Kidman. Saying that their marriage was an elaborate stunt to cover up his homosexuality. Cruise won the case and received over £100,000 in damages. (Source: BBC)
Just when Cruise thought everything was back on track, Chad Slater started spreading a malicious story – claiming he and Cruise had an illicit affair. Cruise then filed a $100 million defamation suit against the porn actor.
Chad Slater broke the story to Actustar, a French Magazine, stating that his relationship with Cruise was the reason for his divorce with Kidman.
He had acontinuing homosexual relationship during Cruise’s marriage and that the relationship was discovered by Cruise’s wife, who ended the relationship.
Chad Slater to Actustar
The truth of the matter is, Cruise was never a homosexual and did not even know who Chad Slater is. By the time the suit was filed, Actustar had agreed to publish a retraction. (Source: ABC News)
What Happened to the Lawsuit with Slater?
Needless to say, Cruise won the lawsuit against the porn actor. His lawyer did say that it would be rather difficult to collect $10 million from Slater, given that he isn’t as well-off as Cruise.
This deters people from saying false things about Tom.Tom feels strongly that he doesn’t want his kids or his grandkids, for that matter, to read about the fact that he did things he never did so whenever anybody says false things about Tom he’s going to go after them. He has the will and the means to do it.
Bert Fields
Cruise intends to donate any money he gets from the damages to charity. (Source: EW)
What was the Real Reason for Cruise’s Divorce with Kidman?
Nicole Kidman has been quiet about the divorce with Cruise for several years. But she has opened up about it after a while. In a report published by Marie Claire in 2009, Kidman ranted about her marriage with Cruise.
I felt I became a star only by association. We would go to the Oscars and I would think, ‘I’m here to support him’. I felt it was my job to put on a beautiful dress and be seen and not heard.
Nicole Kidman
There were also rumors that Kidman wanted Cruise to leave the Church of Scientology.
At the end of the day, only the couple would know the real reason behind their divorce. (Source: The List)