Emily Armstrong and Cedric Bixler-Zavala Ava Clithero/CoS by way of Getty Pictures
Linkin Park’s new singer, Emily Armstrong, is talking out relating to her alleged previous involvement with the Church of Scientology, in addition to not too long ago volleyed accusations that she is a supporter of its member, convicted rapist Danny Masterson.
Armstrong, who was introduced as the brand new singer for the band on Thursday, September 5, took to Instagram on Friday evening, September 6, to seemingly tackle the matter, though she didn’t point out the That ’70s Present actor by identify.
“Hello, I’m Emily,” she wrote on her Story. “I’m new to so lots of you, and I wished to clear the air about one thing that occurred some time again.”
“A number of years in the past, I used to be requested to assist somebody I thought-about a good friend at a court docket look, and went to 1 early listening to as an observer. Quickly after, I spotted I shouldn’t have. I at all times attempt to see the great in individuals, and I misjudged him. I’ve by no means spoken with him since. Unimaginable particulars emerged and he was later discovered responsible.”
“To say it as clearly as potential: I don’t condone abuse or violence in opposition to girls, and I empathize with the victims of those crimes,” she concluded.
A consultant for Linkin Park directed Us Weekly to Armstrong’s social media assertion when requested for remark.
The criticism in opposition to Armstrong was led by Mars Volta frontman Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his spouse, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, each former Scientologists. Carnell-Bixler was certainly one of a number of girls who introduced accusations of sexual assault in opposition to Masterson; he was not discovered responsible of her allegations, however was finally convicted of two of three forcible rape costs final yr and sentenced to 30 years to life in jail.
Danny Masterson made headlines in 2017 when he was first accused of sexual assault. He has since pleaded not responsible after being charged in June 2020 with allegedly raping three girls. 4 girls claimed in March 2017 that Masterson sexually assaulted them within the early 2000s. A fifth lady got here ahead in December 2017, claiming […]
“Do your followers find out about your good friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist good friend,” wrote Bixler-Zavala on a not too long ago recirculated social media remark addressing Armstrong’s former band, Useless Sara: “I’m shocked none of you wrote a letter on Danny Mastersons behalf since your corny ass singer confirmed as much as assist him within the prelims. Bear in mind Emily? Bear in mind how your fellow Scientologist goon squad surrounded one of many Jane Doe’s when she was attempting to go away the elevators? The court docket sheriffs needed to escort her away out of your terrible cult… How do you reconcile the homophobia discovered within the teachings of [church founder L. Ron Hubbard’s] guide Dianetics?”
Armstrong’s new function in Linkin Park comes because the group introduced its reunion Thursday, which additionally included an introduction to new drummer Colin Brittain and the announcement of a brand new album and tour on the best way. The band’s authentic singer, Chester Bennington, died by suicide in 2017.
In the event you or somebody you understand has been sexually assaulted, contact the Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).