Did Riley Keough Get Involved In Scientology Like Her Mom Lisa Marie Presley?
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Nicole Cord-CruzDespite only having a reported 10 million members worldwide, Scientology is perhaps one of the most recognizable religions in existence, likely due to the involvement of the rich and the famous. The likes of Tom Cruise and John Travolta are staunch supporters of the faith, along with Elisabeth Moss, Giovanni Ribisi, and the late Kirstie Alley.
Journalist Kim Masters once told NPR that Scientology appeals to celebrities because the church promises to help them "conquer their insecurities and to clear whatever problems might be impeding them in their career." Cruise gave credence to these claims in an interview with The Guardian, highlighting that Scientology is "something that has helped me incredibly in my life." The actor noted, "without it, I wouldn't be where I am."
But just as many support the church, there are also plenty of known dissenters, like the late Lisa Marie Presley. The singer reportedly left the religion in 2014, saying at the time, "I was slowly starting to self-destruct. They were taking my soul, my money, my everything." Given her decades-long association with the controversial church, many have wondered whether Presley's children were also involved in Scientology. And as it turns out, one of her children has long been a member — and still is.
Riley Keough was reportedly raised in Scientology
Frederick M. Brown/Getty ImagesActor Riley Keough — the eldest daughter of Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough — was reportedly raised in Scientology from the get-go. Unlike her mom, who was only indoctrinated into the religion during her childhood, Page Six reported that Riley had been involved with it since birth.
However, Riley's relationship with the church was tested when Presley clashed with Scientology leader David Miscavige. Mike Rinder, a former top-ranking executive of the religion who left in 2007, told the outlet that Riley had her mother's back throughout the ordeal. "[Lisa Marie] suddenly said, 'Riley's here and wants to talk to you.' Riley got on the phone and said to me: 'I want you to take those f***ers down,'" he recalled. "Riley was clearly being supportive of her mother because Lisa Marie was so upset." He also noted that Presley and the Keough kids' devotion to the church wasn't as consistent despite their years-long involvement.
Despite supporting her mother against the church, the actor was later spotted hanging out with "The Walking Dead" star Alanna Masterson in a few Instagram shots, leading some to speculate she was still actively part of the religion. Masterson's father, Joe Reaiche, accused Scientology of "brainwashing" his daughter while speaking with Vanity Fair. And while Riley has always been tight-lipped about her faith, the church's policy of "disconnection" would prevent Masterson from associating with her had she officially left.
Lisa Marie Presley had a complicated relationship with Scientology
American Idol 2012/Getty ImagesLisa Marie Presley was coerced to enter Scientology, Karen De La Carriere, a former Scientology leader, told the Daily Mail. She was forced by her mother, Priscilla, who thought that it would stop her daughter's "rebellion" and drug use.
"This is a girl, who is a second generation Scientologist, who didn't elect to go into Scientology, but was dragged into it because her parent was in it," De La Carriere explained. "She didn't want to be indoctrinated or attend courses." She added that Priscilla would drop her off at one of the Scientology centers, saying, "'handle her, just do it' ... I believe this was enforced conversion therapy, it was obedience therapy." Meanwhile, Lisa Marie explained to The Underground Bunker that when she got her inheritance from Elvis Presley, the church "started grooming me to be this person who would go out and get everyone else in."
Lisa Marie eventually left Scientology in 2014 for good.
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