New Linkin Park singer Emily Armstrong has responded to claims that she supported Danny Masterson during the convicted actor's rape trial.
On Friday, hours after Armstrong premiered as Linkin Park's new vocalist, the Mars Volta's Cedric Bixler-Zavala turned to social media to resurface claims that Armstrong — then the singer of the band Dead Sara — “showed up to support him in the prelims” ahead of the Masterson's trial in 2020; Bixler-Zavala's wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, was one of several women who accused Masterson of sexual assault.
“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…,” Bixler-Zavala wrote to Armstrong, who has ties to the Church of Scientology.
Hours after Bixler-Zavala's post, Armstrong addressed the situation in her Instagram Stories, writing that her support of Masterson only spanned the one hearing, and that she became convinced of the actor's guilt soon after.
“I'm new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back,” she wrote.
“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. Unimaginable details emerged and he was later found guilty.”
In a separate social media post Friday, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler called Armstrong a “hardcore Scientologist who supported convicted serial rapist both in and out of court.” “Emily Armstrong is a true believer of the Scientology cult/criminal organization that engages in human and child trafficking, child and elder abuse, the coverups of countless [sexual assaults] on children and adults.”
Armstrong herself did not address her ties to Scientology or the allegations against the Church in her statement, but added, “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 .”
Linkin Park revealed their return as a band Thursday night with a performance at Los Angeles' Kia Forum, the group's first gig together since an October 2017 tribute concert to late singer Chester Bennington. The reformed Linkin Park — with Armstrong and new drummer Colin Brittain — will embark on a six-city international tour this month before releasing their new album From Zero in November.
However, soon after the reunion was announced, guitarist Brad Delson revealed that he would not be joining Linkin Park on the road, but will remain a member in an offstage capacity. “Over the years I've realized I thrive most when I'm actively working with my bandmates behind the scenes––in the studio, collaborating on our new music, and helping build our live show,” Delson said in a statement.
