Association leads to Assimilation?

According to recent reports, association may lead to assimilation. Academy Award winner Will Smith and his wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith are in the news once again, this time, the focus is on religion. In the caption above, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are seen sitting by actor Tom Cruise and wife, Katie Holmes Feb.21.
Will Smith denies the allegations of being a scientologist, stating, ""You don't have to be Jewish to be a friend of Steven Spielberg. You don't have to be a Muslim to be a friend of Muhammad Ali. And you don't have to be a Scientologist to be a friend of Tom Cruise.”
According to Smith, as quoted in the New York Daily News, he leads a Christian household where he himself “is a student of all religions.” Radar Magazine reported that these well-known actors are an essential part of the church’s attempts to target the African-American audience in efforts to gain more diverse members.
The updates we hear about celebrities are not from sales people or advertisements. In many cases, it begins with a journalist’s observation. The journalist who relayed this information is considered a knowledgeable source to the public. Therefore, he/she is trusted by many. News travels fast through outlets such as the press, television and radio.
This is a prime example of how media relations work. However, the main source of news is still word of mouth. As we can see, one person’s opinion about a celebrity can affect a large audience. In this case, because Will Smith has been seen with Tom Cruise at a celebrity function, it is automatically assumed by the press that he is indeed a “new convert.” For Will Smith’s public relation’s team, this may not be considered positive media coverage. Despite this fact, it is what it is: Celebrity News.