New Linkin Park vocalist Emily Armstrong has issued a statement addressing her previous support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson.
Yesterday, the band announced their comeback through a livestream event, where they revealed the addition of Armstrong, formerly of Dead Sara, as their new singer, alongside new drummer Colin Brittain.
They performed a new song, ‘The Emptiness Machine’, some Linkin Park classics, and announced a new album ‘From Zero’ and a short supporting world tour with six shows across the globe.
The initially warm reception to Armstrong soured within hours of the announcement after a message sent by The Mars Volta‘s Cedric Bixler-Zavala about her alleged links to Scientology and Masterson began to recirculate on social media.
So many people took to X/Twitter to express their disappointment – particularly in light of the sexual abuse Chester Bennington suffered – that Masterson’s name was trending yesterday (September 6).
According to a screenshot of a post on his Instagram story that tagged Dead Sara, Bixler-Zavala wrote in 2023: “I’m surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Masterson’s behalf since your corny ass singer showed up to support him in the prelims.
“Remember Emily? 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.
“Remember when we did the purification run down Emily? Were you directed to safepoint me cuz of what my wife knew? Why can’t you shut your mouth during a detox program where people are going through some rough shit but your corny ass is singing like an unsupervised child?
“Is it cuz you’re a born in Scientologist that gets a pass? How do you reconcile the homophobia found in the teachings of LRH’s [L Ron Hubbard, Scientology founder] book Dianetics? Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend?”
She has now addressed her ties to Masterson, writing: “Hi, I’m Emily,” in an Instagram story post this morning (September 7). “I’m new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back.
“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. 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.”
Masterson, best known for starring in US sitcom That ‘70s Show and Netflix series The Ranch, was convicted on two of three rape charges in May 2023. That September, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
During the trial, prosecutors argued Masterson had used his “untouchable” position in the Church of Scientology to avoid accountability for raping women.
Bixler-Zavala’s wife Chrissie Carnell Bixler had also accused Masterson of raping her while they were in a relationship, having testified in 2022 and previously issued a separate civil lawsuit against him. However, the jury was split on the charge relating to her allegations. Eight of the twelve members of the jury favoured guilty, but he was neither convicted nor acquitted.
In response to Masterson’s sentencing, Bixler-Zavala wrote in an Instagram post (which has since been deleted) that he was “making a list of all Danny’s helpers and rape apologists” in an attempt “to show all of you why women don’t report rape”.
He also used the update to show his disdain for the Church Of Scientology. “We fucking told you. God bless the women that stood up to him and his shitty fucking family. Fuck Scientology. Rot in jail Danny,” he wrote. “God bless my wife. True fucking warrior. May peace reign over my family. To everyone who spoke up and helped, thank you.”
After news of Linkin Park’s new vocalist emerged, Chrissie shared an Instagram story which touched on her husband’s relationship with Bennington and Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell, noting that both shared the aim of ending child trafficking.
”My husband toured with Soundgarden many times,” she wrote. “I’ll never forget Chris Cornell telling a packed stadium that the Mars Volta was his favorite band. Chester Bennington and Linkin Park would always play At The Drive-In songs before going out on stage. Chester was a child SA survivor.”
In 2020, Bixler-Zavala claimed that the Church of Scientology fatally poisoned his two dogs, which he said was a consequence of “speaking about the predators they protect”, also alleging they began a campaign of harassment, threats and stalking. The Church did not address the allegations.
NME has reached out to representatives of Linkin Park and The Mars Volta for comment.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.