Pinsky apologises for Cruise comments

Dr. Drew Pinsky has apologised for writing an article questioning Tom Cruise's mental health.

The TV doctor wrote in Playboy: "A lot of people in the public eye who behave strangely have mental illness we can learn from, and much of it is based on childhood trauma, without a doubt.

"Take a guy like Tom Cruise. Why would somebody be drawn into a cultish kind of environment like Scientology?"

Cruise's lawyer dubbed the comments "Nazi garbage", prompting Pinsky to issue a retraction.

"Dr. Drew meant no harm to Mr. Cruise and apologises if his comments were hurtful," said a statement from Pinsky's representative.

The release continued: "Under no circumstances is Dr. Drew making a blanket diagnosis about Scientology nor Mr. Cruise, whom he does not know. Dr. Drew was simply using Mr. Cruise as an example of someone who is recognisable to help the public understand."

Pinsky is the host of VH1 show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.