Katie tiger Holmes

May 4, 2007, 11:00 GMT

04/20/2007 - Katie Holmes - New York City, NY © Janet Mayer / Photorazzi

Katie Holmes is a "tiger" who "runs" her marriage to Tom Cruise, according to Scientologist Jada Pinkett Smith.

Jada has laughed off reports Katie is a downtrodden wife, insisting she is in control of her household and marriage.

Jada, who is a devout Scientologist as is Tom, told People magazine: "People think Tom and the Church of Scientology got something on Kate? They don't. Kate is running her own show. And she's a great mother. Her kids are dynamic children and are extremely happy. And her husband is very, very happy.

"It's amazing how people want to focus on 'She's tied up in the basement and he throws steaks to her at night and she gets to see Suri only on Sundays.' Everyone has this image, 'Poor little Katie, she doesn't have the strength to take care of herself.' It's ridiculous.

"It burns my soul - I see her in the house with Tom - he doesn't have that on her! Let me tell you, Kate is no little wimpy kitty cat. Behind all that grace is a tiger."

Jada, who is married to actor Will Smith, attended Tom and Katie's lavish wedding in Italy last year and says Katie remained unfazed by the media frenzy surrounding the nuptials.

She revealed: "Katie did not even break a sweat."

The 35-year-old actress also praised Katie, 28, for her smooth transition into motherhood after giving birth to daughter Suri last year and becoming stepmother Tom's adopted children Connor and Isabella.

Jada said: "Katie is young, she popped into motherhood very fast. If you think about the transition she's done, with as much grace she's had, and on top of it with the attacks - I don't know how she does it."

(C) BANG Media International