Recently, Emily Armstrong, the newly appointed lead vocalist for Linkin Park, addressed concerns regarding her past association with actor Danny Masterson. The issue surfaced when it came to light that Armstrong had attended a preliminary hearing in 2020 to support Masterson, who was subsequently found guilty of two counts of forcible rape.
Armstrong, also a co-founder of the rock band Dead Sara, recognized the negative response from fans and issued an apology. She clarified that her attendance at the hearing was due to a request from a friend whom she had initially believed to be innocent. However, upon experiencing the hearing firsthand, she acknowledged her poor judgment and has since distanced herself from Masterson.
In her statement, Armstrong noted her tendency to look for the positive in people but admitted her mistake in this instance. She advocated for the victims of Masterson’s crimes and clarified that she does not support any form of violence against women.
Additional backlash arose from Armstrong’s appearances at events hosted by the Church of Scientology, alongside her former bandmate Cedric Bixler-Zavala. Bixler-Zavala’s wife, Chrissie Carnell Bixler, has also accused Masterson of abuse, adding layers to the ongoing controversy.
Despite these challenges, Linkin Park has expressed its support for Armstrong, confirming she will remain with the band. They are gearing up for the release of a new album in November and will start an international tour the following week.
While Armstrong’s statement and apology have addressed some issues, there remains a segment of fans still skeptical about her affiliations and past decisions. Nonetheless, the band’s supportive stance suggests their intention to progress with the planned activities and new ensemble configuration.
