Clinton Didn’t Try to Color Travolta’s Acting, Berger Says

President Clinton’s national security advisor dismissed suggestions that the administration got involved in the Church of Scientology’s disputes with Germany to influence Scientologist John Travolta’s film portrayal of a Clintonesque president.

“The only thing I was trying to get was an autograph for one of my kids, but other than that I had no ulterior motive,” Samuel R. “Sandy” Berger said Sunday, discussing his White House meeting last year with a Church of Scientology delegation, including Travolta.

“I did meet with a delegation including Mr. Travolta to indicate that we would continue to discuss with the German government our belief that one should not be discriminated against on the basis purely of belief,” Berger said on NBC-TV’s “Meet the Press.”

The magazine George quoted Travolta as saying that Clinton had told him: “I’d really love to help you with your issue in Germany with Scientology.” The White House then arranged for him to meet Berger. Travolta told the magazine Clinton took no specific action and did not mention Travolta’s role in “Primary Colors.”

Asked if the White House was hoping to soften the movie portrayal, Berger said: “It sounds to me that you are developing your own conspiracy theories here.”