John Travolta defends Tom Cruise

John Travolta, Scientologist has jumped to the defense of his pal, Tom Cruise, Scientologist, following the online exposure of last week's highly controversial video.

The now infamous clip, which sent shock waves across the world,  shows the Mission: Impossible star praising the Church of Scientology and saying that followers have "the ability to create new and better realities." Cruise's rep and the Church of Scientology say the footage was filmed for a private church event in 2004.

53-year-old Travolta claims the intense media scrutiny has gone too far. "Tom has – we all have – the right to practice how we feel," he said at the G'Day L.A. gala celebrating Australia Week 2008 on Saturday. "It finally becomes unfair."

The actor's tone lightened considerably, however, when asked about Olivia Newton-John, who was on hand to perform at the event. "We see each other a couple of times a year," he gushed of his Grease costar. "I love seeing her. She's awesome."

Olivia then graced the stage to perform a selection of her greatest hits, including "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "I Honestly Love You" and a stripped-down version of "Physical."

After Newton-John's show-stopping set, Travolta declared from the stage: "Olivia, I love you. I honestly love you."