Scientology critics cite 2007 prediction of Jett Travolta's death

Avid critics of John Travolta's church, the Church of Scientology, are now linking to a website that eerily predicted his son Jett’s death in 2007.

The critics claim that Jett was autistic and was not given the proper diagnosis and/or treatments because Scientology disapproves of psychiatric and drug treatment of autism, also rejecting psychiatry as a pseudo-science.

A 2007 post on Hollywood Interrupted told of a meeting between a Florida restaurant manager named Tim Kenny, the father of an autistic child, and Travolta. Kenny is said to have asked Travolta what special treatment Jett was getting.

"I don’t think it’s a stretch to call their treatment of Jett child abuse,” Ocala, Florida restaurant manager Tim Kenny tells Hollywood, Interrupted. Kenny claims he met Travolta at his restaurant in February, and, after “comping” the movie star and his daughter a meal per restaurant policy for celebrities, he asked him, “as one autistic child’s father to another,” if he “was doing anything special in terms of therapy” for Jett. Aghast, Travolta responded, “Well, we involve him in the arts.” Then, he offered to send Kenny a book, and high-tailed it out of the restaurant.

“If I ever received a Scientology book from him [Travolta], I’d find him, and throw it back at him,” says Kenny. “Scientology is keeping him from acknowledging his son’s autism. They see it as a weakness. That’s what the space aliens are telling him I guess.”

In an article in the Telegraph, the couple's lawyer, Marty Singer, said claims that the Travoltas were negligent in their care of Jett were outrageous.

"The Travoltas are wonderful, loving parents, and their priority is their children," he said. "They have [taken] and they continue to take the best possible care of their children. To suggest anything to the contrary is very hurtful to a loving family and also would be false and defamatory."

A posting on the Anonymous forum at Why We Protest, details how the church will handle Jett's death. Here's another posting from former Scientologist Michael Pattinson on Jett's death and the church's reaction.

What do you think?

Related posts:

Family lawyers say Jett's death caused by head trauma.

John Travolta's son, Jett, 16, dies in the Bahamas.

Click here to see some touching photos of Jett.

Photos:WireImage

Keep reading to see a heartbreaking video of Jett's life.

Looking at these photos/videos, this couple's love for their child is palpable.

Comments

[JB]

Well, those critics were wrong, weren't they?

Because the attorneys for the Travolta family have released the information that Jett Travolta was treated for several years with the medication Depakote.

I hope that restaurant owner is able to look back at his behavior and see how incredibly rude he was - to assume, to confront John Travolta, and then to make such disparaging public statements.

What a jerk.

[David]

Jett's death is tragic and this is speculation.

The speculation appears to be well grounded though.

I am very much on the fence on whether this should be discussed or not.

On one hand, if his parent's beliefs prevented him from getting proper treatment, this needs to be known. However, if the allegations are not true these speculations are horribly painful and the last thing a family in grief needs.

[Mary]

I am so sorry for your loss, I pray that God will comfort you and give you some peace of mind at some point in your life.

[Sasha]

"The critics claim that Jett was autistic and was not given the proper diagnosis and/or treatments because Scientology disapproves of psychiatric and drug treatment of autism, also rejecting psychiatry as a pseudo-science."

You know, there is no real drug treatment for autism. And there isn't really any treatment that "works." It IS stupid and silly to make the claim that all they had to do was give him pills and he would have been fine and not have hit his head. Good lord, what is wrong with people?

[Sherman Oaks]

Spreading hysteria and rumors is the M.O. of the anti-scientologist's. Copy & pasting speculations, suppositions, and outright fabrications, from various internet postings, then claiming they are legitimate is their thing. Real criticism of the church, or any organization is damaged by these foolish and irresponsible miscreants. I happen to know that John's kid was given the best medical care possible. Saying they don't belive in doctors is utter hogwash---a medical exam is required of all scientologist's who hae any physical troubles. Period.
Turning this childs death into a "controversy" is an abomination. God bless the Travolta's, and may their son rest in peace.

[JLJ]

Actually there are many treatments for autism that do work. No there are not drugs but therapy that could have enabled him to communicate. Especially to a family with monetary resources.

[Rocio]

The travoltas are just a regular normal parents ,they lost their son ,the pain they feel is just the same like ours,and we all love our children ,i'm so sorry about their loss ,leave them alone.are you a parent?
If you are ,you will understandif you are not ,you will when you become one. Thanks.

[Matt]

People just need to mind their own business. This is about a family that just lost a member. Holy crap!!
Mind your own business!!

[JB]

I decided to go look up Tim Kenny, the restaurant owner in Ocala, and I found that he committed suicide in the spring of 2008:

http://www.facesofsuicide.com/location.php?state=Florida

so, I'll apologize for calling him a jerk.

[Liz]

It disgusts me how some couples take having children and a family for granted (the Travoltas are a great example of that). It's very sad that they chose a cult like Scientology over the health and welfare of their own child. No sympathy for the family here. they caused the death of their child and abused him by not acknowledging his illness and getting him the treatment he desperately needed (autisim CAN be treated, I have a friend whose child has it). Mary, the Travolts attorney has NEVER released such information at all.

[Lynn Harrison]

People who don't know enough about the situation concerning Jett Travolta's death should just shut up about it. To pass judgement about something they know nothing about shows a lack of respect for the family in mourning, and demonstrates true ignorance.

[Kendall]

This is an eye opener and it proves what everyone has been thinking, regardless of Scientology's attempts to block people from criticizing them. I'm sure there will be some reconsideration among it's followers after this, since it's obvious that Scientology does NOT work.

[Judy]

I was saddened to hear of Jett's passing. My heart and prayers are with the Travolta family. Our only son, Kyle, died in a car accident and I can tell you that no one knows the pain unless you have experienced such a devastating loss. I've learned that people should not judge others and the way in which they grieve. Even close friends and family members can say and do the wrong things. I received help and comfort from complete strangers and especially people who had also had a child die. I know,though, that Jett's spirit continues on and that he is happy in the spirit world. Kelly and John should look for "signs" from Jett, letting them know that he is okay. My prayers will continue to be with the Travolta family.

[Terri]

I used to babysit for a little boy who, judging from what I have read from from news reports, had the same kind of seizure disorder that Jett Travolta had. I believe that the "autism" like characteristics came from damage that little boy suffered from the seizures, not because he was truly autistic. The boy I cared for died when he was just five years old. His parents and the medical community did everything they could to save him, just as I am sure the Travoltas did. As far as the use of drugs, I have often wondered if the medications given to the boy I cared for were worse than the seizures themselves. Perhaps Jett Travolta lived as long as he did because he wasn't given the kind of medications our little boy was. The tragedy of this kind of illness is it is a situation that there is no way of solving or winning. The doctors are just guessing as they go along, and it is truly up to the parents to make the best decision they can, based on all the information they can gather, for their children
I am not into Scientology, but when a family is given this kind of cross to bear, nobody- not even doctors, can judge what the best course of action is, because nobody knows. All you can do is love the person afflicted the best way you know how.
The little boy I cared for made a huge impact on my life and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to have known him. I miss him terribly but consider the five years of his life a gift to everyone who came in contact with him. I am sure those who knew Jett feel the same.

My sincere condolences to the Travolta family. God bless all of you.

[Diane]

Having lost a child in our family, I think it is appalling to make such comments about a grieving family. This man does not know the Travolta's and has only met John and his daughter once. He does not know the full extent of his medical condition, nor is it anyones business. He is ignorant on all of these matter and should keep his mouth shut.

[Brandon]

I feel for you, stay strong!

[Dawn Schroeder]

It is a sad day when any family loses a child so young. Although I do not agree with scientology, this is not the time nor the place for The Travolta families beleifs to be questioned in terms of thier care for thier child. As a special ed teacher, I can say that even if Jett was autistic, being "untreated" for autism would not have killed him. It seems regardless of a diagnosis, his death was a tragic accident that will certainly cause enormous greif for his family. I beleive we as the public should stand back and allow this family to grieve.

[K]

Come on, depakote is a treatment for epilepsy/seizures, not Autism. You are comparing apples to oranges. Wait for the autopsy and reports, if there are any made public that are objective and unbiased. It "sounds" like an accident, and whether they treated their son for Autism or not, I doubt it would have any bearing on the seizures. I have raised 2 children with Autism, one thank God was blessed with the high-functioning variety Aspergers. There are medical treatments/therapies that help significantly. In my opinion withholding those treatments out of pride or misguided religious belief is cruel, but apparently not illegal. And who knows what really was done for him, they appear to value their privacy. I wonder about the timing, last seen entering a bathroom sometime Thursday and not found until 10:00am the next morning. For someone under constant supervision, that seems like a huge chunk of time to be unaccounted for.

[mb]

leave this poor family alone. Their grief is going to be long and hurtful. They do not need to hear negative labelling on what they believe in or not. This family is no different than any other family. They do things together, they work, they socialize, they have morals. The only difference is that they are a celebrity family. Now leave the family in peace to mourn for their loss.

[BP]

details of this sad death seem odd

aside - the whole celebrity game is pathetic - that ridiculous restaurant guy comping all celebs (why, celebs are not higher beings) and then prying, and travolta for taking the benefits of celebrity but being miffed about the drawbacks

[Mike]

Sasha-

No, there isn't any drug cure or medication for autism, but there is medication to prevent seizures caused by brain illness and other chemical imbalances that Scientologists refuse to allow medication for.

If the son regularly suffered seizures and they didn't believe in taking medication for the seizures, they are at fault.

[Autism Spectrum Expert]

Jett definitely had autism or autism spectrum disorder-every expert who viewed the video released of him a # of yrs ago readily diagnosed-all symptoms present and very apparent. He had no speech and was not provided any autism speech related therapy.25% of all ASD develop epilepsy, usually during teens. There are many treatments for this known disorder if their religious Scientology beliefs didnt intervene-scientology denies psych. behavior disorders including autism and ASD. He may have been left in the bathroom overnight undetected, the main issue however is the lack of appropriate treatment for his disability that would have resulted in his ability to function on his own better and manage himself w/out a 24/7 nanny.

[Jackie]

Dear Travolta Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your beautiful son Jett's death. I lost my long awaited 1st born child, Kurt almost 18 years ago to a heart defect. He is still here in my heart and memories every day. It does get easier but no one could ever imagine that pain unless they too lost a child.It is a loss that is hard to explain to others. This poem was sent to me years ago and brought me great comfort. I hope it does for you also. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and your beautiful precious son, Jett. God Bless.

Fallen Sparrow

A sparrow fell, and no one heard.
No body cared. It was just a bird.
From all the numberless flitting throng
of sparrows,who would miss one song"
But God leaned down and whispered, "I care,
That was one of My sparrows, and I was there."

A beautiful boy, all sunshine and laughter,
With quiet thoughts and twinkling eyes after!
With hurts to smooth over, and deed to applaud....
A boy fell ! Why weren't You there?
Is it only for sparrows and such that You care?

If you're God at all....then You could have prevented
This nightmare of pain! So you must have consented,
I've always believed You Were loving and good,
I'd like to believe still, if only I could.

But God, if You love me, how can You allow
such unbearable pain as I'm feeling right now.
Such helplessness...hopelessness...bitter Regret...
So many tears that have fallen and yet
So many more that are still locked Inside.

Oh God...out there somewhere...have You ever cried?
I'm not even sure, anymore that You are real,
But if You are God...do you care how I feel?

Beloved I care in the midst of your grief.
In the midst of your stricken and crumbling belief.
In the midst of the blackness of total despair.
in the midst of your questioning, Child... I am there.

"In the midst!" Not far off in some vague fifth dimension,
But there, where you are, giving you my attention.

My constant attention....and not just today,
Since before you were born, I have loved you this way.
You're important to Me, every hair on your head
I have numbered Myself, can these tears that you shed
Go uncounted.......unnoticed? Nay, child, here I stand
Close enough that each teardrop falls into My hand.

Nor am I a stranger to anguish, to loss.
My own Son was taken one day by a cross.
I know what you suffer, I know what you'll gain,
If you'll let Me walk with you into your pain.
I'll carry your grief, and your sorrow I'll bear.
You've only to reach out your hand....I am there.

Fear nothing . Your so special boy,
Is safe in My house, and heaven's filled with the joy
of the ring of his laughter, his quick eager smile,
And the things he's saving to show you "after awhile"
Yes, I could have prevented... but, child, you can't see,
With My perfect wisdom, trust your son to Me.

Of course, you will miss him, but while you are weeping,
Remember, it's only his body that's sleeping.
His "self" is awake, wide awake
As I said, I am God of the living, not God of the dead.
He trusted Me, and My sure will is done.
Who believes shall not die, that included your son.

Let Me walk with you now, through the long heavy days.
Let Me slowly begin changing heartache to praise.
Take hold of My hand child, take hold of My love.
I will lead you to joys that you know not yet of.
Your faith may be weak, and your trust incomplete,
But I'll walk not too fast for your stumbling feet.

In memory of Jett Travolta
January 2, 2009

[XENU]

BODY THETAN POISONING - I guess the Bahamian officials investigating this death will give it the same careful inquiry that was given to the deaths of Anna Nichole and her Son. Therefore it is unlikely that we will know what happened. Its too bad SKY CAPTAIN Travolta couldn't fly his DC-8 spaceship to rationality.

[Lorraine]

It would appear that Jett suffered from autism and that the Travolta's refused to admit or discuss this with the media (that is their right, by the way). However, that being said, no one knows what kind of treatment was provided and to assume that none was provided and that Scientology was somehow involved (and the Travoltas are to blame) is a bit cruel. Let the Travolta's grieve without speculation from people who have no business speculating.