By Tamara Abraham
|
After the shock announcement that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are to divorce, a bitter battle is set to break out over the couple's young daughter, Suri.
Almost as famous as her high-profile parents, the tantrum-prone six-year-old is at the centre of a fierce dispute, following claims that her mother is demanding sole custody.
Shortly after the news was announced Friday, TMZ claimed that Katie, 33, was asking for 'primary residential custody' of Suri, and a 'suitable amount of child support'.
Battle for custody? Suri, pictured in April last year with her now-divorcing parents, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, is said to be at the centre of a fierce custody dispute
Of course, this being Suri, the figure is likely to be a staggeringly high one. Despite her tender age, the youngster has become known for her extravagant fashion choices.
She is said to have a closet of designer clothes worth $3.2million, and a particular penchant for statement footwear and handbags.
She chooses all the outfits herself, favouring skirts and dresses over trousers and shorts.
Her father, 49, once said: 'She likes to dress herself and wears whatever she wants. I'm not gonna tell her different.'
But while many might accuse Tom and Katie of having spoiled their little girl, the estranged couple are said to have embraced an unusual approach to parenting, believed to be in accordance with the doctrine of the Church of Scientology.
Suri is apparently treated as an adult, free to make decisions on her clothes, make-up and diet.
The $3million girl: Suri's extravagant wardrobe - as well as her penchant for lipstick and high heels - is regularly paraded in front of the media spotlight
Scientology expert Rick Ross explained to the Daily Mail's Alison Boshoff last year: 'Scientologists treat kids as if they are individuals capable of making their own decisions.'
Indeed, Tom echoed this approach in an interview in 2010.
'I say to Suri, "I really want you to eat this protein if you’re going to have that sugar,"' he said.
'She likes to dress herself and wears whatever she wants. I'm not gonna tell her different'
Tom Cruise, 2010
'She looks at me and she goes: "Dad, I don’t think you should try to force me to do something I don’t want to do."'
However marture Suri may appear to her father, child psychologists say that the subject of divorce should be tackled with extreme care, when it involves a child as young as six.
Dr Jeff Gardere told HollywoodLife.com: 'There is certainly some confusion and sadness, but a six-year old is young to process it all.
'You cannot be untruthful or try to hide something like this because later on they will be angry or they will have issues. You have to prepare her. She will have questions.'
And evidence of public temper tantrums reminds us that Suri is not always so measured and polite.
Temper tantrum: Last week, an evening out ended in tears when Katie took Suri's ice-cream away
Just last week, an evening of pizza and ice-cream with her mother ended in tears when Katie took her daughter's cone away.
As usual, Suri seemed to have little regard for the ever-present paparazzi, bursting into angry sobs.
Another recent incident saw her lose her temper during a shopping spree at New York toy store FAO Schwarz.
The Scientology-led parenting doctrine also perhaps explains Katie's brave decision to allow Suri to wear high heels and lipstick - despite the controversy it has sparked from parenting experts.
A source told Star magazine last year: 'Suri has so many designer shoes.
'She’s a massive fan of Marc Jacobs and she’s had several shoes custom-made, so if they didn’t come with a heel, Katie had them redesigned for Suri. She commissioned a pair of Louboutins for her a while back!'
Mommy and Daddy's little princess: An infant Suri pictured with Tom and Katie in November 2006, shortly after the couple announced their engagement
Any other child would perhaps attract less attention. But as a child who has grown up in the media glare, Suri's life has become subject to public opinion.
So huge is her impact, Forbes had hailed her the world's most influential tot by the age of just three. And last year she came 21st in a list of Glamour magazine readers' style icons, beating Lady Gaga and Sarah Jessica Parker in ranking.
There is even a hugely popular spoof blog, titled Suri's Burn Book, and a soon-to-be-published book, charting her supposed opinions of her parents and other Hollywood offspring.
Already it has been updated with the post: 'Please respect my privacy during this difficult time. (Just mine though â€" everyone else is fair game.)
'I will be vacationing in the Cayman Islands for the Independence Day holiday with my financier, and going over my plans to seek sole custody of myself.'
Given the real-life Suri's precocious nature, one imagines that - if she had her way - it wouldn't be too far from the truth.
-
Marijuana deals, the pain of Happy Meals and how to get a... -
Shocking moment a ruined millionaire collapsed and DIED in... -
Pedestrian thrown in jail for 12 hours for holding up sign... -
Katie's $15million and a $35m mansion: What Holmes stands to... -
'My son has loved chimps since he was a child': Mother... -
Naked carjacker 'on drugs' goes on rampage in Arizona... -
Horrific video shows Mexican drug cartel decapitating five... -
Mother of missing millionaire deals her daughter-in-law a... -
Matt Lauer's wife 'to follow him to London to keep tabs on... -
Finn is now at peace: TOBY HARNDEN recounts the final,... -
Swim at your own risk: America's dirtiest beaches revealed... -
Eye-popping artwork gives models extra mouths, faces, eyes...
Share this article:
Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
The comments below have been moderated in advance.
- Newest
- Oldest
- Best rated
- Worst rated
People need to understand that this event will have a huge impact on that child's life. Have some respect DM and stop turning it into a soft news story.
Report abuse
He's the father she's the Mother...END OF no-one should be playing God in a Divorce where children are involved!!!!!
Report abuse
While I understand their stand regarding how Suri was raised, I cannot agree with it. Children cannot and should not be treated as adults, because they aren't. From all accounts, Katie had a happy childhood, she probably had no choice but to adhere to Tom's beliefs. The result is Suri is spoiled, irrespective of whatever problems her parents were going through. I just hope now this little girl can begin to live the normal, playful life of a six-year-old, instead of being a mini adult celebrity.
Report abuse
Maybe when Katie has control over her daughter's welfare she'll be able to put a block on press intrusion.
Report abuse
It seems odd to me that Suri is carried everywhere. Normally six year olds walk everywhere. Her tantrum also seems more like that of a three year old. Maybe she insists she is carried, which is not a good thing, she is a growing little girl of school age, not a toddler, hopefully her Mum will start treating her like a normal six year old once she gets custody and not give into Suri's every whim. - Angela, Manchester UK, 30/6/2012 06:05 If you had to walk your 6 year old through a crowd of 50 photographers every time you stepped out of the house you might want to pick them up to protect them as well.
Report abuse
Katie comes from a secure, stable catholic family God knows what went on in that weird marriage and the impact on Suri. She needs to get back to her family baptise her daughter and heal x
Report abuse
'As usual, Suri seemed to have little regard for the ever-present paparazzi, bursting into angry sobs' The most ridiculous line ever written? - Louise, London, 30/6/2012 06:44 I thought exactly the same thing when I read that line!! It is the equivalent of saying, "Suri had left her room in a mess with little regard for the burglars who wanted to come and steal her things!" Why on earth should a 6 year old have any regard whatsoever for instrusive photographers who are probably the cause of the tantrums in the first place!
Report abuse
this has been so onvious for at least 6 months. Poor Katie looking lonely, skinny and tired, dragging her only companion in the world ( Suri) around with her till all hours at night. Little Suri having meltdowns and being carried everywhere. Tom no where to be seen. I think shes looked scared and bewildered and IM glad shes made the break. Hope she gets a good lawyer.....
Report abuse
Angela, Manchester. In all those pictures she's held twice, once as a baby and then another time when they appear to be surrounded by paparazzi when leaving a restaurant. I think I'd hold on tight to my small child in that situation. As for suri herself, tantrums in a 6 year old child. Shock horror ! Stop following her and guess what I reckon shed be able to lead a normal life.
Report abuse
here's a picture of Katie Holmes celebrating her divorce :) http://www.funny-celebrity-pictures.com/2012/06/katie-holmes-celebrates-her-divorce.html
Report abuse
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar