Why Bugatti Banned Tom Cruise, Allegedly

Tom Cruise, a star known for his love of fast cars and performing his own stunts, has found himself on a unique list—celebrities barred from purchasing Bugattis. This alleged decision by Bugatti stems from an embarrassing incident at the “Mission Impossible 3” premiere, which the luxury car manufacturer viewed as detrimental to its brand image.

In 2005, Cruise had acquired a high-end Bugatti worth over $1 million, showcasing his penchant for luxury and speed. Eager to integrate this symbol of prestige into his professional appearances, Cruise drove the Bugatti to the film’s premiere, aiming to make a grand entrance. However, the event didn’t go as planned.

The incident that led to Bugatti’s drastic decision involved Cruise struggling to open the passenger-side door of his Bugatti Veyron—a car celebrated for its sophisticated engineering and exceptional performance, including a 16-cylinder engine and 1001 horsepower. The struggle, which lasted over 40 seconds, occurred in full view of the premiere’s attendees and was broadcast to millions worldwide. While the moment was taken lightly by fans and the media, Bugatti saw it as a serious blunder.

Perceiving the mishap as a form of disrespect towards the brand’s esteemed reputation, Bugatti decided to prohibit Cruise from making any future purchases, a measure they have similarly applied to other celebrities who have potentially tarnished the brand’s image in public incidents. This list of celebrities includes notable figures like Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber, who have faced similar restrictions from other high-profile car brands for various reasons.