Linkin Park’s Emily Armstrong Addresses Danny Masterson Support

Newly unveiled Linkin Park vocalist Emily Armstrong has addressed her previous support of Danny Masterson.

The vocalist was unveiled as the band’s new singer, seven years after the passing of Chester Bennington. A new album is on the way, with Linkin Park set to touch down at The O2 Arena in London later this month.

However within a few hours of news being confirmed, concerns were raised online about Emily Armstrong’s past – including her support of convicted Scientology rapist Danny Masterson.

The Mars Volta co-founder Cedric Bixler-Zavala posted a statement decrying the move – his wife Chrissie Carnell-Bixler was one of Masterson’s victims and took part in the trial.

He wrote: “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.”

He also added: “How do you reconcile the homophobia found in the teachings of RLH’s book dianetics? Do you fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend.”

The statement caused a huge storm online, with fans suddenly re-assessing the return of Linkin Park – arguably one of the biggest news stories in the metal / alt world this year.

In a new post – which does not refer to Masterson by name – Emily Armstrong spoke about having “misjudged” someone in her past.

She wrote: “Hi, I’m Emily. I’m new to so many of you, and I wanted to clear the air about something that happened a while back. I went to one early hearing as an observer. Soon after, I realised 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.”

She continued: “To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathise with the victims of these crimes.”

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