Linkin Park's new singer Emily Armstrong unfollows Danny Masterson after massive backlash

Emily ArmstrongThe new lead singer of Linkin Parkhas Danny Masterson has unfollowed on Instagram amid growing controversy over her past association with the convicted actor.

The band, known for their anthemic rock hits, announced the singer's addition on Thursday, September 5, marking the next chapter in Linkin Park's journey following the tragic loss of singer Chester Bennington.

While fans were initially excited about the band's return after a long hiatus, Emily's past ties to Danny and her involvement in the Church of Scientology quickly overshadowed the celebrations.

Emily, co-founder of alternative rock band Dead Sara, faced strong backlash when fans learned of her past relationship with Danny, who was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in the early 2000s.

Linkin Park announced its big return with Emily Armstrong as new co-singer, marking a new era for the band after the tragic death of Chester Bennington.

Photo credit: James Minchin III/Variety

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With the The wild seventies Although the star was convicted of sexual assault, Emily's support for him during a court hearing did not go unnoticed by Linkin Park fans.

She responded to the recent backlash without mentioning Danny by name, but said she had “misjudged” someone she considered a “friend.”

“Hi, I'm Emily. I'm new to many of you and I wanted to clarify something that happened a while ago,” she wrote in her Instagram story, which she posted on Friday, September 6.

“A few years ago, I was asked to assist someone I considered a friend in court and attended one of the first hearings as an observer,” she continued. “Soon afterward, 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.”

Emily had gotten into trouble because of her previous relationship with Danny Masterson, a convicted rapist and Scientologist

Photo credit: emilyarmstrong

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“To be as clear as possible, I do not tolerate abuse or violence against women and I have compassion for the victims of these crimes,” she added.

Much of the negative reaction Emily has faced in recent days has also been related to her Scientology past. However, she did not respond to comments about her connection to the church.

Former Scientologist Cedric Bixler-Zavala, singer of Mars Volta, and his wife Chrissie Carnell-Bixler – one of several women who accused Danny of sexual assault – were among those who criticized Emily for her ties to the actor and convicted rapist, who is also a Scientologist.

The convicted actor was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in the early 2000s

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“Do your fans know about your boyfriend Danny Masterson? Your rapist boyfriend,” Cedric wrote in a resurfaced comment on Dead Sara's Instagram page last year.

“I'm surprised none of you wrote a letter on behalf of Danny Masterson, given that your cheesy singer showed up at the heats to support him,” he said.

“Do you remember Emily?” he continued. “Do you remember how your Scientologist thugs surrounded one of the unknowns as she tried to exit the elevators? The court sheriffs had to escort her out of your horrific cult… How do you reconcile the homophobia that is present in the teachings of [church founder L. Ron Hubbard’s] Book Dianetics?”

After massive criticism, Emily stopped The wild seventies Star on Instagram

Photo credit: emilyarmstrong

Linkin Park fans were not happy about Emily joining the Grammy-winning rock band, with one saying, “I can't support Linkin Park when I have a friend who is a Scientologist and Masterson.”

“Are you still a Scientologist? Many fans are demanding a statement on this,” wrote another.

She was believed to be lying when she said she had “misjudged” Danny.

“The details of what Danny did to his victims were known loooong before the trial. You're saying you didn't find out until after the fact? Such an obvious lie,” the commentator said.

Until at least Friday, Emily followed Danny and his ex-wife Bijou Phillips on Instagram. However, she is currently not following the actor at the center of the sex scandal. The disgraced star, however, is on the list of people who follow the singer.

Some Linkin Park fans refused to support Emily's inclusion in the legendary rock band

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