Singer-songwriter Victoria Canal was as taken aback as anyone to find herself rumored to be in a relationship with Tom Cruise. After the Daily Mail and other tabloids suggested a romantic connection between the 25-year-old musician and the 62-year-old actor, Canal felt compelled to clear the air on Instagram this past Monday. She emphasized that there’s no truth to the gossip and views Cruise more as a paternal figure than anything else.
“Guys, this is absolutely insane, but it seems the tabloids believe I’m dating Tom Cruise. I’m shook,” Canal shared in a post, complete with screenshots from outlets like the Daily Mail and Page Six. “Let’s put a stop to this right now—I’m not dating him, though he’s a lovely person and artist. I never thought I’d have to say that out loud in my life.”
As the protégé of Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Canal went on to describe Cruise as a “supportive and inspiring mentor,” likening him to the other influential figures in her life, such as Martin, her music teachers, and her own father. According to People, however, she and the Mission: Impossible star are indeed real-life friends.
The pair connected after Martin invited Canal onstage during Coldplay’s Glastonbury set, with Cruise watching from the VIP area. Canal has even shared a glimpse of their friendship on Instagram, humorously noting how “bestie Tom” once flew her and her brother to the Twisters premiere in a helicopter.
Canal, who was born without a right forearm due to amniotic band syndrome, expressed some amusement at being recognized as “Spanish-American singer Victoria Canal” rather than the typical label of “one-armed pianist.” It seems that Cruise’s influence goes beyond just his blockbuster stunts—he’s also helping to raise how Canal is perceived in the media.