Lisa Marie Presley blasts Travolta critics

Lisa Marie Presley has blasted critics for blaming John Travolta's teenage son's death on Scientology.

The 40-year-old singer, who is close friends with fellow Scientologists John and wife Kelly Preston, argues it is in poor taste for people to use the tragedy to attack their beliefs.

Lisa said on her MySpace blog: "For the most part, people have been very sympathetic and respectful, but there are those certain ones that want to use this horrible tragedy as an opportunity to once again, blame and or attack Scientology?

"Folks, as popular as it has been to discriminate and ridicule Scientology and Scientologist's in the recent past , Now is NOT the time (sic)."

Jett, 16, died last week after suffering a seizure at the family's Bahamas hotel.

Lisa – who calls Jett's death "the worst possible tragedy a parent could be forced to endure" – also blasted claims Scientologists do not believe in using medication to treat certain illnesses, following reports John and Kelly withheld treatment from Jett.

She wrote: "I realise that there is a lot of misinformation out there about the subject. Among most of the crazy made up garbage that goes around about it , It is not true that Scientologist's 'Don't believe in' medical care , medicine or medical doctors and that may have something to do with this terrible tragedy. Just like anyone else, If one is sick , they go to the doctor, If a medication will make it better then they take it. If they don't then they are an idiot and you can't blame their religion (sic)."

Although the couple admit Jett had Kawasaki disease - a rare condition which causes the inflammation of the vital organs and blood vessels - it has been suggested they did not accept his frequent convulsions were caused by a mental condition.

After repeated reports Jett was autistic, John denied the claim. He instead insisted Jett suffered from the rare syndrome.

However, the admission has been questioned by some as Kawasaki disease occurs almost exclusively in infants and toddlers.

John has previously said his religion helped him come to terms with Jett's illness, adding he believes Scientology – which was founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard - taught him how to be a good parent.

He said: "When Jett got sick I felt out of my control. I felt helpless. I was hysterical. I went and had a session with my Scientology auditor and I was just bawling. I was able to release the emotion and get my wits together.

"I believe Scientology made me a better parent. L. Ron Hubbard's viewpoint on children was so beautiful because it's so simple and it's so respectful of children. It really acknowledges that they are our future and that they have to be taken care of in a very special way."