As she approaches legal adulthood, Suri Cruise can soon openly discuss her estrangement from her father Tom Cruise and his involvement in Scientology

As Suri Cruise, the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, nears her 18th birthday, she is poised to gain the legal freedom to discuss matters previously restricted by her age, including her father’s beliefs in Scientology and their personal estrangement. Raised primarily by her mother in Manhattan, Suri has lived largely out of the spotlight, a stark contrast to the early years of her life flooded with media attention.

Reaching the age of majority in New York means Suri can legally express her views and experiences without the constraints that might have been placed on her as a minor. This includes opening up about her relationship with her father, Tom Cruise, who is a prominent member of the Church of Scientology, and potentially discussing the impacts of the church’s beliefs on their family dynamics.

Experts in Scientology and observers of celebrity culture suggest that Suri’s forthcoming adulthood might allow her a platform to discuss these personal and sensitive topics, should she choose to. This freedom comes at a time when public and media scrutiny around Scientology remains high, with many former members speaking out against the church’s practices and its effects on family relationships.

Katie Holmes, who has had primary custody of Suri since her highly publicized divorce from Cruise in 2012, reportedly left the marriage to protect her daughter from indoctrination into Scientology. Holmes has managed to keep Suri out of the public eye for most of her upbringing, focusing on giving her a stable and normal childhood, away from the controversies surrounding her father.

However, the dynamics of Suri’s relationship with her father have been the subject of speculation for years. Reports suggest that Tom Cruise’s commitment to Scientology has influenced his personal relationships, including those with his children. As Suri steps into adulthood, she holds the autonomy to either reconnect with her father and his beliefs or to continue her life independently of his religious affiliations