Emily Armstrong’s ties to Scientology have sparked controversy since she was announced as Linkin Park’s new lead singer. Allegations of her past involvement with the church and support for convicted individuals have led to intense scrutiny and backlash from fans. As Linkin Park makes its comeback, these connections raise concerns about Armstrong’s past and their impact on the band’s future.
Here’s a closer look at the controversies and how Armstrong and the band are handling them.
Why is Emily Armstrong getting backlash?
Emily Armstrong, the new vocalist of Linkin Park, is facing backlash from fans due to her alleged ties to Scientology and her past support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson.
Armstrong, known for her work with Dead Sara, recently joined Linkin Park along with Colin Brittain. The band resumed activities after a seven-year hiatus caused by the death of former lead singer Chester Bennington. While the initial announcement excited fans, many now seem to be a bit uncomfortable due to Armstrong’s past associations.
In 2013, Armstrong attended the Church of Scientology’s 44th Anniversary Gala. She was seen with high-profile Scientologists like John Travolta and Jenna Elfman (via Scientology News). It’s unclear if Armstrong still has ties to the church, often labeled a “cult.” Nonetheless, her past association with the event has drawn scrutiny.
The controversy intensified when Armstrong attended one of Danny Masterson’s preliminary court hearings in 2020. A court convicted Masterson, a prominent Scientologist, of raping two women and sentenced him to 30 years in prison. Several people, including Cedric Bixler-Zavala of Mars Volta, whose wife accused Masterson of assault, have criticized Armstrong, accusing her of supporting Masterson inside and outside the courtroom.
Bixler-Zavala’s comments fueled the backlash, stating, “Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend. 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…” (via Billboard)
Armstrong responded to the criticism on Instagram, explaining that she attended Masterson’s hearing out of misguided support for someone she once considered a friend but quickly realized her mistake. She stated, “I always try to see the good in people, and I misjudged him. I have never spoken with him since.” Armstrong emphasized her empathy for the victims and clarified that she does not condone abuse or violence against women.
The controversy surrounding Armstrong highlights the challenges public figures face when their past actions come under scrutiny. As Linkin Park moves forward, the band and Armstrong must address these concerns to rebuild trust with their audience.
