Jett Travolta's death sparks Scientology debate among readers

When The Juice published the news of the death of Jett Travolta, the teenage son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston on Friday, discussion quickly turned to Scientology.

Jett died after apparently hitting his head on the bathtub while the family was vacationing at their home in the Bahamas. The parents, both avowed Scientologists, are planning to have an autopsy performed on their son, who had a history of seizures.

Preston and Travolta have said that Jett became very sick when he was 2 years old and was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, an illness that leads to inflammation of the blood vessels in young children. The parents have blamed household cleaners and fertilizers, and said that a detoxification program based on teachings from the Church of Scientology helped improve his health, according to an Associated Press story.

The first tampabay.com reader to comment on the news, Jorge wrote: "Looks like Scientology didn't help him with that."

One reader, Jean, called Jorge's comment "hateful." Another reader quickly jumped in with: "That wasn't nice, this was his son.  I'm sorry to hear, no one should suffer a loss like that," Terri wrote.

Despite their calls for compassion, the debate continues to focus on Scientology, with many condemning the religion. "Scientologists don't believe in medical treatment, so I'm sure he was not on anti-seizure meds," Tin wrote.

According to the AP story, it is unclear whether Jett was taking any medications for his seizures.

Sue writes in defense of the Travoltas -- who live in Ocala -- and Scientology:

"What any of this has to do with the Church is beyond me. Albeit, they were members, so what? At a time like this, does it have anything to do with the child's accidental death? I personally have seen the Travolta's locally at the pool with their children and have never seen a more caring loving family.

Hundreds of people have posted condolences on a guestbook. Post your tribute to Jett.

AP photo

Comments

Well that raises a simple question: Did their cult's ideals make them ignore real medicine, or are they hypocrites?

It's sad the son died, but when you preach crap, it's going to come back at you at times like this.

[liz]

Yeah, it sucks to bring up the whole cult connection at a time like this. But as "heartless" as it may seem, this could be the discussions that saves the lives of others who may otherwise suffer a similar fate.
How many more victims need to lose their lives before it becomes "acceptable" to discuss this controversial issue?

[Rick]

I recall a Times article back in the day, describing one aspect of Scientology: About after the galactic wars or something, Xenu (a bad guy I guess) was trapped in a mountain, etc., etc. Plus, you have to pay big bucks to have your Thetan (may have spelled that wrong)adjusted. On instinct or intuition from the start, I got bad vibes from those people. Then when the big money started rolling in; Clearwater went belly up. It seemed openly about money to me. I would like these operations to pay taxes, actually. I am also very curious as to how many combat veterans are members of the "church?" Do not like the secrecy, either. As to household cleaners & fertilizer causing the son's condition...maybe it was the 'fertile' teachings of the "church" that infected the situation. Oh. Almost forgot. I don't like Tom Cruise much at all anymore. I'm not hateful; but I believe in GOD as GOD would have created that Xenu guy as well as all these ants. It's common laugh-talk w/people having money problems, that maybe they should start a church?! A store front (what I saw in CA. the first time I heard of Scientology)some chairs,and wing it from there. Unlike churches that seek donations from members-Scientology gets the money up front or you can't play. No religion to me that can avoid taxes thru that loophole.

[Joan]

My prayers for Jett and his loving family are sent to them at this sadness of times.May they as`time passes come to remember all the wonderful memories that a child gives us for all our life. PEACE

[valerie]

The last two comments(anonymous and Liz) are so incredibly indecent, make my stomach turn.

[Bill]

Kawasaki is not a life long disease. symptoms include severe redness in the eyes; rash on the stomach, chest, and genitals; red, dry, cracked lips;
swollen tongue with a white coating and big red bumps; sore, irritated throat
swollen palms of the hands and soles of the feet with a purple-red color;
swollen lymph nodes. Siezures are not involved. It is a childhood syndrome with full recover within a few days of PROPER TREATMENT. When ingnored and untreated, it can lead to serious complications that can affect the heart.

[Joseph]

What happened to the Times deleting comments that violate their comment policy, as listed on their website? For example, some of the above comments would clearly qualify as (1) racially, ethnically or religiously offensive and/or (2) defamatory or libelous. If the Times is going to promote an article and invite comments, they should follow through and enforce their comment policies.

[Mark]

Valerie, No worries. Liz and Rick's comments are lies and BS. I've been a Scn for over 30 years and encouraged several times to go to the MD for medical problems. Which I did. There's a big sign in every Church something like "If you are here to be cured of a medical disease, you need to see a doctor...." People like Liz and Rick and the "Anonymous" creeps are a very small minority of bigots, or ill-informed kids--at best. They are NOT the mainstream. they are propagandists-as evidenced by latching onto a story of a child's death to spew their hate is reprehensible. Shame on them.

[Steve]

Bill, Are you a doctor? Even if the child died of something else, what is your point? The Travolta's I believe loved their child dearly. Obviously you don't think so.

[liz]

Oh really Valerie? It makes MY stomach churn that you would rather more innocent children die than discuss a painful or controversial subject. If this were the first time something like this had happened in connection with that cult, it wouldn't be such an issue, now would it?
Again, I understand your anger, and I realize that the family is in enough pain as it is, but this is a VERY serious issue and as much as it hurts, it needs to be addressed.

[Sage]

Liz, I don't believe for one minute that you give a rats-A for these children. Your target is Scientology and it's belief system. You know zero about how the Travolta's dealt with their child, other than maybe what you read in the rags. I'm a long time Scientologist. The Church sends ill people to a doctor. Period. It is their policy. For you to latch onto this tragedy to pitch your ignorance of Scientology is dishonest.

[liz]

Looks like the scientologists are out in full force doing damage control by asking that freedom of speech be suppressed by having comments they don't like removed.
"Attack, never defend" right? Defame the critic rather than address the issue - it's pretty much the cult's policy for dealing with criticism.

[bill s]

anyone who denies their child medical help in the name of religion needs psychiatric help.

[Sage]

Liz, Your comments are still there, so quit whining. The only "issue" you have is your views on Scientology. No Scientologist would prevent you from airing these. The Creed of the Church actually promotes freedom of speech, not that you'd notice. The problem is that your "free speech" is based on ignorance of Scientology, or what you read in the papers. You are doing a bad job of hiding your true intentions. You have no way of knowing exactly how these parents handled their child for whatever disease caused this tragedy.

[Mary]

Bill, Where exactly did you get the data that the Travolta's denied Jett medical help?

[liz]

Nice work with your "acceptable truth" wording when you say the cult send ill people to a doctor, sage. That just begs the question about what the cult considers a valid illness.
Speculate what you wish about my motives, but my concern is avoiding future tragedy by addressing the issue. If the cult is indeed innocent, there is no need for you to be so defensive about it.

[David Mudkips]

Google: "Tory Christman epilepsy" if you want a first-hand account (from an ex-Scientologist) about how she was told to stop taking her anti-seizure medications by the church... and what the results were.

[Lesley]

liz, you couldn't wait to spread your poison, could you? The body is not even cold and you try to spin it on Scientology. Ugly. I am sure and happy that the Travolta family does not read unmoderated and disgusting blogs like this.

[Janey Z]

Kawasaki Syndrome is a lymph node disorder which causes rashes upon the body and if left untreated, it can cause damage to the heart and vascular system. Kawasaki Syndrome does not cause seizures. If Jett Travolta wasn't seizing because of Kawasaki Syndrome, why was he experiencing seizures? Was Kawasaki Syndrome a cover for Jett Travolta's true disorder: autism?

There has been much speculation about whether Jett Travolta was autistic. Among other things, the rumors claim Jett Travolta lacked communication skills, which is a classic sign of autism.

Why is this such a big deal? Because the Church of Scientology doesn't recognize autism as a condition. Autism doesn't exist, according to Scientology beliefs.

The Church of Scientology denounces any mental illness, and it rejects the use of prescription medication to treat these illnesses, including autism. Autism is commonly associated with epilepsy. There are anti-convulsion drugs that can help with the seizures, but the Church of Scientology doesn't believe autism and the related seizures even exist. Why would they treat it?

This is why it is important to investigate Scientology. Meanwhile, the Scientology spin machine is out in force to attack anyone who dares to suggest that their cult's beliefs may have contributed to the child's death.

[Rick]

GEE MARK, what invective! LIES & BS? Logical Interpretations of Esoteric Subjects (LIES) & Basic Statements (BS) aren't bigoted. I resent that of course. At 53 I don't fall into the "kid" category at all. I am also not a "creep," as you state. I have read all of the Bible, Book of Mormon, and plan on the Koran some time. Lots in between. What spaced based cults or certain other types of "worship" remind me of, is something I read in the Bible once; but it's in other texts as well in whatever form. From the Bible as the words of Jesus, it was 'follow me for I am the way,' meaning listen to the words and instruction; and, those which try to crawl up their own way are like thieves in the night. That more or less tells me that back in the day, folks were practicing everything. I take it that the stories and words of Jesus and the poems in the bible were to guide folks away from negative practices and the wrong roads. I simply think Scientology is a "ME" based gig. It's major likeness to organized religions is the money aspect. I just feel material stuff can dissipate in a flash-like life. Oh, got to go. My local "Creeps" lodge is meeting soon. Calling the Realm to Engage & Explore Popular Subjects...CREEPS. I know you understand that we as people aren't different at all from what lies in history. Same, "stuff" different day.

[liz]

Hey Lesley, how many more victims need to lose their lives before it becomes "acceptable" to discuss this controversial issue?
WHEN is it "appropriate" to think about other children who may be in a similar situation?
That's really something if I'm "ugly" for being concerned.
And sage, you'd be wise not make assumptions about my experience with your cult.

Always been a fan of John Travolta.Bless you, Kelly and daughter.May you have strength and loving memories to get you through your grief.My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Joseph]

I'd like to dedicate a poem to Liz and others like her: Those who are by hatred consumed / are souls far gone and already doomed / to true and bitter loneliness- / to sadness, to emptiness. / There is nothing more than can know / until they find a way to let the hatred go.

Joseph, wow! What a creative attack. Does it make my argument any less valid? Does it make yours any MORE valid?
Since when is concern for others "hate?"

[Lesley]

Janey, or are you liz spinning the next angle? The Kawasaki Syndrome is temporary, i.e. the rashes etc go away and can leave a permanent damage. Jett had the illness at the age of 2. You should read the news not only in tabloids and anti-scientology press.