Emily Armstrong clears the air after past ‘support’ for Danny Masterson overshadows her Linkin Park debut
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Emily Armstrong, the latest addition to Linkin Park, has addressed the backlash regarding her association with Danny Masterson, stating she was "supporting a friend" but acknowledged she "misjudged" the situation.
The band, who enjoyed success in the 2000s with hits like 'In the End' and 'Lost', delighted fans when they announced that the 38-year-old rock singer from Dead Sara will be joining the group as a new vocalist.
Emily Armstrong addresses backlash over past controversial connections
However, shortly after the announcement, allegations surfaced regarding Emily Armstrong's association with and attendance at events hosted by the Church of Scientology. Subsequently, her connections to 'That 70s Show' actor Danny Masterson were revealed.
Fans voiced their anger and dismay, asserting that her inclusion in the Linkin Park will tarnish the legacy of the late frontman Chester Bennington, who was a survivor of child abuse, as per Daily Mail.
However, Armstrong has recently countered these allegations in an Instagram story.
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."
She added, "Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance, and went to one early hearing as an observer. Soon after, I realized 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. To say it as clearly as possible: I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes," she concluded.
Armstrong, however, did not respond to the allegations linking her to the Church of Scientology in the story.
Emily Armstrong joins Linkin Park as new vocalist amid Church of Scientology controversy
Speculations swirled about Emily Armstrong's possible membership in the Church of Scientology, stemming from a photograph taken at their 44th Anniversary Gala in 2013.
It remains unclear whether Emily maintains any current ties to the controversial church or the extent of her past involvement.
On Thursday, September 5, Linkin Park unveiled their new single 'The Emptiness Machine', set to appear on their forthcoming album 'From Zero', due for release later this year by Warner Records.
The band's prior album, 'One More Light', came out in 2017, just two months before the passing of lead vocalist Chester Bennington.
The California-based rock band is expanding its lineup with the addition of Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain. Brittain, recognized for his songwriting and production contributions to artists like G Flip, Illenium, and One OK Rock, is set to become the lead drummer.
Emily Armstrong is actually a pretty great choice as a new vocalist for Linkin Park.
— Sam Guichelaar (@SamGuichelaar) September 5, 2024
I was a bit skeptical on Linkin Park adding a female vocalist but she sounds splendid live.
Sounds close enough to Chester but different enough that it is not a shameless ripoff. pic.twitter.com/Bpri3rfe0A
The band's press release stated that following Chester's unexpected death, the remaining members aimed to "restart". They worked with several musicians and ultimately “found special kinship with Armstrong and Brittain".
Linkin Park kicked off their return with a debut performance in Los Angeles on September 5 and will embark on the From Zero World Tour this autumn. The tour is set to cover cities including New York, LA, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogota, running from September 11 through November 11.
