Linkin Park: Emily Armstrong responds to serious allegations

Shortly after her official entry as the new singer in the reunited Linkin Park, Emily Armstrong was already in the crossfire of criticism. The reason: Armstrong, who is allegedly a member of Scientology, is said to be friends with the actor Danny Masterson (“That '70s Show”), who was convicted of two counts of rape. According to a report in the British newspaper “The Mirror”, Armstrong was present at Masterson's trial and conviction in 2022 – possibly to support him. She was heavily criticized for this on the Internet.

Now Armstrong has responded to the allegations in an Instagram story. “Hi, I'm Emily. I'm new to many of you and I wanted to clarify something that happened some time ago,” she begins her statement.

Armstrong: “Unimaginable details came to light”

“A few years ago, I was asked to assist someone I thought was a friend in a court case and went to an early hearing as an observer. I soon realized I shouldn't have done that,” continued the musician, who later admitted to having misjudged Masterson.

She also explains that she is no longer in contact with the actor, who is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence: “I always try to see the good in people and I misjudged him. I have never spoken to him again. Unimaginable details came to light and he was later found guilty.” She concludes her post with the words: “To be as clear as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women and I have no sympathy for the victims of these crimes.”

However, the musician does not address her alleged membership in Scientology in the statement.

Cedric Bixler-Zavala's alleged angry post

Armstrong's alleged support for Masterson drew the ire of The Mars Volta singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala. Bixler-Zavala is himself a former Scientology member – and married to a woman who accuses Masterson of abuse. A screenshot of an Insta story written by Bixler-Zavala and addressed to Armstrong's band Dead Sara is circulating on the Internet.

“I'm surprised none of you wrote a letter in support of Danny Masterson after your ridiculous singer supported him in the preliminary hearings. Remember, Emily? Remember how your Scientology thug squad surrounded one of the Jane Does as she tried to exit the elevators? The court sheriffs had to escort her away from your horrible cult. Remember when we did the purification program, Emily? Did you become addicted to appeasing me because of what my wife knew? Why can't you keep your mouth shut during a detox program where people are going through rough times, but your ridiculous ass sings like an unsupervised child? Is it because you were born into Scientology and thus get a free pass? How do you reconcile the homophobia that is embedded in the teachings of LRH's book Dianetics Will be found? Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend.”