Linkin Park’s New Era: Emily Armstrong Faces Criticism Amid Danny Masterson Controversy

Updated on: October 8, 2024 6:36 am GMT

The Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala has expressed sharp criticism towards Linkin Park’s new vocalist, Emily Armstrong, over her alleged support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson and her ties to the Church of Scientology. Bixler-Zavala’s comments come at a time when Linkin Park is making headlines with its recent lineup changes, following the tragic passing of their previous lead singer, Chester Bennington, in 2017.

Background of the Controversy

In a series of social media remarks, Bixler-Zavala questioned Armstrong’s fitness to represent a band with such a robust legacy, particularly in light of her alleged connections to Masterson, an actor convicted of sexual assault charges. “Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend,” he alleged in a comment reposted to his Instagram account. Bixler-Zavala’s wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, is among the women who accused Masterson of sexual assault; although he was not convicted of the charges pertaining to her, he did receive a 30 years to life prison sentence earlier this year after being found guilty of charges brought by other accusers.

Bixler-Zavala and Carnell-Bixler have also indicated that they have endured harassment from the Church of Scientology due to their allegations against Masterson, who is a prominent member of the church. Their criticism of Armstrong intensified after it was revealed that she attended a preliminary hearing for Masterson as a show of support back in 2020.

Emily Armstrong’s Response

In light of the backlash, Emily Armstrong took to Instagram to clarify her position regarding her past association with Masterson. In her statement, she expressed her remorse for attending the court hearing, stating, “Soon after, I realized I shouldn’t have. I always try to see the good in people, and I misjudged him.” She further emphasized her disapproval of violence against women and conveyed her empathy for the victims involved. “To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women,” Armstrong asserted.

Armstrong’s remarks were made shortly after Linkin Park announced her as their new vocalist, reigniting conversations about her past behaviors and affiliations, particularly during a sensitive time for the victims who faced Masterson. Bixler-Zavala had not echoed Armstrong’s sentiments, instead pointing out alleged connections between Armstrong’s involvement with Scientology and the church’s controversial practices.

Allegations Against Scientology

The Church of Scientology has often faced criticism for its treatment of individuals who speak out against it, particularly those involved in legal actions against its members. The church vehemently denies these accusations, often classifying them as anti-Scientology propaganda. Despite this, Bixler-Zavala has claimed that he and his wife have experienced significant pressure from church members over their allegations against Masterson.

In her criticisms of Armstrong, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler labeled her a “hardcore Scientologist” who has supported Masterson both in and out of court. This statement reflects ongoing concerns among some individuals regarding the church’s influence and the behavior of its members.

Linkin Park’s Musical Transition

While the controversies surrounding Armstrong have cast a shadow over the music group’s revival, Linkin Park is persistently focused on their creative path forward. The band recently debuted new music, featuring Armstrong’s vocals alongside those of band member Mike Shinoda. Their upcoming album, “From Zero,” is set for release on November 15, promising a blend of the band’s legacy while exploring new musical territory.

Linkin Park’s new lineup, including drummer Colin Brittain, is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the band’s image and sound. During a livestream event, Shinoda expressed excitement about their new music, indicating that they feel “really empowered” by the contributions of Armstrong and Brittain.

In announcing their planned “From Zero World Tour,” Linkin Park aims to reconnect with their audience, featuring shows across major cities including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Hamburg. They hope to garner support from long-time fans while introducing new listeners to their evolving sound.

The Path Ahead for Linkin Park

As the band steps into this new chapter, they continue to navigate the complexities of public scrutiny surrounding their members and their past. With Armstrong at the forefront, the band aims to assure fans that their commitment to progress—both musically and morally—remains steadfast.

As these events unfold, both Linkin Park and Emily Armstrong will likely continue to be the subjects of discussion, revealing the intricate relationship between celebrity, scrutiny, and accountability in the realm of music and beyond. Fans and critics alike are keenly observing how this situation develops and what it may imply for the future of one of the most iconic bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Linkin Park is getting ready to make a comeback, and music fans are excited to see what they will do next. People are looking forward to new songs, but they’re also thinking about some of the issues around the band’s new member.