Beck says it's a 'misconception' he's a Scientologist

Beck.
Beck. Photo credit: Getty

Beck has distanced himself from Scientology, saying he has no "connection or affiliation" with the controversial religion.

The 'Loser' star first said he was a member of the church, founded by a science-fiction writer in the 1950s, in 2005, saying he "grew up in and around it". He'd just married actress Marissa Ribisi, who is a Scientologist, and called criticism of Scientology "bullshit". 

But in a new interview to promote his latest record Hyperspace, the singer said he's no longer a Scientologist.

"I think there's a misconception that I am a Scientologist. I'm not a Scientologist. I don't have any connection or affiliation with it," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"My father has been a Scientologist for a long time, but I've pretty much just focused on my music and my work for most of my life, and tended to do my own thing… I think it's just something people ran with."

Beck filed for divorce from Ribisi earlier this year. 

It's not clear why Beck waited until now to clear up the "misconception". 

Other celebrities linked with the church include Kirstie Alley, Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Laura Prepon.