Tom Cruise has been spotted putting on a brave public appearance for the first time since news broke of his split from actress Ana De Armas. The Mission Impossible star was seen enjoying a small gathering with close friends in Los Angeles just weeks after the end of their nine-month romance.
A Night Out With Friends
The 63-year-old actor looked dapper in a smart black suit and shirt as he attended a private party at Debbie Allen's dance studio on Sunday. The event served as a pre-cursor to the prestigious Oscar's Governor's awards taking place the following day.
Cruise was joined by American actress and singer Jennifer Hudson, 44, along with studio owner and celebrated dancer Debbie Allen. The group posed for cheerful photographs together, with friends and family members also in attendance at the Los Angeles venue.
The End of a Public Romance
This public outing comes shortly after the confirmed end of Cruise's relationship with his Knives Out co-star Ana De Armas. The couple's romance had become public knowledge in July when they were photographed looking completely besotted with each other during a romantic weekend getaway to Woodstock, Vermont.
Their split was confirmed last month by a source close to the pair, who revealed to The Sun that while they had 'a good time together,' their time as a couple had 'run its course.'
The insider explained: 'They are going to remain good friends but they aren't dating anymore. They just realized they weren't going to go the distance and that they are better off as mates. The spark had gone between them but they still love each other's company and they've both been really adult about it.'
Interestingly, the source confirmed that De Armas has already been cast in Cruise's next film, meaning the former couple will continue to work together professionally despite their personal separation.
Recent Sightings and Scientology Event
Earlier this month, Cruise was spotted in London for the first time since the breakup, which is believed to have been instigated by De Armas. He appeared in good spirits as he greeted staff at a capital helipad with smiles and waves.
The actor was later seen arriving at Saint Hill Manor, Scientology's UK headquarters in East Grinstead, Sussex, for the controversial church's annual fundraiser. Exclusive pictures obtained by the Daily Mail showed Cruise wearing an aviation headset as he landed via helicopter.
The three-day event drew approximately 7,000 Scientologists from across the globe and faced protests from demonstrators opposed to the sect's contentious practices. In a bid to disrupt the protesters, the church reportedly played loud bagpipe music on large speakers throughout the demonstration.
Coincidentally, the timing of Cruise's split from De Armas closely followed his ex-wife Nicole Kidman's separation from her husband Keith Urban, adding another layer to the actor's recent personal developments.
