Washington, Apr 22 : Music icon Madonna has leapt to pal Tom Cruise's defence, insisting that he should not be criticised because of his faith.

Madge told the New York magazine that Cruise, a devout Scientologist, is a 'good person' and should be allowed to worship in whatever manner he chooses.

She also thinks that the Top Gun star gets a 'raw deal' for his beliefs.

"I don't care if people worship turtles or frogs - if they're good people, that's all I care about, and he (Cruise) is a good person," Contactmusic quoted her, as saying.

"I think he gets a raw deal, just as I think the orphans in Malawi get a raw deal; just as I think a lot of marginalised people get a raw deal," she added.

The actor and wife Katie Holmes are currently gearing up to celebrate their daughter Suri's second birthday.

ANI