Tom Cruise spotted flying in and out of Scientology's big UK three-day party
Yesterday, former London staffer Alex Barnes-Ross completed his three-day protest at Scientology’s big annual IAS gala, and he saved his wildest experience for last.
The event is held at the church’s UK headquarters, Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead, England, to celebrate the 1984 founding of the International Association of Scientologists, the church’s membership organization. Church leader David Miscavige brought back the shindig in 2023 after a break for the pandemic, and that year Tom Cruise arrived on the first night in his helicopter. Cruise also attended Saturday night’s Patrons Ball last year.
This year, Alex told us that Cruise’s helicopter was spotted flying in on Friday afternoon, which was confirmed by an online aircraft tracking website. But then yesterday came the real treat.
Here’s Alex’s breakdown of it…
When we crashed Dave’s party at the opening of the Qual building in 2023, I thought we were never going to get an opportunity like that again. But yesterday, the IAS protest 2025 went out with a bang thanks to Tom Cruise’s dramatic departure from the Saint Hill compound.
Looking at his helicopter’s movements on aviation tracking sites, it’s clear he was dropped off at the property on Friday, and then the helicopter arrived again to take him away on the Sunday, with Cruise presumably staying at the Manor over two nights.
When I saw the chopper arriving yesterday, it became clear it was headed for the field that occupies the former Fonthill Lodge school — which is now the Continental Liaison Office (CLO) and home to the Office of Special Affairs.
I sprinted down the road and sure enough, there was Tom in the flesh, hanging out waiting to board his ride home in a field north of the CLO. Of course, after the engine shut down I made sure to chant “the abuse has to stop,” and reminded him of my association to his daughter Bella, as well as cheekily asking him to donate to the Aftermath Foundation. Just like the Qual building flap, there was nothing standing between me and him — just an open, empty field. No hoarding, no sound barriers, just my voice, belting out across an open field.
As an ex-Scientologist, I am stunned that this was even allowed to happen. I would have expected the helicopter to land behind the manor or somewhere far away from us protestors. But no, they chose the field closest to where we were standing, and with a clear line of sight to the main road.
I’m sure Miscavige will be fuming at how Tom’s bubble was so easily pierced by some ex-staffer with a loud voice, and heads will definitely roll. But one thing’s for sure: we now have total certainty that Tom Cruise knows about the Aftermath Foundation and that people once close to his family are concerned about abuse in Scientology.
Chef’s kiss.
— Alex Barnes-Ross
[Tom takes off from the field, no sound]
After he arrived back in London following the short flight from East Grinstead, Cruise was spotted by fans leaving his helicopter, and carrying a dog.
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Mr. Barnes-Ross continues to impress. He has class, tenacity, and goes about his advocacy with intelligence.
I hope he knows how much he is appreciated by the critic community!
How are the Duggans and other whales going to compete with TC? Unless they arrive in a horse drawn carriage or are carried in on the backs of Elephants, who would know how important they are? I am certain that no one is allowed to compete with TC in this area.
I guess TC roughed it at the Manor House for 2 nights. I bet he spent most of that time with his hero, Davy Miscavige. Tom Cruise needed a trusted friend, so he brought his dog. Good Boy, now let me tape these soup cans to your paws so we can audit out the Scooby Doo engram.