Tom Cruise has dismissed reports that Katie Holmes was recruited as his wife.

The actor was forced to strike back at claims that members of his Scientology religion helped him pursue and win his now ex-wife Katie Holmes.

An article published in the American monthly magazine Vanity Fair claims officials went on a hunt for a new wife for Cruise in 2004.

"Lies in a different font are still lies - designed to sell magazines," Cruise's representatives told Radar Online.

Cruise's marriage to Holmes lasted five years and together they had daughter Suri. Holmes was awarded custody of Suri when the couple divorced last month.

Because New York law requires that all divorce documents remain sealed, the exact terms of the settlement are not publicly available.