Latest news is that Katie joined Tom's religion...err...cult...and they've moved in together.
'Free Katie' Campaign Gains Steam
By Hanh Nguyen
June 7, 2005
LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Is Katie Holmes using her romance with Tom Cruise as a publicity stunt or is she just a starry-eyed victim of the press?
A line of "Free Katie" shirts for sale at FreeKatie.net is the latest Hollywood-inspired clothing trend that capitalizes on the celebrity gossip du jour. The garments gained popularity shortly after Cruise's notoriously exuberant "Oprah" appearance in May when he proclaimed his love for Holmes by leaping on the talk show host's couch.
"I think the response has been so great because it allows pop culture fans to comment on this media storm without being nasty," Los Angeles-based artist and designer Sheila Cameron tells Zap2it.com. "With one simple message people can say, 'I'm not going to buy every image sold to me by the mainstream press or superstar PR machine.'"
The website greets visitors with the message: "Join the movement to liberate Katie, a young, gifted, actress held captive by forces we may never understand. Even one summer of captivity is too long for one so bright!" and continues with "Don't turn away. Your indifference makes you part of the problem. Talk to your children, join in community support groups and please show your support by wearing your 'Free Katie' gear."
Of course, the consumer is allowed to interpret the slogan as they see fit. Some feel that Holmes must be freed from Cruise's spell after allegedly dropping movie roles at his word, switching agents and brushing up on Scientology, the controversial religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard.
Cameron was a producer and media executive who turned to selling her paintings and clothing designs after an injury sidelined her. She began the "Free Katie" shirts as a lark, sending them to a few friends. The tongue-in-cheek movement spread, with sales reaching from the U.S. and Canada to the UK, Japan and Australia.
Besides the public's fixation with the star couple, Cameron credits her former Hollywood roots with spreading the word about the shirts: "I have been amazed at some of the Hollywood insiders that have purchased the shirt. No, I'm not naming names, but they will start popping up around town."
The t-shirts -- which sport the "Free Katie" message in steel blue block letters -- come in a variety of colors and styles, such as the classic, baby and ringer tees. "The 'Free Katie' junior raglan [style] seems to be the most popular," says Cameron. "The shirts are cut really well and fitted so they are cool and sexy -- not just your basic boxy t-shirt."
The "Free Katie" message is also available on a tank top, trucker hat, button, sticker and mug. Cameron hopes fans won't settle for the imitations. Already a copycat "Free Katie" woman's thong and a "Katie! Say No to Scientology" t-shirt have been found on the Internet.
The FreeKatie.net site also provides a community in which bloggers discuss Tom and Katie, affectionately nicknamed "TomKat."
The TomKat entity will be split for their respective summer films -- Holmes' "Batman Begins," which opens Wednesday, June 15 and Cruise's "War of the Worlds," opening two weeks later on the 29th.
Free Katie site
