Tom Cruise’s son recently shared a rare photo of himself, which showed his tattoos. This snap comes after the former DJ, known for being private, was compared to his dad and received comments about his weight.
Connor Cruise, 29, took to Instagram yesterday, August 18, to give his followers a glimpse of himself via a rare photo. The rarely-seen son of Hollywood icon Tom Cruise shared the image after he received harsh criticism from social media users who saw him and Tom out and about in London on June 28.
Standing against a beautiful backdrop that featured the sparkling blue ocean and an enchanting sunset, Connor and his friend posed for the camera.
Connor, who sported a black golf shirt, white shorts, a black cap, and gray sneakers, wrapped his arm around his friend’s shoulders, gave a thumbs-up with his tattoo-covered right arm and hand, and smiled.
Connor Cruise posing for a picture with a friend, posted on August 18, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theconnorcruise
His friend, who was similarly dressed, showed off his pearly whites as he held onto an adorable French bulldog. “Happy Birthday @hookedforlife,” Connor penned in the text overlaid on the photo. Connor’s message indicated that he and his friend were celebrating a special occasion.
This photo comes as a surprise as Connor does not typically post frequently on his social media. The last time he shared a post was on April 29, 2023. He posted a snap of himself and an unidentified person standing on a lush-looking golf course, with both rocking the attire typically associated with the sport.
Interestingly, social media activity hasn’t been the only thing the 29-year-old has not engaged in for some time. According to a report from 2018, Connor, who forged a career as a DJ a while back, has stopped DJing.
On the matter, a representative from SKAM Artists—the agency that used to book gigs for Connor—disclosed, “He hasn’t really DJ’ed in a while.”
Reportedly, the same representative claimed that the company had “stopped sending him work,” after Connor failed to attend a gig one evening, without giving any notice of his absence.
Fast forward to this year (2024), and there is still no word about Connor potentially coming back to the DJ scene, further emphasizing his knack for privacy.
When it comes to his personal life, Connor Cruise holds his cards close to his chest. However, aside from the occasional social media post, the former DJ has been spotted out on different occasions.
Connor Cruise spotted out in Los Angeles, California on October 31, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Over a month ago (late June), he was seen making a grand entrance with his dad, Tom Cruise, as they deplaned a helicopter in central London on Friday, June 28. This sighting, which came a week after the actor missed his youngest daughter, Suri Cruise’s high school graduation, prompted backlash from the public.
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, 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. 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 user lamented, reflecting on Tom’s absence from his daughter’s graduation. Another 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 fan exclaimed, while another noted, “His son looks good.” On the other hand, 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!”
Connor Cruise spotted out in Los Angeles, California on October 31, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
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 in Tampa, Florida on April 5, 2015 | 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, expressing, “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 National League Championship Series in Los Angeles, California on October 15, 2013 | 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.
He has 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 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 Holmes 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-sleeved 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 Holmes 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 spotted out in New York City on July 17, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Suri’s college costs will be covered by her father. This is according to her parents’ divorce settlement, which mandated an annual payment of $400,000 until she turned 18.
While their relationship is estranged, this arrangement highlights Tom’s dedication to supporting her future as she embarks on her higher education journey.