I think it's a few factors when it comes to Tom Cruise. He is protected by Scientology, has insane levels of money and prestige due to his career so likely pays for positive PR and for negative PR to be squashed, and also he's good looking. People forgive handsome men a lot more than they do ugly men. People want to believe a handsome man is also a good person. I've also felt this weird kind of way whenever I see Tom Cruise in a movie because he makes me want to like him. His talent makes me want to forget what a cult leader he is. Of course I don't. But if I, knowing how bad he is, still find myself wanting to like him because he's handsome and talented and plays characters that have sincere feelings - imagine how people who aren't as skeptical feel?