Remini fights back tears over Katie Holmes' apology

Former celebrity Scientologist Leah Remini has broken down in response to Katie Holmes' apology over conflicts they had when they were both involved in the controversial religion.

Television star Remini, who spent 30 years in the Church of Scientology, told ABC News she now understands why Holmes left the church – to protect her daughter Suri.

Holmes, 36, defected from the church with Suri in 2012 following her breakup with noted Scientologist Tom Cruise.

In an interview last week with 20/20 Remini explained how Holmes and Cruise had filed bad behavioural reports about her to the church.

The interview prompted Holmes to release a statement for the segment, wishing her well.

"I regret having upset Leah in the past and wish her only the best in the future," the statement read.

Remini, 45, smiled and shed tears as she was read the statement by ABC's Amy Robach.

"I'm smiling because it almost makes me want to cry," Remini said.

Remini said she now knows what Holmes was going through and said she left the church for similar reasons.

"I know now she did what she did because she had to protect her daughter, which in a way connects us," she said.

"I didn't want my daughter to choose the church."