Emily Armstrong, the newly appointed lead singer of Linkin Park, has spoken out for the first time about her past association with convicted rapist Danny Masterson. Armstrong’s connection to Masterson, a former actor and prominent member of the Church of Scientology, sparked significant backlash soon after her joining the iconic rock band was announced.
In a recent Instagram post, Armstrong attempted to clarify her previous involvement with Masterson, emphasizing that she was “supporting a friend” at the time but later realized she had “misjudged” the situation.
Armstrong began, “Hi, I’m Emily. 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.”
Masterson, who was convicted last May of raping two women in the early 2000s, received a sentence of 15 years for each felony rape, with the sentences to be served consecutively.
Armstrong expressed her deep regret over her past involvement, stating, “Unimaginable details emerged, and he was later found guilty. 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.”
However, Armstrong’s statement did not address the additional controversy surrounding her alleged association with the Church of Scientology. The singer was previously seen attending the Church’s 44th Anniversary Gala in 2013, which has led to further scrutiny of her connections.
Cedric Bixler-Zavala, a former Scientologist and outspoken critic of the Church, took to social media to accuse Armstrong of being a member of the “cult” and supporting Masterson during his rape trial. He also alleged that Armstrong attempted to silence his wife, Chrissie Carnell Bixler, one of Masterson’s victims who came forward during the trial.
In a pointed social media post, Bixler-Zavala wrote, “I’m surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Masterson’s behalf since your corny singer showed up to support him in the prelims. Remember Emily? Remember how your fellow Scientologist goon squad surrounded one of the Jane Doe’s when she was trying to leave the elevators? The court sheriffs had to escort her away from your awful cult.”
He continued by questioning Armstrong’s involvement in Scientology, saying, “Remember when we did the purification run down, Emily? Were you directed to safepoint me because of what my wife knew? Why can’t you shut your mouth during a detox program where people are going through some rough shit but your corny ass is singing like an unsupervised child?”
Bixler-Zavala’s accusations have intensified the controversy surrounding Armstrong, particularly as Linkin Park fans and the public at large grapple with the revelations about her past connections. The fallout from these allegations continues to unfold as Armstrong’s role in the band is scrutinized alongside her previous associations.
Armstrong has not provided further clarification regarding her ties to the Church of Scientology or responded to Bixler-Zavala’s accusations. The situation has cast a shadow over her introduction to the band, leaving many to wonder how it will impact her future with Linkin Park.