Entertainment Breakup: Paramount and Tom Cruise

Paramount, announced today that it's severing its long (and lucrative) relationship with actor Tom Cruise.

According to Sumner Redstone, the decision was made in light of Mr. Cruise's recent inappropriate behavior, including his manic appearance on Oprah where he jumped up and down on the couch while proclaiming his love for Katie Holmes and his comments ranging from his rabid advocacy of Scientology to his public criticism of Brooke Shields for taking prescription antidepressants to treat her post-partum depression.

Mr. Cruise's partner in his production company insists that talks broke down last week, the company had been considering finding independent financing "for a long time" and the decision not to renew the contract will be beneficial to them, since it now opens the door to working with other studios.

Yeah, OK.

Meanwhile, his "outbursts" have been blamed for why Mission Impossible: III didn't earn its full potential. I'm thinking that the Weinsteins aren't gonna take too many risks on Cruise & Walker, and if they lead, other studios will follow. Much like the Communist Blacklist during the 1950's & '60's.

In the near future: kicking Cruise to the curb may very well spell doom for Mel Gibson.