British actor Rupert Everett has leapt to the defence of Tom Cruise after his Scientology beliefs recently sparked controversy in Germany. The Shrek star spoke out about Cruise's appreciation of the Church of Scientology a week after filming on U.S. actor's new movie Valkyrie was put in jeopardy by German authorities. Germany's Defence Ministry raised concern over the Mission: Impossible star's beliefs, branding it a "money-making cult". But Everett has defended Cruise, insisting Scientology is no more outrageous than other religions. He says, "People say Scientology is ridiculous, but it's no more ridiculous than the virgin birth, really. It's all the same madness."