The internet was divided on Cruise’s response at the time. Some praise was poured on Cruise for taking COVID-19 regulations seriously, but others saw his outburst as an abuse of power that was inappropriate in the workplace.
Many thought he was scolding his entire crew, but Cruise clarified to Empire (via The Los Angeles Times) that it wasn’t the entire crew, he had asked them to leave the set while he told off ‘select people’ for their behaviour.
Cruise states that the reason for this was because he could not bear the idea of production shutting down after the film had already been delayed twice. Once during the first wave of COVID-19 in Europe and later once filming had resumed there was an outbreak on set.
“I said what I said… There was a lot at stake at that point,” Cruise told Empire. Cruise elaborated further,