Madonna Defends Tom Cruise's Scientology Beliefs

Madonna has defended superstar pal Tom Cruise against criticism of his Scientology faith, insisting he is a "good person" and should be allowed to worship whatever he likes.

The singer, a follower of Jewish offshoot the Kabbalah, claims it is nobody's business what religion people choose to follow.

She tells New York magazine: "I don't care if people worship turtles or frogs - if they're good people, that's all I care about, and he (Cruise) is a good person.

“I think he gets a raw deal, just as I think the orphans in Malawi get a raw deal; just as I think a lot of marginalised people get a raw deal."