Tom Cruise 'reveals' reason for rejecting Trump's invite to Kennedy Center Honors
President Trump is said to have been brutally rebuked by Tom Cruise this week, after extending the actor an invite to the Kennedy Center Honors set to take place later this year.
The star-studded soiree will mark the 48th of its kind, and pledges to both 'recognise and celebrate individuals whose unique artistic contributions have shaped our world', the website states.
Amongst those set to be honoured by Trump in Washington, D.C. in December are country music singer George Strait, rock band KISS, Broadway sensation Michael Crawford, singer Gloria Gaynor and Rocky actor Sylvester Stallone.
According to reports, however, whilst a fair few celebs have been desperately trying to land themselves on the guest list, Tom Cruise isn't quite feeling it this year, and has already declined his invite.
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The 63-year-old film star and producer was also offered an award on the night for his contributions to the arts - most famously for his roles in the Mission Impossible and Top Gun movie franchises.
Being that an increasing amount of A-list stars have been publicly voicing their opposition to Republican leader Trump since his second January inauguration - including a horde who have reportedly fled the United States for good - many may have assumed that Cruise's rejection is grounded in clashes with his own personal politics.
As per The Washington Post, however, the real reasoning isn't as juicy as we'd have hoped.
Citing current and former Kennedy Center employees, the publication alleges that Cruise turned down Trump's invitation due to 'scheduling conflicts', and failed to reference the actor's personal politics in any way.
No matter how amicable his reasoning may have been, however, a batch of MAGA fans have seemingly been rubbed up the wrong way by the news.
"Massively disrespectful. Shame on Tom Cruise," one X (formerly Twitter) user hit out.
Another added: "Disappointed in Tom Cruise if true."
That said, however, a number of fans have since praised the movie star for the move, being that he's known for straying away from entering the political realm or using his platform an an electoral influence.
Look at last month, for example. During a press conference for his latest MI film, when asked about Trump's tariff rises, Cruise cooly responded: "We’d rather answer questions about the movie. Thank you."
Believing that the actor likely turned down the controversial invite to as not to draw backlash from fans for supposed party affiliation, one social media user penned: "Smart. Best to stay out of politics."
Another added: "Tom's got principles and won't play political games. Respect for staying true to himself."
Whilst nothing has yet indicated so, another factor in the decision could be the ongoing discourse surrounding the Kennedy Center itself.
Last month, Trump's administration announced plans to rename the iconic Kennedy Center Opera House - which had been built in 1971 in honour of the late president John F. Kennedy - in honour of the President's wife, Melania.
The decision was suggested on the basis of the alleged 'support and commitment in promoting the arts and humanities' that the current First Lady has shown over the years.
On top of this, back in January, Trump was elected the chairman of the facility, after which he suddenly fired a horde of previous board members, sparking outrage that is still ongoing.
Tyla contacted Cruise's representatives for comment.
Topics: Celebrity, US News, Donald Trump, Politics
Rhianna Benson