Update: Cruise blackmails Comedy Central

Reportedly, because Tom objected, threatening not to promote the Paramount film “Mission: Impossible III” if the episode wasn't pulled. The connection between the two? Paramount is owned by Viacom. However, a spokesperson for Cruise denies that Tom made the threat saying, “He never said nay such thing about ‘Mission: Impossible III.’” In true “South Park” form, show creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker issued the following statement: “So, Scientology, you may have won THIS battle, but the million-year war for earth has just begun! Temporarily anozinizing our episode will NOT stop us from keeping Thetans forever trapped in your pitiful man-bodies.” Celebrity marketing expert Ryan Shinman said to chalk up a victory for the power of celebrity, but it may not have the desired effect. “I think it's going to backfire a little bit because at the end of the day, how many people truly watch 'South Park' on a Wednesday at 10 p.m.? Now, I think the audience is going to grow even more to see what these guys are doing next,” Shinman explained. But Tom doesn't seem to be letting the controversy bother him. He and pregnant wife Katie Holmes (who is due next month) enjoyed themselves, hugging and kissing, as they watched the USA take on Mexico in the World Baseball Classic in Southern California. For photos of Tom and Katie hanging out at the game, check out our photo gallery! Copyright 2006 by NBC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten