John Travolta: Scientology Helping Us "Heal" After Jett's Death
Credit: REUTERS/Courtesy of the Travolta family/Rogers & Cowan
In his first interview since son Jett's tragic death last January, Scientologist John Travolta says he and his family are relying on almost daily religious counseling sessions to help them cope.
Since the 16-year-old boy died following a seizure, "We've been working very hard every day as a family to heal," Travolta said during a round-table interview (per USA Today) with the cast of his latest film, Old Dogs (out Nov. 25), which also stars wife Kelly Preston and daughter, Ella, 9. "We have our own way of doing it, and it has been helping."
Look back at touching photos of John and Jett Travolta
Travolta, 45, said he has been overwhelmed by all the support.
"You need your friends a lot in times like that," he said.
Preston, 47, added that the "outpouring of love from, really, worldwide has been extraordinary. It's been our friends, our family, our church. We partake in spiritual counseling pretty much daily."
Still, she said, "It's a tricky thing. Sometimes, something that's right for the moment is not right the next day. Being with people who are important to you, being with people that you love, I think that's what has primarily helped us the most. Sometimes, being alone, too."
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Though the family has been in relative seclusion, Travolta said he is speaking out now to draw attention to his daughter's film debut in Old Dogs.
Said the actor, "We decided it was OK to come out and promote, to introduce her to the world and to give her a beautiful future in film."
Travolta and Preston declined to comment on an extortion case involving a former Bahamian senator and a paramedic who are accused of demanding $25 million from the family with information about Jett's death.
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In his extortion trial testimony, Travolta admitted for the first time that his son Jett had autism. He is believed to have kept his son's condition a secret because of the way Scientologists view illness.
A mistrial was declared this past October. A retrial has been ordered.
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48Scientology is a dangerous cult. My sister has been in it for 30 years. My brother in law escaped (ran away with his clothes on his back) 5 years ago. Check out the book "Blown For Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology" if you want to know how Scientologists are bullied, mistreated, and harassed by their "church." And google "clambake scientology" for more on the cult's bizarre beliefs and evil deeds. There is the well known case of Lisa McPherson as an example of how Scientology mistreated a mentally ill member, resulting in her death.
"Us" can't even get Travolta's age right. That's why it is up to citizen journalists like myself, to inform the public. Scientology is a dangerous mind-warping space cult, that targets high school dropout celebrities like Cruise and Travolta. Scientology's leader is a high school dropout! Why do you want to believe in the validity of anything they think about politics, religion, medicine or even offering sympathy and counseling in such a situation? They just want your money, and have developed a system to get it, and control susceptible people.
Kelly went on national TV many years ago and talked about Jett having Autism. When my wife met Jett 8 years ago, John explained his rummaging through her purse as being because of his autism. No, they didn't talk about Jett very often, but his autism wasn't the secret that you and the rest of the press are trying to make it.
People like Randy, Bob and JT are just spouting religious abuse and intolerance. The story is about a grieving family. You lot are passing vitriolic comments on their religion, and you are wrong in your statements. The IRS in the US granted full tax exemption and religious recognition to Scientology in 1993 after 40 years of investigation, so they are clean (Unless you want a loopy leap and say the IRS IS Scientology!!) And if the French courts found someone in Scientology guilty of fraud, then they are. But that does not mean Scientology is a fraud - helluva leap there too. Like the TV remote, you can change channel, you can not choose a religion. So don't choose Scientology - who cares?? Leave the people alone who do choose it. Your Star Chamber comments mean nothing.
choosing no treatment reduces your odds 50% or more. Stick head in sand, believe in stupid cult and live with results. How any sane person can take Scientology serious blows my mind. It is simply a GIANT TAX Avoidance scheme
It wouldn't surprise me that an organization as greedy, abusive and downright corrupt would have a hand in blocking access to decent healthcare to Jett. The truth about Scientology's lies really does hurt: visit HelpExposeScientology [dot] com
So when people use psychiatry or medicine and die it's ok, but if you choose a religion and die it's the religions fault? Get real. Leave them alone you supercillious commentors. You have no idea. I just lost a close friend to cancer, she had every treatment the doctors could do and they could not save her. She and her family are Scientologists and used all medical help they could, and she died. Are some of you suggesting that being a Scientologist killed her? It was the cancer. So back off and let people grieve their own way. RIP Jett.
My heart goes out to the Travolta family.I think it is a shame that people worry more about the label of autism or any other disability. Jett was their beautiful son. Period! The family of a special needs child does not see him or scrutinize him for that. They love him just the same. As a mother of a child with cerebral palsy it's pretty sad at the way special needs children are looked upon. Like an outcast or a plague.I can understand when children stare but an adult, come on. He was never ashamed of his son. It was just none of anyone's business that he had a disability.And I do have the right to comment because my son passed away from a similar situation just a few months before Jett. And the pain is the same as if it were yesterday.
It was believed to have been kept quiet not that it WAS. Many people knew his sone was autistic and had epilipsy. Even IF they didn't go parade it theu the media it is THEIR CHOICE b/c it is part of their PRIVATE life! They were not in the spotlight often anyway. They kept to themselves until the death of his son when the MEDIA started invading every single thing.
Mrs. PFC Boyd ....Don't read or watch T.V. much do ya ???
TRAVOLTA is 54 IDIOTS. No wonder your mag is failing.
I am glad for the Travolta's that they were able to keep at least some part of their family's issues secret (though, the public was basically aware that something was wrong with the child). But my point being is that celebrities do not OWE us anything about their private life esp. when it comes to the health issues of their kids. I am sure he had the best of care for his son. I don't like their religion but I'm not the one who has to live it so as they say 'to each their own'.
To the writer of this story: John Travolta is 55 not 45.
Having lost two sons,myself, Iknow what they're going through. They are dealing with the pain in their own way. Whatever works for them. I have the utmost sympathy for the whole family. Wanda
I can tell you from experience that losing a child is the MOST painful thing that can happen to parents. We lost our son in a car accident 3-25-07. He was out celebrating his 23rd birthday. He left behind a little girl and we miss him so much. The ache that we have everyday is almost unbearable. Please don't dog them about their religion or denial of a mental illness. Trust me they are in enough pain. John and Kelly, my heart goes out to you and I feel your pain. Connie
All religions are fairy tales designed to soothe people in their times of need. I don't see how Scientology is any more fantastic than any other. People living for eternity? Rising from the dead? The point is the relatively young human species is not emotionally capable of dealing with the idea that their loved ones are forever gone. So leave them alone, they're not doing anything any different than the millions of people who envision their recently dead in angel's wings on golden streets.
55 not 45. Get your facts straight
Scientology DOES NOT bring healing. It's a SCIENCE..Sorry people, but people will worship anything!!!!!!!!!!
November 09, 2009 - 2:14pm tina s Says: john, i have nothing but sympathy for you and your beautiful wife, but come one...scientology does NOT bring healing. the one and only source of healing is Jesus Christ. ******************** I agree!
Jenn, stop tormenting these people. You are disgusting.