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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Scientologists Got Me Fired: Fox Columnist

Friedman says he was targeted for his criticism of cult

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(Newser) – A Fox News columnist sacked after he reviewed a pirated copy of Wolverine insists he was actually fired because he was targeted by Scientologists, reports the New York Daily News. Kelly Preston and a Scientology spokesman pressured Fox News boss Roger Ailes to ax Roger Friedman because of his pieces criticizing the cult, according to a source. Tom Cruise also may have made Friedman's firing a condition of his appearance in an upcoming Fox movie, said the source.

“I’ve seen how Scientology intimidates even the most powerful media. That seems to be what happened here,” said Friedman’s lawyer, who is expected to file a lawsuit this week over the firing. A lawyer for Preston called the charges “absurd and ridiculous.”

Tom Cruise greets his fans at the Tokyo premiere of
Tom Cruise greets his fans at the Tokyo premiere of "Valkyrie" earlier this year. A source said Scientologist Cruise made Roger Friedman's firing a condition of his appearance in an upcoming Fox film.   (AP Photo/Toho Towa Co., HO)
Kelly Preston arrives at the
Kelly Preston arrives at the "Tribute to Isaac Hayes" service in Cordova, Tenn., last year. Roger Friedman charges that Preston pressured Fox to ax him because of his pieces critical of Scientology.   (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)
Kim Dong Ho, director of the Pusan International Film Festival, poses with fired Fox columnis Roger Friedman at Cannes Film Festival last month.
Kim Dong Ho, director of the Pusan International Film Festival, poses with fired Fox columnis Roger Friedman at Cannes Film Festival last month.   (Getty Images)
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17 comments
VIEWING:
 
NutsInNY
Jun 14, 09 7:57 AM CDT
It doesn't take a rocket scientologist to figure this one out. Reply
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+10
IN RESPONSE:
shonangreg
Jun 14, 09 8:09 AM CDT
I wouldn't even pretend to know what went on behind closed doors. Scientology can't be trusted, for sure, and thus they would make a convenient scapegoat. Friedman's filing of a lawsuit would, however, make it appear more certain that Scientology did pressure FOX to fire him -- illegally.
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
Chilblain
Jun 14, 09 9:48 AM CDT
LOL!!
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0
IN RESPONSE:
flame821
Jun 14, 09 10:51 AM CDT
Scientology is coming across more and more as a mind-control cult. They seem to be terrified of criticism or even a critical voice. Anonymous seems to have made it a goal to get Scientology banned in several countries due to the Scientologist's love of shutting down internet sites that reveal operating procedures or are critical of their 'faith'
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+5
IN RESPONSE:
nmhtsos
Jun 14, 09 8:42 PM CDT
Lol nice tag man...Tbh i don't really buy it nor reject it...but it would seem to me the man just wants a house for getting fired if you know what i mean.
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