TOM CRUISE - REDSTONE LOOKING TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH CRUISE AGAIN

Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone has accused the Wall Street Journal of distorting his remarks about Tom Cruise at the time that Viacom's Paramount Studios severed its ties with the actor's production company. In an interview with People magazine, Redstone said, "They [the WSJ] treated that like I was firing him. I didn't fire him! I had nothing to do with it. But they treated it explosively. And I didn't like it." Last August, the Journal quoted Redstone as saying, ""We don't think that someone who effectuates creative suicide and costs the company revenue should be on the lot. ... His recent conduct has not been acceptable to Paramount." But Redstone, interviewed by People at the premiere of Paramount's Zodiac last week, said that Cruise "was a great friend. ... And I look forward to being his friend again."

05/03/2007