Linkin Park Singer Responds to Accusations of Supporting Danny Masterson

Linkin Parknew singer, Emily Armstrongspeaks out about her alleged past ties to the Church of Scientology, as well as recent accusations that she is a supporter of a convicted rapist Danny Masterson.

Armstrong, who was announced as the band’s new vocalist on Thursday, September 5, posted on Instagram on Friday evening, September 6, in which she purported to address the issue, although she did not mention That show from the 70’s actor by last name.

“Hi, I’m Emily,” she wrote on her Story. “I’m new to many of you and wanted to clear up some things that happened a while ago.”

“A few years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend during a trial and I went to one of the first hearings as an observer. It wasn’t long before I realized I shouldn’t have done it. I always try to see the good in people, and I had misjudged him. I haven’t spoken to him since. The details were unbelievable and he was later found guilty.”

“To put it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women and I sympathize with the victims of these crimes,” she concluded.

Linkin Park’s representative directed Us Weekly to Armstrong’s statement on social media when asked for comment.

Criticism of Armstrong has been brought by, among others: Mars Volta frontman Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixlerboth were Scientologists. Carnell-Bixler was one of several women to bring sexual assault allegations against Masterson; he was found not guilty of her charges, but was ultimately convicted of two of three counts of forcible rape last year and sentenced to 30 years to life.

“Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend,” Bixler-Zavala wrote in a recently rehashed social media commentary about Armstrong’s former band, Dead Sara: “I’m surprised none of you have written a letter on behalf of Danny Masterson, since your trashy singer showed up to support him in the elimination rounds. Remember Emily? Remember when your fellow Scientologist cornered one of the Jane Does as she tried to exit the elevators? She had to be escorted away from your horrible cult by the sheriffs… How to Reconcile the Homophobia in the Teachings of (Church Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s) Book Dianetics?”

Armstrong’s new role with Linkin Park comes after the band announced a reunion on Thursday, which also saw the introduction of a new drummer Colin Brittain and the announcement of a new album and tour. The band’s original vocalist, Chester Benningtoncommitted suicide in 2017.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).