Tom Cruise has used his first public statement after the birth of his new baby daughter to pay tribute to his fiancée. "Katie was, and is, an absolute champ!" he declared after little Suri made her big debut in a Santa Monica hospital on Wednesday.
Naturally enough, the Mission Impossible star was also keen to talk about the new lady in his life. "It's a girl, it's a girl!" he said. "Her name is Suri and she is gorgeous." Sources close to the couple say the infant, who has a full head of dark hair, lives up to her father's proclamations.
And Tom wasn't the only one offering words of support to the first-time mum, as the movie heart-throb's former wife, Nicole Kidman, likewise sent her best wishes. "I hope both mother and baby are doing well," said the Oscar-winner, who has two adopted children, Conor and Isabella, with the actor.
The couple have also confirmed their bundle of joy will be introduced into the Church of Scientology. Followers of the controversial religion believe in a form of reincarnation, and the naming ceremony - which is said to "spiritually orientate" the child - is considered one of its most important rites.
Press reports alleging the sect required Katie to stay silent and refuse painkilling drugs during childbirth caused an outcry in recent weeks, but Tom subsequently clarified that only the people around his leading lady, and not the mother herself, would be called upon to keep quiet. He also affirmed that the Batman Begins actress could opt to use anaesthetic drugs, and in the event the 27-year-old is believed to have requested an epidural.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
