Linkin Park's Emily Armstrong responds to backlash over her support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson: “I misjudged it…”

Armstrong was named the rock group's new lead singer seven years after the death of singer Chester Bennington. On Friday, September 6, videos of Armstrong belting out the band's most famous songs went viral on the Internet.

Subsequently, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, the husband of Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, who sued Masterson, claimed on social media that Armstrong supported the star of “The Ranch” and “That '70s Show,” who was accused of drugging and raping three women in his home from 2001 to 2003.

Before his conviction, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis wrote letters of support for Masterson. In 2003, the jury found him guilty of raping two women. However, they were unable to secure a conviction on the third charge, which dates back to November 2001 and was brought by his ex-girlfriend. Last September, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.

Read also: Linkin Park reunite with new music 7 years after Chester Bennington's death

Armstrong issues statement after coming under criticism

Without mentioning Masterson, after intense backlash, Armstrong released a statement saying she was once “asked to assist someone I considered a friend at a court hearing.”

In her post, she wrote: “Hi, I'm Emily. I'm new to many of you and I wanted to clarify something that happened some time ago. I attended one of the early hearings as an observer. Soon after, I realized I shouldn't have done that.

“I always try to see the good in people and I misjudged him. I have never spoken to him since. Unimaginable details came to light and he was later found guilty.”

She made it clear that she does not support abuse or violence against women and that she feels compassion for the victims of these acts.

Cedric Bixler-Zavala sharply criticized Armstrong for his alleged support of Masterson, writing: “Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your friend the rapist.”

Kutcher and Kunis, who starred with Masterson in That '70s Show, spoke of his “extraordinary character” during the trial, even appealing to Judge Charlaine Olmedo for leniency.

Kutcher called Masterson a “role model” and said he was “a person who is always there for you when you need him.”

The duo apologized after facing harsh criticism for their support of Masterson.