Will Smith is NOT a Scientologist!
Again, the two-time Oscar nominee has cleared that rumor up to Fox News columnist Roger Friedman.
The author of the 'Fox 411' daily column approached the 39-year-old 'Hancock' actor at the premiere of 'Lakeview Terrace,' which Smith produced with partner James Lassiter, and asked him was he a Scientologist.
"I am not," he told Friedman.
Will Smith Pictures
Actors Will Smith (R) and Jada Pinkett Smith arrive to attend the premiere of the film "Lakeview Terrace" in New York September 15, 2008. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Actor Will Smith (L), his wife and actress Jada Pinkett Smith (C), and Caleb Pinkett arrive to attend the premiere of the film Lakeview Terrace in New York September 15, 2008. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Actors Will Smith (R) and Jada Pinkett Smith arrive to attend the premiere of the film "Lakeview Terrace" in New York September 15, 2008. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: Producer James Lassiter and actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the "Lakeview Terrace" premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square on September 15, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: Actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the "Lakeview Terrace" premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square on September 15, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: Actors Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith and Caleb Pinkett attends the "Lakeview Terrace" premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square on September 15, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: Actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the "Lakeview Terrace" premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square on September 15, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Actress Jada Pinkett Smith and producer Will Smith attend the premiere of "Lakeview Terrace" in New York on Monday, Sept. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
AP
Producer James Lassiter, Actress Jada Pinkett Smith and Actor Will Smith attend the premiere of "Lakeview Terrace" at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater on September 15, 2008 in New York City.."Lakeview Terrace" New York Premiere.AMC Lincoln Square.New York, NY United States.September 15, 2008.Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com..To license this image (55747591), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Producer James Lassiter, Actress Jada Pinkett Smith and Actor Will Smith attend the premiere of "Lakeview Terrace" at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater on September 15, 2008 in New York City.."Lakeview Terrace" New York Premiere.AMC Lincoln Square.New York, NY United States.September 15, 2008.Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com..To license this image (55747591), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
I thought I put that erroneous story about Smith and family converting to Scientology to rest on April 22 when I reported on the 'Tom Joyner Morning Show' that Smith and his wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith had invited their Hollywood friends to a 'Family & Friends Day' at their church, Living Waters of the San Fernando Valley in Encino, Calif.
In addition, I also reported in my Feb. 27 column, 'Tinseltown Takeover: Jawn Murray's Inside Track To Oscar Week' that when Pinkett was be 
ing honored during 'Essence' magazine's Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, she openly thanked God – not Scientology – numerous times for helping her overcome her hard-knock beginnings and guiding her rise to stardom in Hollywood, all while über-Scientologist Tom Cruise, who presented her, and wife Katie Holmes sat in the audience.
Nonetheless, stories about the Smith's involvement in Scientology have persisted because they funded a school in suburban
"You can take different parts of things you like and put them all together," the Philly-bred
In addition, there was news that the charismatic actor had given a press conference for a group called Anonymous that protests Scientology.
"Not exactly a press conference," he explained to Friedman. "But I did talk to them."
I interviewed Smith myself 
at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at
"I studied Islam for 'Ali,' I grew up in a Baptist household, I went to a Catholic school. I've studied Buddhism and Hinduism and I've studied Scientology through Tom. And nobody's saying anything different! But in all of the experiences I've had with Tom and Scientology, like, 98 percent of the principles are identical to the principles of the Bible. The Bible says, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. And you know, there's a Scientology principle: Do not create experiences for others that they cannot comfortably perceive," he offered.
Earlier this year, Smith dealt with the matter further in an interview with the 'New York Daily News.'
"You don't have to be Jewish to be a friend of Steven Spielberg. You don't have to be a Muslim to be a friend of Muhammad Ali. And you don't have to be a Scientologist to be a friend of Tom Cruise," he declared, before adding: "I am a Christian. I am a student of all religions. And I respect all people and all paths."
I guess that clears that up!
Comments: (139)
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By: Black Sunshine on 9/16/2008 8:57PM
Dang. Fox is really showing their true colors, aren't they?
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By: Pug on 9/17/2008 11:55AM
Will Smith IS a Scientologist.
He supports Tom Cruise. He defended the Scientology "thetan" concept in the media. He uses Scientology "tech" in his school and many of the teachers there JUST HAPPEN TO BE Scientologists, what a coincidence. He gave out Scientology coupons in gift bags to fellow actors at a party. He donated a fortune to Scientology-related organizations.
Scientology has a secular component and a religious component, and though Smith may or may not be telling the truth when he says it's not his religion, he IS a de-facto Scientologist on a secular level and a business level, whether he strictly follows the religious part of it or not.
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By: Tammy on 9/17/2008 2:11PM
Who cares if he is or he isn't I believe that it is his own buisness. Who he plans to help or not that is up to him. He is a good person and is great with his family and friends. What religion he is should not matter, if you like him and his movies then that should be enough.
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By: reb on 9/17/2008 2:10PM
For one, who cares if Will Smith is in Scientology and just because someone is friends does not mean they have the same religious beliefs. Third, who are we to judge! There is only one Judge to worry about. Our society is so judgemental, think about it, are you perfect? I am not! Nor do I act like it.
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By: david jj facciolo on 9/17/2008 2:14PM
Growing up in the Philly area and knowing the Catholic school Will attended, and knowing many of his friends and acquaintances at home in Philly, I always felt a close conection to him.
Knowing he still holds on to his Christian faith - even though it is none of my business at least for disucssion purposes- in an odd way means I can take his personal salvation off of my prayer list.
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By: angel on 9/17/2008 2:36PM
So what if he is, what does it matter? If someone tells me they are a christian I don't assume they are a good person. Most people give scientology a bad rap but have no clue what it is.
I too am a student of muli religions, I don't claim any. And just like Will, one thing I've realized from my studies is that most religions say pretty much the same thing.
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By: Joe on 9/17/2008 2:16PM
I am so tired of people making such a big deal out of someones religious beliefs. Who cares! Smith and Cruise are awesome actors. They are paid to entertain us which they do.
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By: Jo Ann on 9/17/2008 2:17PM
Please, why is this so important to so many. It's his right as an American to worship in anyway he so chooses to. So if Scientology is where he wants to be who has the right to say anything. Personally I believe him.
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By: vicki on 9/17/2008 2:27PM
WILL AND JADA ARE WELL KNOWN "SWINGERS" WHO "SWING" BOTH WAYS, WILL IS A HALF FAG AND JADA IS A DYKE, EVERYONE KNOWS THIS, I WISH A BOOK WOULD COME OUT EXPOSING EVERYONE IN "HOLLYWEIRD" WHO LIVES THIS LIFESTYLE AND OTHER WARPED WAYS OF LIVING, THE FAMOUS CHILD MOLESTERS IN HOLLYWOOD, JOHN HOUSTON, ETC. WOULD BLOW THE LID OFF OF SOOOOO MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE AND MAYBE THEN A MORE WHOLESOME WAY OF ISSUING MOVIE AND TV PROGRAMS WOULD BEGIN AGAIN LIKE IT USED TO BE.
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By: Jack on 9/17/2008 2:27PM
Hey Pug.... Do you buy bagels? Does that make you Jewish? Have you ever stayed in a hotel/Motel/Bed and Breakfast that has a bible in the dresser does that make you Christian? Do you or have you ever burned incense....potpurri....or light a candle? Does that make you Buddist, Hindu, Shammamm pammie? NO get off your high horse who gives a damn what his religion is the only time it should matter in any way shape or form is if he ties you down and tries to force his ideologies down your throat.
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