Program Note: Watch Randi Kaye's full report tonight on AC360° at 10pm ET.
Randi Kaye | Bio
AC360° Correspondent
So many rumors out there about John Travolta denying his son anti-seizure medication we decided to tackle the subject for tonight’s show!
Here’s the issue. Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston are Scientologists so the blogs have been going nuts with chatter claiming that Scientologists don’t believe in medicine and that Jett Travolta’s parents denied him medication which contributed to the seizure that killed him.
I called the Church of Scientology to find out what is really going on. Tommy Davis, a spokesman for the church, told me, “Scientologists ... get conventional medical treatment for medical conditions" and "use prescription drugs as prescribed by a doctor."
Travolta’s lawyer had said last week that Jett had been on anti-seizure medicine for a few years but it stopped working. The seizures returned.
What Scientologists don’t agree with is psychotropic drugs like anti-depressants. Remember when Tom Cruise, the actor and Scientologist, went off on Matt Lauer on the Today Show about this?
Davis, the church spokesman, told me, “medical diagnoses are based on medical conditions. Psychiatric conditions are subjective."
And that’s true. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association admits there is no conclusive way to test for a chemical imbalance.
We also tackled the issue of Autism. Jett’s parents have always denied their son was autistic. I asked Davis if the church recognizes autism. He told me simply, “the church does not involve itself in diagnosis or classification of any medical condition." That was as far as he would go.
You may have already heard Jett was cremated in the Bahamas. Turns out that cremation is not required by the church. The founder of the Church of Scientology was cremated but other Scientologists, like musician Issac Hayes who recently died, have chosen to be buried.
The church spokesman did tell me that Scientologists believe that “you lived before and that you will live again," and that Jett’s parents, as Scientologists, "believe they’ll see their son again."
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The important thing here is that the Travoltas are parents that lost their loved child. I am not a scientologist, and respect any religion you want to belong to, but I do believe that is only one God for all of us, and that that we will live again. I am also convinced that the Travoltas would see their son again. It may not be in this world, but in the world to come.
May Jett rest in peace, and may John Travolta, Kelly Preston and Ella find peace and comfort in their memories of wonderful times spent with him. My heart goes out to the Travolta family!!!
First I would like to say all my sympathy is with the Travolta family .
My only other comment is - several news reports I have read have stated that Jett was last seen entering the bathroom on Thursday evening and was not found until Friday morning. If theses reports are true....why was it so long before he was missed? Whether you are a scientologist or not or whether you have a healthy teen or not ...to me that is too long to not know where or what your teenager is up to.
Its a shame what happened to there child. But to think they will see him again in this life time is crazy........Yea in heaven or hell ...............
I have an adult daughter with status epilepticus. Medication magement of the disorder is extremely complex. Progression is like a roller coaster; there are no "up" sides to this problem. She isn't even 30 and she will never drive a car again. Death is a constant concern.
The media/blog reaction reminds me of when a 1970's Saturday Night Live skit went too far about a political figure having breast cancer. I love humor and I love gossip, but, they must respect the eithical boundaries because when they move over the line they simply become gross.
Only the John and Kelly knows really what happen so leave it alone.
First, my heartfelt condolences to John and Kelly. It broke my heart when I heard about their 16 year old son's death. That is devastating. My heart goes out to all that loved that child.
Then, about the comment from Davis, the church spokesman, “medical diagnoses are based on medical conditions. Psychiatric conditions are subjective.” There exists a wealth of information and proof that psychiatric conditions are a physical illness. The brain is an organ as any other, only much more complex. Just as Diabetes is an illness of the pancreas, Parkinson’s is an illness of the brain as is Alzheimer’s, depression, schizophrenia and so on. I highly recommend doing more research before making such a statement, especially a person from such a well known organization respected by its members. There has been amazing research and discoveries about the functioning of the brain especially since the 1980s and since MRI's and such have become available.
Best wishes to all.
John and Kelly have enough grief to deal with at the present time. We need to let them have their special time. When the time is right they will in turn want to talk about Jett, not that they don't know, the wound is so deep, just like salt being poured into it, very painful, this is what is happening here. Have you thought of how it would be to lose your child and have all these thousands of people around you like flies, wait to take your pictures, give them the proper space they need. Did you see that Travolta flew his sons remains and his family back home. Don't you think that was a true love of your son to take him home yourself instead of hiring another airlines to take care of the last flight. I know, I was in the business for 20+ years. They will need you later and how many will be there?
My heart goes out to the Travolta Family. I have an 18 year old son with Autism. Luckily, he has never had seizures, that we know of, but after puberty, many children with Autism do have seizures and sometimes they are "silent" seizures so you never know. Many families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder do not want to accept that diagnosis and sometimes, the physician doesn't even know the exact "diagnosis" because the physician has not received sufficient training to recognize what it is. Autiism Spectrum Disorders, as we are learning, are multi-layered and are not simply psychological disorders. With sufficient research we will one day know the full etiology and understand that ASD is inclusive of biological issues. Just as individuals with Down Syndrome have a biological base to their condition, people with ASD will also be found to have a biological base and we will be able to know what treatments will jhelp and what treatments won't work. Not all children with seizures have Autism and not all children with Autism have seizures.
My prayers and love to this family who didn't look at their child as a label but as a loving gift from God.
Isaac Hayes chose burial? Neat trick.
Mistake in the story. Scientology is referred to as a 'church.' We all know its a cult.
In times like this, famlies will make decisions based on what they think is best even if religion comes into it. Scientology has a bad rep with those who are not believers, but that doesn't mean that Scientologist are automatically irresponsible in caring for themselves or their children.
Our thoughts and prayers should be with the Travolta famile at this time, not condemnation on speculative rumors.
Some seizure medications ARE psychotropic drugs, used for seizure control. Lamitical for example is prescribed as a bi-polar medicine but also used for seizures. I know all of this first hand because I have had many people in my family with seizure disorders.
Let me say this. It is hard to have faith in any of the ant-seizure meds. Some have bad side effects and people still have break through seizures. Not to mention it seems a disorder can just change it's mind. Gone for months and then back.
Actually, the Clearwater, Florida (where the scientology headquarters is located) police will tell you that quite a number of scientologists with mental health problems have gone loony in the streets because the church told them that they didn't need their psych meds. And one scientologist went into a scientology center a few years ago and shot several people up – the church told this psychotic that he didn't need his anti-psychotic medications. I'm sure the people he shot were comforted by this organization's beliefs as they lay dying.
look, I'm extremely critical of Scientology. But I feel for John and family. I won't let it become a bigotry instead of criticism. I don't need to criticize Travolta for anything, including his choice of Scientology. He's never warranted that behavior from us. Tom Cruise I believe to be an extreme narcissist, but that doesn't mean I have to pour hate all over Travolta in the worst moment of his life.
What would it be worth to be right about Scientology and yet lose my ability to respect the grief of a parent who lost their child? What ground would I have left?
Remember that this is a "church" that was started by a guy who wrote science fiction books. I'm not sure what the qualifications are to start a "church" but it sounds to me like pretty much none. I don't believe in organized religion myself because it is up to a man or woman's interpretation of what the bible says. So which church is right and which are very wrong? Whatever church teachings you believe to be true I guess. So I believe there is one creator and all of our spirits move on after we learn what we must here. So...church..cult....Tomato..Tamato
lets all pray for the Travolta in any case.
The truth of the matter is that this is a tragedy that transcends any religious group or its beliefs.
The internet is a great tool but when malicious chatter takes the front seat, it's a dangerous and cruel form of communication. And often a source of great untruths when it comes to chatter.
A sixteen year old boy is gone and his parents are grieving: that is the issue here: not that the parents are celebrities or that they follow any specific religious path. That they are parents: period, end of issue. And that a beautiful young life had ended accidentally and tragically.
Knock, knock! If "Jett had been on anti-seizure medicine for a few years but it stopped working," the seizures didn't "return." Obviously, the boy had been having seizures while ON the medication. That's how the Travoltas concluded that the medication was not working.
Let this poor family alone while enduring such a horrible tradgedy . It's none of the public's business . Stop speculating and let this family have their privacy .
It's a horrible way to begin a New Year . It's so obvious this family has a lot of love for each other .
We all as Americans should respect their right for privacy , and instead offer our prayers , and support for Mr. & Mrs. Travolta .
I have to say that your use of Tommy Davis as a source is completely reprehensible. The man is a known liar, having repeatedly denied the existence of the documented Scientology practice known as "Disconnection".
In addition, Tommy Davis’ defense is that Scientologists seek medical attention and take medication for their physical issues, and they don’t take anti-depressants. Depakote, which was being used as Jett’s medication, is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. The CCHR – Citizen’s Commission for Human Rights, an anti-psychiatry organization co-founded by Scientology – speaks vehemently against its use.
Finally, Kawasaki syndrome does not by any means cause seizures. The worst effects of Kawasaki syndrome are heart attacks or heart failure, but it is not – as the autopsy reported – a ’seizure disease’. Autism is often known to be accompanied by seizures, though we may never truly know if Jett had it.
I am deeply disturbed that this is what passes for "quality journalism" at CNN, under the guise of AC360 no less. While deeply tragic, the death of Jett Travolta is far more sinister than it appears if only people would care to do a little research.
The Travolta/Preston family has suffered a tragic loss. For that, and for the perpetuation and exacerbation of it in the media, I offer my heartfelt sympathy. Unfortunately, the freedoms we enjoy from free media and unfettered Internet access also allow the dissemination of erroneous and hurtful information at the same time. It would seem that there are those in cyberspace who would believe that the Church of Scientology and Christian Science are one and the same, thus the grossly mistaken assertion that the family withheld necessary medication which might have contributed to Jett's death. Perhaps those who feel inclined to make any comment whatsoever about a situation that in no way involves them – and furthermore, comments which are hurtful and untrue – would be well-advised to do a little research on the subject beforehand. In not doing so, the only fact on which they shed light is their own ignorance.
I thought it rather strange that a father and mother would have their son cremated so quickly. If it were me, I wouldn't rest until I knew WHY my son had gone into a seizure. Seems to me like there is something the Travoltas don't want make public.
authorities should never question an adult about their children or their whereabouts. children will always not tell the truth. psychs are killing the kids, not scinetology, they are good. poor john and kelly. they are just normal people like you and i. god bless america!
I'm deeply in pain for their lost...indeed I am...but...
Would you please remind President Elected Obama that
he must forget about his family....remind him, if you please Mr. Cooper tabout his very short comment :
Oscar Wilde once said:
Quote:
"The World is a stage...but the play is badly cast..."
Thank You Mr. Cooper.
The best therapy for John and his wife right now is for the Paps to leave them alone. Trying to get photos of the family should be entirely off limits unless the family has something they want to say and I would doubt that very much. Can you Paps do that one time, just so that we know you are human.
I wish to voice at this time, until you have lived in one shoes please "stop this".
I have experienced losing a child, the pain never ever ends.
This family have showed how wonderful they truly are!
Please refrain from any further publicity on the death of this beautiful son, and brother.
Gail
Ottawa, Canada
Stop referring to scientology as a religion, it is a pay-as-you-go cult.
I would have embalmed him. Is Scientology against that?
First and foremost, sympathy must go to the Travolta family.
Belief systems, regardless of their precepts, deserve our respect, even though we may disagree with them. The same is true with people. Without it, no dialogue is possible.
Some of this confusion may result from a conflation of Scientology with Christian Science. These are certainly complicated theological issues that I am not qualified to adequately address, but I believe that similar charges have been leveled against Christian Scientists. The Scientological aversion to psychotherapy has clearly added to the speculation, but speculation seems to be most of what this discussion has entailed.
Perhaps the sooner we end it, the sooner the Travolta family may be at peace with their grief.
A child is gone, and his very loving family is in tremendous pain. Rally around them, support them, and love them. Nothing else matters.
In no way is it wrong for people to air legitimate questions about circumstances surrounding Jet's death. There's a responsibility to know when dealing with the sudden death of anyone. I would rather a hundred or a thousand people have to go through some potentially uncomfortable fact finding then one wrongful death go undiscovered. If people are gossiping then it should stop, but if you know Scientology's past then it's understandable to have these concerns. I do hope it's what has been communicated and do wish the best for the Travoltas.
wow this is ridiculous, their religious beliefs could very well have contributed to their sons death, meaning negligence, and everyone wants to ignore it because they must be grieving? a mother who gets drunk and crashes her car, killing her child would be grieving too, does that make her any less culpable?
Let it go....The family has lost more than you can ever know....My prayers are with them...It doesn't matter what anyone's beliefs are at this time...What matters is that we are sorry for their loss....
It's always sad when a young innocent life such as Jett's ends so tragically.
The fact scientologists believe dianetics in the only cure for human psychosomatic ills and don't believe in psychiatric disorders such as autism is no different to Jehovah's Witnesses not believing in blood transfusions; children have died as a result of religious beliefs before, should we care about the child or should we allow the parents to practice their beliefs and grieve in peace?
Mary V, I love your vile, passive aggressive comment. You are a kind and loving spiteful judge.
As a Scientologist, I am outraged at so much of the media's snide implication of John Travolta's religion was to blame for Jett's death. The truth is Scientology provided John with a chance to handle his son's condition through the proper application of LRH Tech. Instead, Mr. Travolta chose to poison his son with the psych drug Depakote. John, you are an embarassment to all of Scientology for turning to the pseudoscience of psychiatry. This is the overt that pulled in the tragic end cycle of your son. Please John, for the love of god, get your ethics in and PLEASE disconnect from the psychs.
Scientology or not
- John Travolta and Kelly Preston are good people. It's sad they lost their child! My condolences and heartfelt symphaties to the Travolta family!
(Ravi)
Depakote is the drug in question. My autistic-like son is dying from its virus-replicating effects. A small canker sore has turned into a monstrously painful face of sores and surgical attempts. The only reprieve from a shortened life of neuroleptic poisoning is (ironically)
my son can no longer swallow pills
If the best we can do is take a small bit of facts and infer the most extreme possiblities then we don't deserve to know. We could better help them cope by not speaking of the death of their son with exception of saying we are so sorry this has happened. Lets just try to have warm loving thoughts for the Travolta family at such a sad and difficult time they are having. Some people call it prayer, some call it positive engergy, and some call it etiquette of common sense. I've watched Mr. Travolta since he was on Welcome Back Kotter and he has forever had a place in my heart and thoughts regularly throughout my life. I can only say I am truely saddened by their loss. May they be blessed with peace throughout the times to come.
I can understand how hard it is for the Travolta Family right now and they have my condolences, but the truth is for me, there has to be some connection.
Personally I know people who have been in Scientology and it's not a pretty truth. They say that within the church they'll provide all medical care for you and they even have their own hospitals, but what they usually give is vitamins which to their belief helps fight the sickness.
Though I don't blame the family or the religion, it's how they wanted to live and I can respect that.
Though what worries me is that the Church seems to have a dark history from what has been posted on Wikipedia. So I guess I'll just leave this to people to believe whatever they want to believe I just want to give an insight as to what I know myself.
My heart felt sympathy goes out to the Travolta family.
As a parent I trust that John and Kelly make decisions for their children out of love and with their best interests at heart. Let us all remove ourselves from sitting in judgetment and allow the family time to treasure their memories. It is Jett's time to soar with the angels!
Leave them alone and let them grieve. I believe that John and Kelly love their children and got the best medical treatment they could. For God's sake, they just lost a child. Something, no parent should ever have to go through, but these things unfortunately happen. Just stop accusing them and let them honor and remember their son, during the worst time of their lives.
Jett Travolta, like so many other young members of humanity was lost at an early age. I am 62 now but as I look back, we all have lost so many friends and family. Thanks to God and his perfect plan, we all will meet again, and our tears will be of joy. I'm sure that his parents did what every parent does, loved and cared for their children.
My cousin has seizures and has used all the drugs out there. Some work for a time but eventually they just don't work. He even had experimental surgery were they put a computer in his brain and that helped but after awhile it just didn't work so they tried changing what the computer does to the brain but that didn't help at all. There is nothing out there that will totally prevent serious seizures and everything wears down over time.
I hope we can give them privacy. They deserve that.
Scientology is the biggest joke in the world as far as religions go. Granted belief in anything cannot be knocked...its utterly rediculous what they believe in...not accepting a psychological condition..I mean seriously, if you try and tell me that Tom Cruise is normal..and not on prozac...get me some of whatever you are smoking.
Truth be told, does what they believe in matter to any of us right now? No. They are grieving over the loss of a beloved child and that needs to be respected. Leave the gossip to the tabloids. They've lost a child and if they find comfort and solace in their faith then more power to them.
I think there should be a law against refusing required medication to a minor based on religious or any other non-medical basis. I know a guy whose uncle had died because his parents refused to allow blood transfusion after a car wreck. He could have survived, but they let him die. That's not religion, that's negligent homicide in my book. If the travolta family didn't give this boy his medication due to some religious belief, they should be punished for it. Otherwise, let them find peace and solace in their own way. It's none of our business to know more than that.
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"Against stupidity, the gods themselves content in vain." - Isaac Asimov