Tom Cruise’s latest outing with his son ignited a firestorm of comments online, with some even suggesting the son appears older! This controversy comes after the actor missed his daughter’s graduation, opting for a different kind of performance a day later — a Taylor Swift concert.
Tom Cruise and his son, Connor Cruise, were spotted making a grand entrance as they deplaned a helicopter in central London on Friday, June 28. The actor and his son walked side by side as they hopped out of the chopper.
Tom Cruise at Lincoln Center on July 10, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The pair’s outing came a week after the actor missed his youngest daughter, Suri Cruise’s high school graduation, stirring conversations among fans and onlookers alike.
Paparazzi captured the “Mission Impossible” actor dressed in a short-sleeved gray t-shirt that highlighted his muscular arms, paired with jeans. Tom beamed with joy as he exited the heliport.
In contrast, 29-year-old Connor, who is passionate about fishing, and has even taken part in fishing tournaments, donned a more casual ensemble consisting of a black hoodie and gray pants. He complimented his look with a matching cap, sneakers, and black sunglasses.
Connor’s demeanor was noticeably more serious and calm when compared to his father’s cheerful expression. Onlookers reported that the father-son duo were accompanied by several other unidentified guests during their aerial outing.
However, the public appearance quickly ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with many fans sharing their thoughts and opinions. “So unfair for Suri,” one fan lamented, reflecting on Tom’s absence from his daughter’s graduation.
Another commenter expressed disbelief, writing, “So he takes care of his adopted son more so his own daughter?[sic]” Adding to the confusion, someone remarked, “He has a son??? I thought he just had Suri and he doesn’t even see her.”
However, admiration for Connor was also evident in the comments. “Look at Connor, OMG,” one user exclaimed, while another noted, “His son looks good.” Observers commented on Connor’s noticeable transformation, with one stating, “Wow! He sure has gained a lot of weight!” and another netizen adding, “Wow, Connor has grown!”
Critics couldn’t resist comparing the actor to his son, with several noting that Connor appeared older. “His son looks older than him,” observed one critic, while another added, “Tom looks younger than his son.”
Connor and Tom Cruise at Amalie Arena on April 5, 2015, in Tampa, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
A few users pointed out Connor’s seemingly unhappy demeanor. “His son looks sad,” one person noted, before adding a speculative thought, “Meanwhile, the bubble over Tom’s head reads, ‘This’ll be a great pic to show what a great father I am.'”
Connor and Tom Cruise at the 2009 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets on May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Tom’s hangout with Connor once again put the spotlight on the Hollywood star’s complex family dynamics and the public’s fascination with his personal life.
The actor faced significant backlash for skipping his daughter Suri’s high school graduation on June 21, where she celebrated this major milestone at LaGuardia High School.
The 18-year-old, whom Tom shares with actress Katie Holmes received her diploma with her mother beaming by her side. However, her famous father was notably absent.
Tom instead chose to attend Taylor Swift’s Eras tour in London the next day. Still, his absence didn’t deter the proud teen from radiating happiness. The joyous occasion saw Suri capturing precious moments with her mom and a friend. She also shared heartfelt hugs with her fellow graduates.
Suri Cruise with other graduates | Source: YouTube/@pagesix
Suri and Katie exuded joy as they posed for photos against a backdrop of a charming brick building. The 18-year-old graduate looked stunning in a white dress she paired with matching sandals beneath her graduation gown. Her brunette hair flowed gracefully over her shoulders.
Katie Homes taking photos of Suri Cruise on her graduation day | Source: YouTube/@pagesix
Katie, ever the style icon, opted for cream-pleated pants and a collared long-sleeve shirt. She completed the ensemble with elegant grey sandals. While Suri soaked in the support and love from her mother, her dad’s absence on this important day stirred mixed reactions online.
Katie Home with her daughter Suri on her graduation day | Source: YouTube/@pagesix
Outraged fans didn’t hold back, with one exclaiming, “Shame on her father!” Another one said, “I can’t believe her Father didn’t come to her graduation!” Critics continued to pour in with comments like, “While dad is partying with Taylor Swift in London. Some fathers.”
Amid the backlash, some supporters applauded Suri’s decision to drop her father’s name, with one noting, “From now on, call her by her chosen name.”
The day after Suri’s graduation, her father was all smiles at Wembley Stadium in London, enjoying Taylor’s concert. He looked sharp in a white T-shirt, dark jeans, and a black jacket, as he shared the spotlight with A-listers like British actor Hugh Grant.
Tom’s absence from the graduation isn’t surprising, given his estrangement from Suri for years. Their relationship has largely been financial, with no public sightings together since 2013 after Tom and Katie divorced.
At the graduation ceremony, it was noted in the program that she now goes by “Suri Noelle,” indicating her decision to drop her father’s last name upon turning 18. Noelle is her mother’s middle name, as Katie’s full name is Kate Noelle Holmes.
Meanwhile, Suri is determined to forge her own path at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. The college is renowned for its top-ranked School of Design.
With a deep interest in fashion, Suri explored various college options before settling on Carnegie Mellon. She revealed the college name in a TikTok video with her friends from LaGuardia High School.
In the video, posted on “LaG commitment day” and set to Abbi Sutphen’s uplifting tune “Always Remember You,” Suri displayed her choice by wearing a vibrant red Carnegie Mellon hoodie. The clip captured her enthusiasm as she grinned and playfully highlighted her school’s name for the camera.
Tom Cruise and Suri Cruise on July 17, 2012, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Suri’s college costs will be covered by her father. This is according to her parents’ divorce settlement, which mandates an annual payment of $400,000 until she reaches 18. This arrangement highlights his dedication to supporting her future as she embarks on her higher education journey.