Linkin Park's newly announced singer, Emily Armstrong, has found herself at the center of a controversy just days after being introduced as the latest member of the iconic rock band. Armstrong, formerly of the band Dead Sara, took to Instagram on Friday to address swirling accusations about her past involvement with the Church of Scientology and her alleged support for Danny Masterson, the former That '70s Show actor recently convicted of rape.
Armstrong, who was named the new lead vocalist for Linkin Park on September 5, posted a message on her Instagram Story the following evening to respond to the backlash. Without directly mentioning Masterson by name, she acknowledged her previous attendance at one of his court hearings and sought to clarify her actions.
"Hi, I'm Emily," Armstrong began. "I'm new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back."
"Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance, and went to one early hearing as an observer. Soon after, I realized I shouldn't have. I always try to see the good in people, and I misjudged him. I have never spoken with him since. Unimaginable details emerged, and he was later found guilty."
Armstrong concluded her post with a clear statement of her stance on the issue: "To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes."
The controversy began to gain traction after the announcement of Armstrong's new role in Linkin Park, a band that has been largely dormant since the death of its original frontman, Chester Bennington, in 2017. Shortly after the announcement, criticism erupted on social media, led by Mars Volta frontman Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler. The couple, both former Scientologists, have been vocal critics of the church and were directly involved in the legal case against Masterson, with Carnell-Bixler being one of several women who accused him of sexual assault.
In a resurfaced social media post, Bixler-Zavala criticized Armstrong and her former band, Dead Sara, for their alleged connection to Masterson. "Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend," he wrote. He also accused Armstrong of showing up in court to support Masterson during the preliminary hearings and expressed disbelief that no one from Dead Sara had publicly defended Masterson.
Bixler-Zavala's comments further accused Armstrong and her alleged associates of intimidating one of Masterson's accusers during a court appearance, claiming that court sheriffs had to intervene. He also questioned how Armstrong reconciled her alleged involvement with Scientology's teachings, which he described as homophobic.
The timing of Armstrong's response is significant, as she steps into a high-profile role within a band that has enjoyed global success for over two decades. Linkin Park's decision to bring Armstrong on board, along with new drummer Colin Brittain, comes with the announcement of a new album and a forthcoming tour, marking the band's return to the music scene.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Armstrong's statement seems aimed at distancing herself from any past associations that could overshadow her future with Linkin Park. While the band's representatives have not issued a separate comment, they directed media inquiries to Armstrong's social media statement.
The case of Danny Masterson has drawn significant public attention since his arrest and subsequent conviction on two counts of forcible rape. The actor, who was once a prominent figure on television, was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison, sparking discussions about the influence and protection afforded by organizations like Scientology.
Armstrong's entry into Linkin Park marks a new chapter for both her and the band. However, her involvement in this controversy could shape public perception as the group prepares to re-engage with their fan base through new music and performances.
